Purpose: 

Under nominal direction of the Deputy Director of Austin Water (AW), this position is responsible for the management of operations and maintenance of the water or wastewater (including reclaimed water) distribution/collection and treatment facilities, budget development and monitoring, short- and long-range capital improvement project planning, water and wastewater master plans, rate studies, impact fee studies, and daily operations of the Operations and Maintenance Program area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs assigned operational activities and assists the Director with planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's programs, projects, and policies.

• Assists in establishing the department’s strategic priorities and determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements within assigned divisions. Establishes performance expectations, facilitates management efforts, promotes accountability, and develops engagement and buy-in throughout all levels of the organization.

• Identifies opportunities to enhance organizational performance as well as threats/risks that could jeopardize the organization from a financial, regulatory, public confidence, or culture perspective.

• Prepares, coordinates, and reviews consent agendas and discussion reports for discussion with the Director and placement on the agenda.

• Meets with and provides briefings to the City Mayor, City Council, and other senior staff; attends Commission and Oversight meetings to facilitate and communicate regarding departmental related matters.

• Meets with citizens to discuss issues and problems that can be addressed and resolved by the department and works to create a culture of public confidence. Acts as a departmental representative and subject matter expert in interactions with the media and in support of the communications team.

• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and promotes an organizational culture that delivers high performance results through an engaging, communicative, and collaborative approach.

• Provides technical support, direction, guidance, and mentoring to Utilities staff throughout the organization to promote employee engagement and improved organizational capabilities.

• Supports all AW Emergency Management and Incident Management Team functionality and responses during emergency activations, including serving as Incident Commander or Deputy Incident Commander.

• Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed. Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water, wastewater, and reclaimed systems and regulations.

• Knowledge of computer maintenance management systems.

• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.

• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.

• Skill in oral and written communications.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.

• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.

• Ability to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or Public Administration, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. 

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas or Class A license in Water or Wastewater Operations issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

About City of Austin

The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. The Austin City Council City has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent 10 single member districts. The Mayor and Council Members serve in their respective seats for four years and cannot be elected to more than two consecutive terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Council and City Manager are committed to their mission of delivering the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner.

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