Wastewater Chief Operator, Systems

Must submit resume and cover letter with salary requirements to be considered for this position - 

Purpose/Customer Impact:  Through the direction of the direct reports and wastewater operations and maintenance staff, manages the operation and maintenance of Portland Water District’s (PWD’s)interception system and combined sewer overflow system and collections or storm sewers in multiple municipal jurisdictions operated under contract; ensures regulatory compliance of collections systems; ensures consistent management of personnel; oversees the planning of work and utilization of resources through budgeting and oversight; develops and revises operating programs to achieve PWD’s Strategic Goals; engenders a culture of learning and engagement, recognizes problems and participates in the development of viable solutions.

Reporting Relationships:           Reports to: Director of Operations – Wastewater      Direct Reports: Wastewater Systems and Operations Staffing

Interrelationships: Regular contact with internal departments, municipal staff and officials, engineers, contractors and equipment suppliers. Customer contact on a regular and ongoing basis. 

Independent Action: Responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, budgetary preparation and the identification and resolution of issues that might impede the efficient, safe delivery of wastewater conveyance and treatment services. Management of direct reports including recommending hiring, performance management, coaching, development, and carrying out discipline. Responsible for major Operation and Maintenance (O & M) program formation. Perform medium range planning and participate in long-term capital planning efforts.

Job Duties:

• Manage the operation and maintenance of PWD’s interception and combined sewer system.  Manage the operation of collection and storm sewers in multiple municipal jurisdictions operated under contract.
• Organizes and manages the work of forepersons, Operators, Wastewater Operators, administrative staff, and maintenance staff through the managed collection, interception, and combined sewer systems.  Responsible for the operation and maintenance of pump stations (in excess of 75) and other structures through the system.  Coordinate operational needs with multiple concurrent capital improvement projects. Oversee response to emergency situations.
• Coordinates the design review, installation, and acceptance of new connections and sewers throughout the service area.
• Ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws, regulations and requirements; communicates and implements policies and procedures, conducts audits to ensure all workplace health and safety policies and procedures are followed; implements corrective recommendations as a result of audits or identified hazards.
• Under the general direction of the Director of Wastewater Services, implements staffing plans and personnel actions, while ensuring follow-up and completion of any corrective action; seeks consistency with other organizational units both within and outside the Wastewater Services Department; promotes employee training and development; responds to complaints and grievances.
• Maintain a strong collaborative relationship with Asset Management and Planning (AMaP), Environmental Services, and other Departments to coordinate the management of operation and maintenance programs and capital plan implementation; create plans to control costs, balance workloads, anticipate and avoid delays, and meet deadlines. 
• Oversees the preparation of complex budgets allocated to each of the six (6) communities served; monitors expenditure activities; approves operating and maintenance expenditures to authorized levels; reviews budget variance reports and determines and implements all necessary corrective action.
• Evaluates the performance of staff directly and indirectly through the supervisors against the approved budget and organizational goals and objectives. Creates an environment that implements safe work practices and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.  Regularly coordinates cross-training and utilization efforts to encourage increased awareness of all aspects of Wastewater Services Department activities. Participates with other PWD staff and outside resources in the determination of appropriate work process modifications to ensure efficient and effective results.
• Assist with the operation of PWD’s four (4) treatment plants when required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, driving, bending, twisting, reaching, lifting (maximum 25 lbs.), visual accuracy, clear verbal and written communication, extensive keyboard usage.

Minimum Requirements: An individual must be able to perform Essential Job Duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Possess a two (2) or four (4) year undergraduate degree. This requirement may be substituted with five to seven (5-7) years of commensurate experience.
• Hold or obtain a NEWEA Voluntary Collection System Grade IV License.
• Possess three (3) to five (5) years of experience in utility operation and maintenance, or a similar service industry; with increasing accountability levels of supervisory experience.
• Experience in mentoring and motivating staff; commitment to personnel development.
• Possess strong information technology skills and use business applications such as computerized maintenance programs, word processing, spreadsheets and engineering applications.
• Demonstrated ability in Project Management; Determine areas objectives, organize resources, implement plans, share tracking of progress with team, and achieve objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels within the organization, cities, other agencies, regulatory agencies, special interest groups, and the public.
• Exercise good judgment and discretion while addressing distribution system issues, external communications, and employee management.
• Good communication skills; both orally and in written; prepare presentations on administrative and technical topics.
• Represent PWD in negotiations or development of joint projects with external organizations.
• Possess and maintain a valid State of Maine Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.