What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Utilities position at City of Waxahachie?
Description
This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.
Under limited direction, assist the Senior Director of Utilities to plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Utilities department including administration, capital improvement program, operations and maintenance of water distribution and sewer collection systems, and Utility treatment plants; coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Senior Director of Utilities; and perform other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a single-incumbent classification providing senior-level management support to the Department Director. The employee performs his/her duties under minimal supervision.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.
- Assist in management of all department services and activities including administration services, capital improvement program, field operations and maintenance of water distribution and sewer collection systems, and plant operations and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Manages and evaluates all subordinate managers to increase effectiveness of department services, maintain and increase the employee morale, creates a culture of safety and teamwork, and ensures staff provides excellent customer service on a 24/7 basis to the community.
- Assist in the implementation and management of the department’s capital improvement program.
- Manage the review of project design plans, specifications, and verify construction estimates for work done by contractors; coordinate engineering consultants and contractors working on city projects. Ensure city projects are progressing to meet deadlines.
- Assist in managing the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area.
- Recommend, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
- Assist in planning, directing and coordinating, through subordinate level employees, the Utilities department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
- Assist in the management of permits, activities and reporting requirements to ensure regulatory compliance with agencies such as Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other regulatory agencies to safeguard public health and safety.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate employee training; work with subordinate employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Assist in managing water rights and contracts with Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), TCEQ, and wholesale water purchasers.
- Manage development and administration of the department budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
- Represent the Utilities department to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
- Provide staff assistance to the Senior Director of Utilities, participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Prepare and present in a clear and concise manner at City Council meetings.
- Stay abreast of current proposed state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the water and wastewater fields.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of water and wastewater engineering, operations and maintenance.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive utilities program.
- Principles and practices of program development and administration.
- Methods and techniques of water and sewer line maintenance and utility treatment plant operations.
- Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
- General principles and practices of engineering.
- Recent developments, current literature, abreast of proposed regulatory changes and sources of information related to utility operations and maintenance including plant operations.
- Manage others effectively and delegate responsibilities when and where appropriate.
- Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
- Methods and techniques of report preparation.
- Operations, services and activities of the city.
- Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Principles and practices of contract and construction administration.
Ability to:
- Manage and direct a comprehensive Utilities department programs.
- Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives and procedures.
- Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
- Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.
- Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of subordinate employees.
- Delegate authority and responsibility.
- Select, supervise, train and evaluate subordinate employees.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
- Determine the feasibility of various municipal projects.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Prepare and administer large and complex projects and budgets.
- Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
- Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience:
- Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental science, biology, engineering, public/business administration or a related field.
- Minimum of Five (5) years of increasingly responsible utilities management experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility similar to the duties and responsibilities listed above. Any combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certification and licenses may qualify.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
- A valid State driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of the minimum of an appropriate, valid "B" surface water and wastewater license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is preferred.
Special Requirements: Utilities Department team members are considered essential employees for the community and play a critical role in maintaining and restoring water and wastewater services during emergencies. Team members will be required to be reachable and ready to come to work immediately when a critical situation arises, like severe weather events, power outages, or significant equipment malfunctions, to help manage the response and minimize disruption to operations.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.
Work Environment:
The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule.
OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Not Applicable
