Deputy Director for Water & Sewer Operations

Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Deputy Director for Water & Sewer Operations is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including treatment plants, booster pump stations, elevated storage tanks, and (eventually) the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. This senior leadership role combines field, technical, managerial, and administrative responsibilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, system reliability, quality assurance, emergency readiness, and strategic planning. The Deputy Director supports the General Manager and acts in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Leadership & Strategy

Assist the General Manager in advancing departmental goals and assume leadership responsibilities in their absence.

Provide strategic direction across all water and wastewater operational divisions.

Develop succession plans, mentor staff, and foster internal leadership development.

Establish and monitor performance goals, KPIs, and service standards.

Communication & Collaboration

Maintain effective communication across all levels of the organization.

Collaborate with engineering and capital planning teams on infrastructure projects.

Coordinate with customer service, finance, billing, and other departments to ensure cohesive operations.

Interface with public officials, engineers, contractors, and agencies to resolve technical and operational challenges.

Operations & Maintenance

Oversee maintenance and repair of water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Direct daily operations across treatment facilities, booster stations, and elevated storage tanks.

Ensure equipment and facilities are proactively maintained at high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and safety.

Supervise quality control processes, including water testing and compliance with state and federal standards.

Planning & Project Management

Plan and schedule daily and long-term operational activities and projects.

Guide infrastructure expansion, rehabilitation, and emergency response strategies.

Support capital improvement planning through data-driven analysis of asset condition, system capacity, and historical trends.

Manage internal resources, staffing plans, and equipment requirements to ensure timely, efficient project execution.

Personnel Management

Supervise, evaluate, and develop staff across multiple divisions.

Address performance concerns, provide coaching, and ensure ongoing training and certification.

Approve timekeeping, payroll, and HR-related documentation.

Maintain a safe working environment and ensure staff are trained and equipped for safety.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Develop and enforce SOPs and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Conduct inspections, audits, and quality checks of field operations.

Maintain accurate records, maps, reports, and system documentation.

Utilize GIS and Service Order management to track performance, maintenance activities, and system data.

Budgeting & Resource Management

Prepare and manage operating budgets for all divisions, monitoring expenditures and adjusting forecasts as needed.

Evaluate equipment and material needs; recommend procurement or replacement.

Oversee preventative maintenance of fleet vehicles, tools, equipment, and infrastructure assets.

Emergency Management

Develop operational response plans for emergencies, including system disruptions, extreme weather, and water shortages.

Respond to after-hours emergencies to ensure continuous utility service.

Customer Service

Resolve complex customer complaints related to utility operations and service delivery.

Collaborate with billing and metering teams to ensure service accuracy and customer satisfaction.

Ensure staff uphold high standards of customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid driver's license required.

Preferred:

Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation with ability to obtain P.E. license within one year

Water Operator License

Wastewater License

Sewer Collection

Backflow Prevention Certification

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

? Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, construction management, business administration, public administration, or related field.

? Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in Utility operations including water utility service, water production, water resources or a related field;

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

? Knowledge and experience in utility design including three (3) years in designing municipal water, sanitary sewer, and electric projects.

? Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

? Wastewater and/or Water Operator.

? Safety certifications and management of a safety program.

? Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, construction management, business administration, public administration, or related field.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

? Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and acceptable MVR.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

? Direct deposit and social security card are required.

? Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.

? A one-year probationary period may be required.

? Satisfactorily complete an employment verification and pre-employment drug screening.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Work exposes employees to inclement weather, physical hazards, and chemical hazards. Work requires frequent physical tasks such as sitting, walking over rough surfaces, bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting containers and debris up to seventy-five pounds in weight. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, work with numerous interruptions, and adjust to changing priorities. Must demonstrate good use of judgment and demonstrate the ability to properly deal with confidential matters. Must use good interpersonal skills.