Assistant Water Director - Engineering Operations

The Assistant Water Director is an integral member of the Water Department leadership team, supporting the Director in the oversight and coordination of daily operations. This position assists in administering, planning, and directing the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water utility’s treatment and distribution facilities, while providing operational expertise in water resource management. Provides strategic leadership in long‑range infrastructure planning, asset management, and system resiliency initiatives.

The Assistant Director promotes organizational effectiveness, supports departmental leadership initiatives, and helps ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and high‑quality public service. In the Director’s absence, this position assumes full responsibility for departmental operations, which may include attending evening City Council and special meetings, as well as presenting information to elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serves as the Lead Water Engineer and may act as Engineer of Record for water system capital projects. Responsibilities may include system modeling and capacity planning, review and sealing of engineering plans, development of engineering standards and specifications, and oversight of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) design and construction activities.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of Water staff and divisions; assign and evaluate work activities, projects, and programs; regularly meet with staff to identify operational challenges, implement solutions, and drive performance improvements; ensure adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support continuous improvement, organizational change, and community engagement by monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods, procedures, and systems; recommending appropriate service and staffing levels aligned with departmental policy and operational needs to foster public trust, transparency, and confidence in the City’s water systems and services.
• Lead and manage facility change initiatives, including planning, communication, and implementation of operational, procedural, and infrastructure changes to minimize disruption and ensure successful adoption by staff and stakeholders.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Water personnel; coordinate professional development and skills enhancement training; address performance deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures in accordance with policies and labor agreements.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, priorities, and performance metrics; recommend and administer policies and procedures that support effective, efficient, and resilient water services.
• Conduct organizational, operational, and programmatic studies and investigations; analyze findings and recommend modifications to programs, policies, procedures, and facilities to support long‑term sustainability and service excellence.
• Actively engage with the community to build and maintain public trust in the water system by responding to and resolving sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, providing transparent communication, and incorporating community feedback into service and policy improvements.
• Attend and participate in professional organizations and meetings; remain current on emerging trends, technologies, regulations, and best practices in the water industry and apply relevant innovations to departmental operations.
• Research, prepare, and present detailed management reports and departmental analyses for internal leadership, City Council, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, vendors, and the public.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the departmental budget, Capital Improvement Program with financing strategy, revenue and rate forecasting, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, operational needs,…