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Deputy Director Utility Operations

Employer
City of Meridian
Location
Meridian, Idaho
Salary
$6,423.59 - $8,203.50 per month, DOE
Closing date
Sep 2, 2021

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Specialty
Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Infrastructure
Position Type
Manager / Leader
Contract Type
Permanent
Organization Type
Government

Job Details

Job Title:             Deputy Director Utility Operations

Department:      Public Works

Reports To:         Director of Public Works  

Open Date:         August 2, 2021

Close Date:         Open Until Filled,

Hiring Salary:     $6,423.59 - $8,203.50 per month, DOE

Salary Range:    $6,423.59 - $9,631.76 per month, DOE

Job Summary: 

This senior-level, executive position oversees and administers all of the operational functions and components of the Water and Wastewater, Safety, and SCADA Divisions of the Public Works Department over approximately 75 FTEs.  The position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the Department’s wastewater collections, wastewater treatment, water supply, water treatment, water distribution and recycled/reclaimed water systems and processes; managing the maintenance and repair components of said water and wastewater systems; administering the Department’s environmental reporting and compliance, clean water, and laboratory programs; participating in research and long-range planning activities pertaining to future water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure needs; and performing other job-related work as required. This position works under the general direction of the Public Works Director, and may act as Director in his/her absence.  This position may also serve as the State required responsible charge operator. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

 

Planning, organizing, coordinating and overseeing a wide variety of facility and field operations, including water distribution, water treatment, wastewater treatment, and sewer collection system operations, maintenance, and improvements;

Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal permits and other regulatory requirements for all facilities and infrastructure;

Responsible for permit and regulatory development and strategy related to water under the SDWA, IPDES, Biosolids, Air, and Reclaimed Water;

Organizing, assigning, and directing the work of the Water, Wastewater, Safety, and SCADA Division staff;

Develop, direct implementation, and monitor work plans, processes, and procedures to achieve City and Department goals, objectives, and performance measures;

Exercises extensive independent judgment and initiative in the performance of work;

Represents Public Works and the City before legislative and special governmental bodies and before the general public; consults and coordinates on behalf of the City as needed;

Responsible for Department Safety Program including training, site evaluations and, employee safety;

Responsible for Department emergency response planning and actions to ensure appropriate readiness, procedures, and training;

Responsible for the Department’s SCADA Program including daily operations, capital planning, instrumentation, and programming;

Development and oversight of cost effective waste management and disposal practices;

Developing policies and procedures for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations;

Developing and managing facility plans, budgets and forecasts;

Plan, develop and administer a complex budget and assist with utility rate studies;

Assists in the development, updates and implementation of strategic planning efforts such as: Wastewater Collection System Master Plan; Water System Master Plan; SCADA System Master Plan; WRRF Facility Plan;

Developing budget proposals for personnel, equipment, and  plant facilities and infrastructure;

Identifying, evaluating and planning for short and long-range sewage treatment needs, wastewater collection, reclaimed water, water distribution and water treatment requirements and goals;

Anticipate expenditures and assist in developing multi-year budget strategies for the Department’s Capital Improvement Plans, including wastewater collection/treatment, water supply/distribution, and recycled water;

Supervising field investigation, planning, design, inspection, and contract administration of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water construction, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation projects;

Inspecting work to assure compliance with City standards and codes as well as state and federal regulations;

Investigating customer complaints and taking appropriate actions to resolve their concerns;

Coordinating utility work as necessary for water and wastewater construction, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation projects;

Developing and maintaining good relations with the general public, state and federal officials, other cities and contractors;

Coordinating and reviewing the work of outside consultants;

Conducting research for specialized projects;

Preparing and monitoring the budget for the Water and Wastewater Divisions;

Preparing monthly reports on performance, progress, expenditures, etc.;

Conferring with consultants, contract engineers and other individuals regarding treatment plant planning, design, expansions and changes; confers with the Director regarding the effectiveness of plant operations;

Developing policies and procedures for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations;

Mentoring, training, and monitoring supervisors and staff regarding methods and procedures of work, safety, supply and equipment requirements, and operational policies and priorities of work;

Responsible for Utility licensure requirements ensuring all operations staff are licensed per State requirements;

Develop and implement new program elements and program modifications as necessary to meet stated goals and objectives; 

Make presentations to supervisors, management, Directors, Commissions, Mayor, Council, and the general public; communicate official plans, policies, and procedures to staff and the general public; 

Develop letters, memorandums, technical documents, policies, procedures and reports related to the operation, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, capital investments, staffing requirements and other management issues of the Department; oversee the documents developed by staff;

Serving as support staff to a variety of committees and regional work groups;

Assisting in solving personnel and technical problems and in determining personnel, materials, and equipment requirements;

Preparing cost estimates and specifications for outside contract work; coordinates construction and maintenance work performed by outside contractors;

