About the Community

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. It is on the Grand River about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan and three hours from Chicago. The City’s population is 198,917, and covers an area of 45 square miles. The combined statistical area of Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland is 1.3 million.

The City recently received numerous recognitions, including Utility of the Year Award, Best U.S. City to Invest in Housing, and Fastest Growing Economy in the U.S. (Forbes); #1 City to Raise a Family; #1 Hottest Real Estate Market to Watch (Trulia.com); and #28 Most Hipster City in the World. The Art Prize Festival was ranked one of the Top Five Festivals Worldwide (Time). Fifteen craft breweries are located within Grand Rapids making it locally known as Michigan’s “Beer City.”

To learn more about the City, please visit the website: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home

To hear more about the City from the City’s employees, check out this link:

Environmental Services Department Strategic Plan

Water Resource Recovery Facility Tour & Process Guide

Grand Rapids Environmental Services Manager Brochure

About the Opportunity

The essence of this role is to provide leadership to a team that provides exemplary services and is dedicated to protecting the environment, public health and welfare. This position oversees the City's Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure operation and maintenance, as well as the cutting edge Biodigestor. This position will work collaboratively with the water distribution area.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Oversees City's wastewater and stormwater infrastructure operation and maintenance. Provides leadership in compliance with the City's Wastewater and Stormwater NPDES permits; implements minimum control measures for storm water; ensures a compliant effluent from the wastewater plant.
• Develops and manages a budget which supports the department's outcomes and City Policies. Prepares and presents annual and multi-year departmental budget; prioritizes capital plan; oversees financial performance.
• Develops and implements regulatory and Citywide policies. Responsible for asset management related to the City's Wastewater and Stormwater infrastructure operation and maintenance.
• Develops modified pollution control measures; presents proposals to City and State authorities; recommends administrative or legal action as required.
• Develops emergency response plans for critical operations; directs emergency repair operations; supervises consultant/contractor services
• Coordinates activities with contractors; confers with state, local and federal government officials; confers with business and civic leaders; addresses concerns and delivers speeches before groups and professional organizations; explains department activities to the media.

About You

• You are passionate about public service and the environment.
• You have knowledge of wastewater treatment and exceptional leadership and finance skills.
• You are a teambuilder and change agent with a track record of success.

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.