Assistant Water Resources Director - Field Operations

About us: 

The City of Burlington Water Resources Department provides Burlington residents with services pertaining to water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment. 

What you will do:
In this position you will manage the Water and Sewer Pipe Maintenance Division, ensuring compliance with regulations for the water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems.  You also oversee regulatory reporting for both systems, ensure staff are trained in OSHA safety practices, and monitor the impact of potential legislative and regulatory changes. 

Some key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with permits, responding to customer inquiries and complaints, and recommending program changes to meet needs. You also manage the division's operations within an approved budget and make recommendations for any necessary budget deviations.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and regulations governing public water systems, sanitary sewer systems, and stormwater management.
• Regulatory Preparation and Response: Collaborates with staff and consultants to address new regulatory requirements and manage inspections, regulatory interpretations, and preparation for design and construction projects.
• Monitoring Legislative and Regulatory Changes: Continuously evaluates the potential impact of legislative and regulatory changes on operations and services.
• Legislative Review and Representation: Reviews proposed state and national legislation, assessing its impact on City services, and represents the City in meetings or hearings to provide testimony on legislative matters.
• Safety Program Development and Training: Develops and implements safety programs and conducts training to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Sanitary Sewer System Oversight: Serves as the designated backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the Sanitary Sewer Collection System.
• Regulatory Reporting Oversight: Manages regulatory reporting related to water and wastewater field operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Report Preparation: Prepares monthly and annual reports to track performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Customer Service: Handles customer inquiries and concerns, providing effective solutions and maintaining positive relationships.
• Employee Management: Conducts interviews, hires staff, evaluates employee performance, approves leave requests, and maintains confidential personnel records.
• Other Duties: Performs additional related duties as needed.

Knowledge of Water and Sewer Systems: In-depth understanding of standard methods for water distribution, sanitary sewer collection systems, and MS4 permits.
Familiarity with Regulatory Framework: Comprehensive knowledge of City codes, ordinances, and regulations governing water, sewer, and stormwater field operations.
Water Chemistry and Treatment Expertise: Strong knowledge of water chemistry, biology, and various water and wastewater treatment strategies and alternatives.
Safety Regulations Knowledge: Well-versed in safety rules, regulations, and safe work practices, particularly in utility operations.
Utilities Safety Compliance: In-depth understanding of the safety requirements specific to utility operations.
Legislative Awareness: Good knowledge of current and proposed state and federal regulations that may impact the City’s water and sewer operations.
Pump and Hydraulics Knowledge: General knowledge of pumps and hydraulic systems used in water and sewer operations.
Technical Manual Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical manuals and specifications.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Ability to address and resolve disputes with tact, diplomacy, and firmness.
Effective Communication Skills: Proficient in both oral and written communication, ensuring clarity and understanding.
Confidential Records Management: Skilled in maintaining confidential employee records with integrity and professionalism.
Interpersonal Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or other related field and 8 years of work experience in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater distribution, sanitary sewer collection, or stormwater programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver License

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license
• Water System Distribution Operation Class “A” certification
• Wastewater Collection System Operator Class “D” certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work in this class is described as light using a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects and may occasionally require some physical exertion to complete tasks. 
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. 
• Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading. 
• Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.

FLSA Status: Exempt 
Inclement Weather Classification: Essential

Salary : $85,530 - $136,864