Developing budget proposals for operations, maintenance, laboratory, field and plant facilities and infrastructure;

Establishing and overseeing comprehensive programs for preventive maintenance, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability;

Supervising, evaluating and providing work direction and coordination for assigned staff; encouraging professional growth and development through leadership and coaching; selecting new personnel; resolving employee disputes, grievances and problems;

Developing and supporting Total Quality Improvement initiatives by implementing principles into daily work practices and demonstrating such support through the participation in TQI activities; encouraging active participation by staff members;

Participating in strategic planning for the Department and settings goals for the Department to support the strategic plan;

Ensuring operational, financial, environmental and ethical excellence always;

May serve as the State required Responsible Charge Operator (RCO) or backup RCO for both the wastewater treatment, collections, water treatment, and water distribution;

Performing all other related duties as assigned by the Director;

This position requires occasional night and weekend work.

Job Specifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Public or Business Administration or a closely related field (with a Master’s Degree preferred) from an accredited college or university or a closely related field;

Plus, ten (10) of professional experience with at least seven (7) years of experience as a Supervisor or Senior Manager.  Experience must be in the water/wastewater field.  Operations and maintenance experience at a large water or wastewater treatment or similar industrial facility is highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Must have proven supervisory, leadership, strategic management, performance improvement, process management, and communications skills in the areas of problem-solving, decision-making, organizational development, financial strategies, human resources, and customer satisfaction;

Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of programs;

Substantial knowledge and understanding of applicable local, state and federal rules for public drinking water and wastewater systems;

Advanced knowledge of principles and methods of wastewater treatment plant construction and maintenance, wastewater collection, reclaimed water,  and water supply, treatment, and distribution;

Advanced knowledge of design, construction, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment including wastewater collection, water distribution operations and reclaimed water;

Advanced knowledge of current water pollution, controlled drinking water and recycled water issues, needs and concepts;

Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations affecting wastewater treatment plant operation, wastewater collection, water distribution and reclaimed water treatment and distribution operations;

Working knowledge of safety regulations and practices particularly related to water, wastewater, and field construction activities;

Working knowledge of advanced, comprehensive SCADA systems including instrumentation, programming, hardware, and software;

Principles of organization and management;

Principles of supervision, and providing work direction and coordination for others;

Budgetary and record keeping practices;

Energy conservation programs and practices;

Provide supervision, training and work direction for assigned staff; select, train and evaluate staff and provide mentoring and coaching to subordinates;

Assist in designing and preparing specifications for treatment plant and reclaimed water distribution expansions and alterations;

Ability to provide technical advice and recommendations on maintenance and operational activities;

Ability to estimate staff and equipment needs, costs of facility repairs, alterations and maintenance work and prepare accurate budget estimates;

Ability to plan, develop and administer a complex budget and assist with utility rate studies;

Prepare clear, accurate and complete written reports;

Keep accurate records;

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships;

Position requires the ability to think strategically to continue to identify, evaluate, articulate and execute strategic opportunities;

Must possess excellent technical writing skills and the ability to prepare reports and correspondence

Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, whether in a group or on an individual basis and be proactive in addressing conflict and providing mentorship.

Licensing and Certification:

Must hold a valid State of Idaho driver’s license;

Certified Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in the State of Idaho, preferred;

Possession of a valid State of Idaho:

Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment License, preferred;

Grade 4 Wastewater Collections License, preferred;

Grade 4 Water Distribution License, preferred;

Grade 2 Water Treatment License, preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise level.  The employee in this class is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions. The position also requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to function in the general office environment to accomplish tasks;

This position requires occasional fieldwork; the employee is exposed to outdoor weather and industrial type noise conditions;

Constantly standing, sitting and walking – often for long periods of time;

Often requires sitting at a desk or in meetings for extended periods of time up to 8 hours per day

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs;

Climbing and bending at the waist, crawling, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling and working at heights;

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally;

Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;

Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and computer screen to accomplish work;

Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers;

The employee may be exposed to biohazards including sewage;

Exposure to fumes from equipment operation;

Exposure to working on ladders;

High voltage;

Working in cramped or restrictive work chambers;

Working around and with equipment having moving parts;

Exposure to dust, dirt, oil/grease, and gases;

Depending on the exposure, the employee is required to wear hearing and head protection.

Travel Requirements:

Some local, regional and national travel is required.

Company

The City of Meridian is the second-largest city in the State of Idaho and is the next-door neighbor to the City of Boise, the State capital. Though the City has a long rural history in the state centered around farming and dairy, we have experienced a great deal of growth during the past decade and have consistently been recognized in various publications as "the best place to live, work and raise a family" in the State, region and even nationally. We have a strong culture in the City that revolves around our CARE values, demonstrated externally with citizens as well as internally between employees. CARE stands for Customer Service, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

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