Water Operations Manager - Water Treatment Operations

About This Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under nominal direction, this position plans, directs, and administers multiple divisions in the operations, maintenance, advanced operational technology, and support services of a water, wastewater, and/or reclaimed program, which includes multiple facilities or programs. 

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Determines divisional needs; develops, executes, and evaluates strategic short- and long-range plans including three- to five-year forecasting for a variety of projects, programs, and division activities. Reviews, prepares, consolidates, and monitors division-wide budgets.
• Coordinates activities within the division; between Austin Water and City departments; and with outside consultants, engineers, associations, regulatory agencies, neighborhood associations, and general public.
• Interprets, explains, and ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, ordinances, and Federal/State regulations.
• Evaluates programs for effectiveness and accomplishment of goals.
• Develops/reviews, revises, and approves procedures and specifications for plant, field or laboratory operations, equipment, and technical instrumentation; analytical testing procedures; quality control programs; safety programs; and training programs.
• Facilitates, conducts, and attends meetings and represents the division on behalf of the assistant director, department, and City.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to internal and external customers.
• Applies and interprets principles, practices, and procedures specific to functions such as Civil, Water & Wastewater, and/or Process Control System Engineering, Water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controls, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Advanced Smart Water Infrastructure.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of water and wastewater operational programs.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water, wastewater, and reclaimed water regulations.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
• Ability to manage projects, develop and execute project timelines, delegate tasks, and evaluate progress from start up to completion of projects.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations that require exercising tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a relevant field of study, plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience related to the activities of the program area, including three (3) years of experience which were in a supervisory, management, or program management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college may substitute for two (2) years of non-supervisory/management experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Program Area Responsibility for Water Treatment: Appropriate Class "A" Water license from TCEQ or State of Texas Professional Engineers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced management experience in a large, robust organization.
• Extensive experience utilizing performance measures to assess progress and drive improvements.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing occupational health and safety best practices within the wastewater industry.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in developing and maintaining strong positive business relationships internally and externally.
• Experience implementing and managing process improvements for large groups.
• Advanced written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.





Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $110,100.00-$140,900.00



Notes to Candidate:

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.

Position Overview:

The Austin Water Operations Manager will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of the three lime softening water treatment facilities: Davis, Ullrich, and Handcox Water Treatment Plants. This position will be responsible for reviewing and responding to regulatory requirements, actively participating in the asset management process for the water treatment facilities, and monitoring water quality changes and any necessary response to protect the public health and safety. The person in this position will also be responsible for coordinating and collaborating with other AW Operations Managers as well as the AW Executive Team, other City departments, outside consultants, neighborhood associations, and the general public.

Location:
Ullrich Water Treatment Plant

1000 Forest View Dr, Austin, Texas 78746

Days and Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility.

• Other hours as required to meet the needs of 24/7 utility operations.
• This position is considered essential and may be required to work during inclement weather and on weekends and holidays. Shift work, overtime, callback, and on-call work may be required based on business needs.

Essential Employee:

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Required Licensure:

• This position requires a Class A Water Operator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or a State of Texas Professional Engineers (PE) license.
• If you hold an equivalent license from another state that is eligible for reciprocity from TCEQ, reciprocity is required prior to confirmation of date of hire.
• If you hold a PE license from another state, you must obtain a State of Texas PE license prior to confirmation of date of hire.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
• A cover letter is required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe in concise detail their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please do not use “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
• Statements such as “see resume” will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment Requirement:

Candidates selected to interview will receive instructions for preparing a short presentation to be delivered at the time of the interview.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
• Austin Water must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Electronic Notification to Applicants:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.
• Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

• Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date.
• We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.