The City of Gresham is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Wastewater Operations Manager to lead our Wastewater Collection Operations team. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of the City’s wastewater collection system. This position is ideal for a seasoned wastewater professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong operational leadership, fiscal stewardship, and a commitment to service excellence.
The Wastewater Operations Manager oversees all inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection system assets. This position ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including NPDES permit requirements, and plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment.
Reporting to the Wastewater Director, this role provides strategic direction, supervises field operations staff, manages budget and contracts, supports capital improvement projects, and serves as a subject matter expert for collection system operations and maintenance.
What you will get to do:
- Lead and manage wastewater collection operations, including inspection, cleaning, repair, and emergency response activities.
- Ensure all federally and state-mandated permit requirements are met and properly documented.
- Supervise and develop operations staff, including performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring, and accountability.
- Respond to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and emergency situations with urgency and professionalism.
- Develop and administer the operations budget; manage contracts, procurements, and equipment replacement planning.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on capital improvement projects (CIP), new development reviews, and public works standards.
- Serve as a technical advisor on collection system operations, maintenance practices, and asset management strategies.
- Actively participate as a member of the Wastewater Department Asset Management Steering Committee.
- Provide exceptional customer service, addressing public concerns and ensuring timely resolution of issues.
Qualities we are looking for:
- Strategic thinker who balances immediate operational demands with long-term infrastructure sustainability.
- Decisive leader who remains calm and effective during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
- Technically credible expert in wastewater collection systems, regulatory frameworks, and asset management principles.
- Data-driven decision maker who uses analytics to optimize staffing, equipment planning, and maintenance programs.
- Collaborative partner who builds strong cross-departmental and external stakeholder relationships.
- Skilled communicator capable of navigating complex or sensitive discussions with employees, elected officials, regulators, and the public.
- People-first supervisor committed to coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
- Ethical and accountable professional who models integrity, safety, and public stewardship.
Leadership & Oversight
This position directly supervises field operations personnel, including Public Utility Workers, Senior Public Utility Workers, a Field Operations Supervisor, and an Asset Management Specialist. The Wastewater Operations Manager sets operational goals, directs daily activities, ensures safety compliance, and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
The Wastewater Operations Manager will be required to assume Rotating Operation Manager duties and functions for one quarter each year and serves as the on-call Operations Manager for one week each month.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Vocational education/training/certification in related field
- Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible wastewater collection operations experience, including supervisory responsibilities
- Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) Disaster Training
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office to include mapping software, Excel, and report writing
- Lucity Asset Management (or equivalent) software proficiency
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Level IV Wastewater Collections Certification
- Current National Associations of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certification
- Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- American Public Works Association (APWA) Leadership Training Certificate
Any combination of qualifying education, training, and/or experience equivalent to seven to ten years will be considered.
