GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOBUnder limited supervision, this position provides professional leadership and is responsible for coordinating and directing the systems and programs of the water treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection operations. Reports to the City Manager or designee.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSDirects the activities of all employees of the city’s water, wastewater, administrative staff and related facilities, and is responsible for ensuring the city's water supply is safe and in accordance with State and federal regulations; provides leadership and strategic direction for developing, administering and communicating the department’s, policies and procedures, and priorities and goals to meet the overall city needs, objectives and legal requirements to promote cost effectiveness, and be responsive to management and employees, and to attract, retain, and develop a highly qualified, motivated and effective workforce.
Responsible for overall management of the department; including budget research, preparation of revenue forecasts and annual operations budget, and budget monitoring to ensure cost effectiveness; plans, develops and implements proposals and programs to administer revenues to maintain and expand services in accordance with needs of the city; monitors expenditures of funds within approved limitations throughout the fiscal year; ensures that purchasing and financial transactions are properly conducted in accordance with city administrative policies and procedures.
Develops, updates and re-evaluates goals, long-term plans and sets goals for the department; coordinates the preparation of plans and specifications for construction projects undertaken by the department; recommends water and sewer capital improvement projects and their funding mechanisms; directs the preparation of Capital Improvement plans makes departmental budget presentations.
Organizes and directs activities to ensure service of current and anticipated water needs; anticipates treatment requirements, and develops strategies to render service; ensures compliance with city, State, regional and federal regulations; projects manpower and staffing requirements to meet current and anticipated needs.
Prepares, negotiates, and presents changes to city and State codes and regulatory agency rules relating to utility technical, administrative and financial issues; selects, oversees, and evaluates outside consultants on engineering, financial and legal matters; provides assistance in contract negotiation; negotiates and administers contract for long-term water utilization sales with neighboring cities; responds to inquiries and complaints and ensures prompt and effective resolution of customer concerns.
Develops proposals and reports as requested by City Manager and presents recommendations to City Management, City Council and to other groups; responsible for coordinating with City Manager planning related items for placement on City Council Agendas and Work Sessions; and ensures reports, studies, and plans are appropriately processed in accordance with federal, state, and city laws and ordinances.
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORSKnowledge of the Job: Has thorough knowledge of the operating principles, practices, and maintenance requirements of water and wastewater systems, plant equipment and machinery utilized in water supply and treatment operations. Has thorough knowledge of the engineering, chemical and bacteriological principles and practices related to large-scale water supply and treatment plant operations. Has considerable knowledge of the principles of plumbing and hydraulics as related to water systems. Has considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of public utilities work. Has considerable knowledge of the financing sources and programs available through State and federal funding agencies for construction and expansion of water treatment and distribution systems, and of the requirements and standards for obtaining and retaining State and federally funded programs. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, organization and public administration. Has considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends and development in the field of public utilities operations and administration. Is able to use common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs. Is able to plan, assign and coordinate the work of a large professional and technical staff. Is able to prepare a budget and monitor department expenditures. Is able to prepare clear and comprehensive financial, administrative and analytical reports. Is able to effectively express ideas orally and in writing. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationship with municipal and State officials, developers, contractors and as otherwise necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all city departments and divisions, co- workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the city and project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, City Manager, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the city. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment, which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment, which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews department policies in order to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEBachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Water Resources, Public Administration or a related field, and 6 years of progressively responsible experience in public works or utility operations, working in water and wastewater treatment operations, or a related field, with 3 - 5 years of managerial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSA valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Professional Engineering (PE) License is required. Must successfully complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System Certifications within one (1) year of employment.
Residency within the City of Portsmouth is preferred. Applicants who live within a twenty (20) mile radius of the City of Portsmouth Corporate Limits will be considered.
The position is considered “essential personnel” and will be required to work during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSPhysical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery and equipment including computers, calculators, facsimile machines, telephones, copiers, two-way radios, etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 lbs. to occasionally move objects, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of technical reports, correspondence, budget reports, proposed legislation, studies, engineering project plans, water production reports, etc. Requires the ability to prepare revenue forecasts, reports, RFPs and RFQs, correspondence, budgets, appropriation requests, performance appraisals, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases; to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse classes of concepts.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, administrative, accounting, scientific and environmental terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and apply the theories of statistical inference.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress and/or emergency situations.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.
| AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS |
| The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. |
| This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. |
