General Superintendent

The Position

The General Superintendent is a very competent and skillful Engineer whose primary responsibilities include the efficient administration, operation, and control of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) water, sewerage, drainage, and power infrastructure systems. This position reports directly to the Executive Director as well as the Board of Directors (Board). However, the appointment of the General Superintendent is made by the Board, and the General Superintendent serves at the pleasure of the Board.

Work comprises managing the overall operations and resources of the General Superintendent’s Office (GSO) including the direct supervision of the Deputy General Superintendent of Operations, Deputy General Superintendent of Engineering and Services, and Deputy General Superintendent of Power and Pumping.  These three enterprises collectively comprise the divisions of Water Treatment, Networks, Support Services, Facilities Maintenance, Power Generation and Distribution, Drainage and Sewerage Pumping, Engineering/Construction, Environmental Affairs, Program Management, and Technical Services. This position establishes policy and provides strategic leadership, coordination, and mentorship to deputy general superintendents, division heads, and department heads as applicable to ensure that organizational goals are achieved. The General Superintendent ensures operating and capital goals, objectives, and key milestones are achieved on time and within budget. The General Superintendent provides technical expertise, information, and assistance to the executive leadership team, the Board, and other agency personnel, and provides strategic and tactical guidance to deputy general superintendents and division heads. The position supervises and reviews the work of the overall SWBNO operations, including direct supervision of the three deputy general superintendents; establishes and monitors management controls to ensure safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy; and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, rules, policies, and procedures. Work also includes delegated authority for hiring, training, assigning, evaluating work, and disciplinary actions. Additionally, this requires coordination with SWBNO emergency response to ensure continuous services of sewer, water, drainage, and power, which is a vital function of this role.

The position liaisons with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, committees, and boards and actively facilitates communication among the departments and across the organization, bridging the gaps within the organization. In the role, the General Superintendent continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of current policies and procedures. This position also coordinates City-wide projects and programs and reconciles the interdependencies among them. In addition to managerial duties, the position requires the examination, check, and verification of complex statistical and operating reports for completeness, adequacy, and accuracy, personally following up on the more complicated discrepancies. The General Superintendent reviews and analyzes complex engineering reports, maintains regulatory compliance, and corresponds with all relevant internal and external organizations.  The leader will negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; and is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures, which includes Standard Operating Procedures, across all enterprises. In addition, the General Superintendent assigns programs, projects, and work to all departments.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Discipline (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering degree preferred), or related technical field that lends itself to the management of a large utilities’ operation. Fifteen years of experience as a professional licensed engineer in an operations role in a utilities-related organization is required. Additionally, eight years of administrative and supervisory experience is required. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) and current license to practice in Louisiana. Any applicant who is not registered as a professional engineer in Louisiana must, if hired, show proof of such registration within the first six months of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $200,000 - $230,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.hire.trakstar.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on March 6, 2023.