Purpose of JobPerform complex professional and administrative work overseeing the operation of the city’s water system, wastewater system, and the water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Essential Job Duties- Plan and direct through subordinate supervisors the activities of professional, skilled, and semi-skilled employees in the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure of the water and wastewater treatment systems.
- Direct the planning, coordination, assignment, and inspection of the work involved with the water distribution and wastewater collection systems for maintenance and additions to the system.
- Develop, analyze, and approve prospects to extend services to developments and industries.
- Conduct and oversee plan reviews for layout of new lines, engineering projects, etc.
- Develop and administer the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary to meet the end result.
- Review and interpret state and federal regulations that govern water or wastewater utility operations. Ensure compliance of department activities with pertinent codes, regulations, and guidelines.
- Analyze water and wastewater rates and advise the city manager on such analysis to ensure the costs associated with providing the services are recovered – taking into account long term capital expenditures.
Other Job Duties- Oversee and direct the hiring, evaluation, instruction, and training of personnel.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of utilities.
- Maintain good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to issues related to providing customer service.
- Participate in a variety of boards and committees and interface with regulatory agencies.
- Perform related work as required.
Primary Job Challenges- Maintaining a thorough knowledge of all facets of water and wastewater utility operations.
- Adjusting to diversity of industry competencies necessary to function at a small utility.
- Keeping utility up-to-date with current technology and changing industry trends.
- Maintaining a stable, competent, and energized workforce in a very competitive market.
Equipment Operated- Desktop computer, laptop, and/or tablet (iPad).
- Basic office equipment including a printer, copier, and calculator.
- Pertinent software customarily used for utility engineering purposes.
- Automobile and/or truck with a two-way radio.
Key Competencies Required- Comprehensive knowledge of the materials, methods, and practices necessary to the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater utility systems.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, and equipment used in sewage and water treatment.
- Thorough knowledge of the principals and practices of civil and sanitary engineering.
- Thorough knowledge of business management practices and applied to the operation of water and wastewater utilities.
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of pertinent water and wastewater rules and regulations that have been issued by the TDEC and the EPA.
- Ability to make decisions deliberately, but quickly and in accordance with city, state, and departmental policies.
- Ability to adequately, fairly, and impartially supervise other employees.
- Ability to formulate operational policies and procedures.
- Ability to plan, assign, supervise, and coordinate the activities within the department.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the general public.
Physical Demands and Work Environment- Employee will work both indoors and outdoors and will sit, stand, stoop, walk, and lift objects (less than 25 pounds).
- Employee will primarily work in office environment and operate personal computer and/or laptop.
- Employee will operate an automobile and/or truck with radio transmitting and receiving capabilities for constant communication access.
- Employee may be exposed to loud machinery and conditions, fumes, noxious odors, chemicals, and other toxic substances.
QualificationsEducation and Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university of recognized standing with major course work in civil, sanitary, or environmental engineering, or related field; extensive, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in water and wastewater operations; or any combination of experience and education which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required Certifications/Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Tennessee and current professional engineer license issued by the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Must pass a background and credit check as well as a physical examination based on the essential functions of the job given by the city’s designated physician.