Director of Engineering (Water Resources)

Director of Engineering (Water Resources)

The Director, Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall management of the engineering function within the state of Iowa. This role is accountable for three primary areas:

Infrastructure Assessment & Planning

Evaluate the adequacy of water and wastewater infrastructure with respect to capacity, reliability, water quality/compliance, and operational efficiency. Direct long‑term engineering planning to identify system risks and develop strategic recommendations for mitigation.

Capital Program Development & Execution

Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive capital investment program designed to manage system risk, enhance asset resilience, and improve overall efficiency of critical infrastructure.

Operational Engineering Support

Provide technical expertise and engineering resources to operations and other functional teams to support system growth, operational excellence, and the organization’s core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable services to customers.

Key Accountabilities

• Direct engineering planning activities to assess system risks and opportunities. Develops recommendations for capital improvements, including scope, budget, and project prioritization, to strengthen the reliability, resiliency, and performance of water and wastewater systems.
• Develop a prudently prioritized capital improvement plan (CIP) to address key risks and optimize efficient, reliable service. Ensures effective delivery, governance, and oversight of the state operating company’s capital program.
• Direct engineering design and construction activities in alignment with the CIP, ensuring adherence to sound engineering principles, technical standards, and effective project management practices.
• Manage, coach, and develop the engineering organization. Ensure strong collaboration and technical support for operations, business development, and other functional teams.
• Prepare testimony and represents the company in rate cases, regulatory hearings and negotiations, and at community, industry, and public forums.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water and wastewater resource management facilities, Engineering and utility economics, knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to water & wastewater facilities.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations. Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.
• Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations and technical standards.
• Designated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, water resources, water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.
• Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality and water treatment and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry. General understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation, and trends impacting the water industry. Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Knowledge of capital and O&M budgeting, cost estimating, cost recovery, project scoping, prioritization methodologies, and portfolio management.
• Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills
• Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
• Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving)
• Effective people management (planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising and leading individual staff and teams)
• Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations)
• Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Leadership presence: ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Advanced management or technical degree preferred.
• 15 years’ experience in utility engineering and/or utility operations.
• 5 years’ experience managing professional engineering staff.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required in the applicable operating state

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%, as required

Competencies

Drives Safety Culture

Drives Vision & Purpose

Strategic & Learning Agility

Political & Organizational Savvy

Builds Effective Teams & Network

Situational Adaptability

Persuades