What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager, Research - (25-CW&T-810600-002) position at DC Water Candidate Experience site?
PROGRAM MANAGER, RESEARCH
DC Water Job Description
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
| General |
| Job Title: | Program Manager, Research | Job Code: | P0304 |
| Supervises Directly: | No | ||
| New or Revised: | Revised | Regular or At-Will: | At-Will |
| Date Last Revised: | 4/9/2025 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: | Exempt |
| Compensation Approval Signature: | Union/ Non-Union: | Non-Union | |
| Department Name and Division: | CW&T-Central Administration | Salary Schedule: | Non-Union Salary Range |
| Cost Center Code: | 810600 | Grade: | NU17 |
| Essential Position: | No | Reports To: | Manager, Research and Development |
| EEO Code: | Professionals | Work Format | In-Person |
| Who We Are & What We Do: |
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
| Role Description: |
Provides supervisory research support for the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant research and development program; evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of all treatment processes and develops concepts for piloting or demonstration of new processes or optimization of existing processes. Maintains leadership of state-of-the-art engineering technology and industry practices; conducts process studies and evaluates new products, processes, and techniques used in wastewater treatment processes; develops feasibility proposals for internal or external funding.
| Essential Duties & Responsibilities: |
- Evaluates new and innovative policies, procedures, methods, and practices to ensure that plant meets or exceeds NPDES permit requirements and enhances the safety, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.
- Develops and oversees strategic plans to meet current or future process or treatment objectives. Implements research and process optimization strategies through hands on use of the Process Control and Computer System, PLC systems, and various HMI software packages such as Labview, Simulink etc.
- Develops and oversees concepts and technology ideas, translates research into process guidelines for design; performs detailed analysis to identify inadequacies, ambiguities, errors, and potential problems related to proposed concepts and proposed technologies.
- Identifies type and scope of work and develops work specifications; interfaces with vendors, contractors and consultants to direct, coordinate, inspect and accept work; recommends modifications to contract scope of work and/or enforcement of contract language.
- Provides guidance to team in troubleshooting complex process problems as needed to ensure that process, systems, and/or facility testing, optimization or modifications enhance operation of facility. System troubleshooting includes digital control software and equipment.
- Analyzes laboratory, pilot and other reports, including process efficiency data; identifies causes of non-routine events; recommends process control strategies and adjustments to process variables affecting the quantity and quality of process effluent; identifies how adjustments in one unit process impact other unit processes and overall plant performance.
- Develops and monitors process sampling strategies and recommends sampling protocols.
- Writes regular and special technical reports. Writes, presents and publishes technical papers on wastewater treatment in national and international conferences and peer review journals.
- Serves on thesis and dissertation committees of students assigned to research projects.
- Develops and submits research proposals to federal or non-profit agencies.
- Plans work activities, develops schedules and assigns work to team members. Serves as a resource in teaching and guiding others in developing skills and knowledge.
- Establishes, demonstrates and enforces high standards for safety, quality of work performed, and productivity; inspects work quality. Reports all hazards to the appropriate supervisor to ensure that safety and environmental hazards are corrected.
- Performs other duties and projects assigned at the discretion of the Manager, Research and Development.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co-workers throughout the Authority, other government and private agencies, university professors, vendors, consultants and contractors.
| Skills & Qualifications: |
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Skills & Qualifications
| Required Experience: |
| At least one (1) year of experience should include project or program management duties associated with process research or similar function. |
| Extensive process knowledge, including how each unit process fits into overall wastewater treatment process and ability to recommend and implement strategies to enhance quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. |
| Knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessity for adherence to safety precautions; Knowledge of applicable regulations, such as EPA and OSHA requirements. |
| Minimum Education Requirements: |
| Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field from an accredited college or university and (5) years of progressive experience related to research of wastewater treatment processes or biosolids technologies. |
| Required Skills: |
| Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Mastery of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental engineering and ability to apply them on a practical level.. |
| Knowledge of conventional methods and techniques used in engineering, chemical, and biological applications. |
| Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills; |
| Ability to control wastewater treatment processes using digital systems |
| Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule, complete, and follow-up on work activities so that activities are completed within time and budget constraints |
| Ability to use computer applications, such as MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams |
| Required Licenses & Certifications: |
| N/A |
| Required Languages: |
| N/A |
| Physical Requirements: |
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Although most work is performed under general office conditions, this position is subject to the following in the course of evaluating unit processes, construction and modifications within the facility:
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Preferred Skills & Qualifications
| Preferred Experience: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Education Requirements: |
| A doctoral degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering or related field is strongly preferred. |
| Preferred Skills: |
| N/A |
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
| Your Experience at DC Water: |
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
- Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
- Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.
- Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
- Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please
email complianceada@dcwater.com.
