Director of Water/Wastewater

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is currently accepting online applications for a Director of Water/Wastewater in the Water & Sewer Department. The employee performs complex professional and administrative work planning and directing the programs, activities and staff of the Water and Wastewater Services Department; does related work as required. This is advanced professional engineering and responsible administrative work in the management of the municipal water and wastewater systems and plants. The work involves the direction of the operation, maintenance and repair of the municipal water supply and distribution system and wastewater treatment and collection facilities. The Director is also responsible for construction projects connected with the system & assets. Major policies are laid down by the City Manager, but the employee in this class is held responsible for results obtained. The work is performed under the direction of the City Manager with who consultations are held on major questions of policy interpretation. The Director of Water/Wastewater directs and coordinates the work of subordinate supervisors and employees engaged in the performance of the technical and maintenance functions of the Department and delivery of services to customers.

Essential Functions of Position:

• plans and directs through subordinate supervisors the activities of a large group of employees in the construction, operation and maintenance of operating properties of the municipal water system and sewage treatment system;
• plans and directs through subordinates the delivery of customer service including meter reading, billing, new connection sales, resolution of issues,
• approves monthly regulatory reports
• analyzes and approves projects to extend services to developments and industries;
• approves layout of lines, engineering projects, etc;
• obtains and coordinates Federal and State funding;
• works with Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation and the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure compliance with regulations;
• confers with City officials, contractors and others in regard to the municipal water and wastewater utility;
• may substitute for City Manager on inter‑local project committees;
• consults with subordinates on work problems, plans, drawings, specifications and other working papers related to proposed utility operation, construction, installation and improvement projects;
• reviews and analyzes methods, equipment used, and performance to find ways of increasing effectiveness, improving results, or effecting economies in operation and maintenance activities;
• inspects projects and trouble areas to determine what work is needed and how it best can be accomplished;
• maintains good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to complaints;
• directs the keeping of records and supervises the preparation of necessary reports;
• prepares estimates of operating needs and annual budgets of the Department, and submits requests for supplies, equipment and materials as needed;
• initiates and maintains contact with consultants and reviews their work for the City;
• performs related tasks as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of the materials, methods and practices necessary to the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of a water and sewer utility system; thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials and equipment used in sewage and water treatment, and pumping operations; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and sanitary engineering as applied to the planning, location, construction, maintenance and repair of water mains and major water and sewage treatment facilities; thorough knowledge of methods and practices of keeping records, cost estimates and accounts; thorough knowledge of Federal and State regulations including the requirements and procedures for securing grants; ability to make decisions, recognizing established precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems; ability to plan, assign, supervise and coordinate the activities of several divisions of the Department, ability to determine long‑range needs for expansion and reconstruction, and to plan organize work for the efficient accomplishment of such objectives; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, officials, representatives of other agencies and the general public; good professional judgment.

Acceptable Experience and Training: Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with major course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental engineering or related field and extensive progressively responsible administrative experience in water or sewage system work, preferably including experience in water and sewage treatment operations; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Desired: possession of State of Tennessee Professional engineering license or its recognized counterparts; or obtained within one year of initial employment date. Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

EEO/AA