Assistant Director of Utilities

Utilities Director

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Under limited direction, assist the Senior Director of Utilities to plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Utilities department including administration, capital improvement program, operations and maintenance of water distribution and sewer collection systems, and Utility treatment plants; coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Senior Director of Utilities; and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS : This is a single-incumbent classification providing senior-level management support to the Department Director. The employee performs his / her duties under minimal supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Assist in the management of all department services and activities, including administration services, capital improvement program, field operations, and maintenance of water distribution and sewer collection systems, and plant operations and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Manages and evaluates all subordinate managers to increase the effectiveness of department services, maintains and increases employee morale, creates a culture of safety and teamwork, and ensures staff provide excellent customer service on a 24 / 7 basis to the community.
• Assist in the implementation and management of the department's capital improvement program.
• Manage the review of project design plans, specifications, and verify construction estimates for work done by contractors; coordinate engineering consultants and contractors working on city projects. Ensure city projects are progressing to meet deadlines.
• Assist in managing the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
• Recommend, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Assist in planning, directing, and coordinating, through subordinate-level employees, the Utilities department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
• Assist in the management of permits, activities and reporting requirements to ensure regulatory compliance with agencies such as Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other regulatory agencies to safeguard public health and safety.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate employee training; work with subordinate employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Assist in managing water rights and contracts with Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), TCEQ, and wholesale water purchasers.
• Manage development and administration of the department budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Represent the Utilities department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Provide staff assistance to the Senior Director of Utilities, participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Prepare and present in a clear and concise manner at City Council meetings.
• Stay abreast of current proposed state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the water and wastewater fields.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of water and wastewater engineering, operations, and maintenance.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS : Knowledge of :

Ability to :

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience :

Licenses and Certifications :

Special Requirements : Utilities Department team members are considered essential employees for the community and play a critical role in maintaining and restoring water and wastewater services during emergencies. Team members will be required to be reachable and ready to come to work immediately when a critical situation arises, like severe weather events, power outages, or significant equipment malfunctions, to help manage the response and minimize disruption to operations.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS : The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with