Director of Water Utilities (Exempt)

Summary

Performs complex supervisory, managerial, and administrative functions and applies professional skills and knowledge in the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and supervising the activities of the Water Utilities Department for the City of Lubbock. The Director ensures the overall success of the department by providing exceptional service to the citizens of Lubbock. The Director is responsible for daily oversight of both water and wastewater operations. Ensures that short- and long-term plans and policies are implemented and in compliance with budget and planning documents. Also responsible for planning, directing, and reviewing the activities of the water and wastewater operations and CIP development. As a director, a deep understanding and proficiency in project management and engineering is essential along with the ability to build positive client relationships and must be familiar with changing state and federal regulations related to water, wastewater, and water resources.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the other city departments specifically the Division Director of Public Works, monitors and leads the water utility to ensure the water utility is compliant with state, federal, and local laws, rules and ordinances. Provided oversight of the water and wastewater departments through system planning, administration, and operations for the City. Prepares water-related agenda items for City Council. Make presentations to City Council as well as other boards and at public meetings as necessary. Participates on various water boards as a liaison for the City to receive citizen input and to influence important decisions that impact the City. Evaluates legislative, regulatory, and technical guidelines that impact the water and wastewater systems.
• Assists customers who need help solving complex or difficult water and wastewater related issues. Promotes a high level of customer service. Monitors the status of water rights, discharge, and other permits related to the water and wastewater systems. Tracks and handles issues regarding various wholesale water supply contracts with other governmental entities. Serves on or participates as a City representative on various local and state boards such as Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, Texas Water Development Board Region O Planning Group, and others as they relate to water resources that impact the City of Lubbock.
• Collects industry benchmark data pertinent to water and wastewater systems. Seeks to optimize and improve performance of systems. Leads water conservation efforts including designing promotional campaigns and ways to increase awareness and affect changes in water use behavior. Engages in professional engineering services by preparing strategic water supply planning documents. Seeks funding sources and opportunities related to water and sewer infrastructure projects. Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs the implementation of changes.
• Motivates and evaluates department staff; provides or coordinates training and works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements and administers disciplinary and termination procedures.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate-level staff, the department workplan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or related from an accredited university with an additional ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional experience working within public water utilities including five (5) years of supervisory experience.

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Registration as a professional engineer in the State of Texas is preferred.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Water and Wastewater Utility operations.
• Financial budgets.
• Local, State, and Federal regulations related to water and wastewater.

• Plan, organize, and direct Water Utilities projects.
• Develop and present sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Supervise the work of others.
• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Frequently stand and walk;
• Frequently flex upper truck forward;
• Frequently lift up to 10 pounds;
• Frequently push and pull objects;
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward, partial flexing o knees;
• Frequently reach above, at or below shoulder height;
• Continuously talk, see and hear.