Director of Water Utility

SALARY: up to $104,680 annaully

Reporting to the Public Works Director, this role oversees all aspects of the water treatment and distribution system, maintenance and utility billing operations. The position provides strategic leadership for the water utility and fosters collaboration with other Public Works divisions to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are expected to embody and promote our core values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment. In fulfilling your role you will:

• Champion values and organizational pride

• Champion operational excellence

• Make sound decisions

• Embrace coaching and accountability

• Communicate with excellence

• Value diverse people and perspectives

• Embrace personal development

• Exhibit a positive attitude and own your health, wellness & safety.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Leads a team of bargaining and non-bargaining employees. Directly supervises individuals who oversee operations in water quality, water treatment, construction & maintenance and utility billing.

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Hours may vary based on departmental need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list represents the types of duties required by the position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the efficient operation of the water utility, including filtration plants, water distribution systems and billing functions.

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations governing water operations.

• Prepare and submit regulatory reports accurately and on time.

• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic, operational and capital plans.

• Maintain open communication within the department and foster collaboration with other departments and external agencies.

• Direct the preparation of the water utility budget, including utility rate analysis and related decisions.

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliance with labor policies, manage grievances and arbitration, and serve as co-negotiator for bargaining unit contracts.

• Manage staffing levels within established budgetary guidelines.

• Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports and support professional development.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as delegated.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Education in any combination equivalent to a college degree in the fields of public administration, environmental sciences, civil or mechanical engineering. Experience may be substituted with appropriate level of studies and demonstrated technical competence in progressively advanced experience in large utility management and operations.

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the operations and maintenance of water systems.

• Preference for holding or receiving a Grade DSL Water Distribution System Operator and WT3 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED

• Comprehensive understanding of water utility operations and maintenance, including utility accounting, financial reporting, rate-setting, customer service and engineering principles related to water treatment and distribution systems.

• Proven leadership skills with strong oral and written communication abilities.

• Exceptional managerial and supervisory capabilities, coupled with effective negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Ability to interact with colleagues and the public with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.

• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in all job functions.

• Ability to plan, organize and direct work activities, including maintaining accurate personnel records.

• Willingness and ability to work safely around open and unprotected water environments.

• In-depth knowledge of EPA and State of Indiana environmental regulations governing water utilities, including NPDES permitting requirements.

• Ability to read, interpret and apply technical materials, operational manuals, instructions and blueprints.

• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.

• State of Indiana Grade DSL Water Distribution system Operator and WT3 Water Treatment Plant Operator preferred.

EQUIPMENT:

Desktop and laptop computer, telephone and other general office equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to hear and comprehend normal speaking voice in person or over the phone is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a normal office environment, sitting primarily. On occasion it may be required to research information on different areas / buildings. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. The entire office is smoke free.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran's status, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer