Director of Operation & Maintenance

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Operation & Maintenance is a member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and directing wastewater treatment plants and collection system activities to ensure efficient operations and compliance with regulatory requirements and continuous improvement of operational and maintenance practices. This role oversees department budgets, hiring, performance management and other senior-level duties. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Develops and leads all efforts related to the operation and maintenance of Sewer District's wastewater treatment plants, collection system and auxiliary facilities. Oversees and facilitates both short-term and long-term strategic objectives. Balances management of long-term goals with day-to-day organizational objectives and activities. Organizes and directs the Sewer District's resources (i.e., people, funding, material, support) to accomplish tasks in support of wastewater collection and treatment. Ensures compliance of O&M activities with regulatory requirements. Manages and oversees adherence to department standard operating procedures.

- Directs and oversees activities for the O&M department including the main budget centers: Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Southerly WWTP, Westerly WWTP, Sewer System Maintenance & Operations, Process Control & Automation, Building Maintenance, Building Systems, Fleet Services and Administrative Services. Develops and recommends annual department budgets to Finance. Oversees department expenditures and ensures all policies are followed. Manages department finances within budget approval. Ensures that the department operates within established guidelines while maximizing the use of department resources.

- Contributes to the development of the Sewer District's strategic goals and objectives. Sets strategic direction for the department in alignment with Sewer District's strategic goals and objectives. Develops, tracks and reports on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and evaluates progress against goals and targets.

- Ensures the development and facilitation of a teamwork culture and provides resolutions for staff issues. Conducts annual performance reviews and sets performance goals for departments and individuals. Oversees staffing initiatives and interactions with labor unions within the department. Leads department efforts in union negotiations. Holds grievance hearings and issues findings as required by union contracts. Conducts disciplinary hearings. Develops on-going talent and succession plans to align with current and future organizational needs.

- Advises Sewer District executive leadership and the Board of Trustees in actions regarding the Sewer District's operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, collection system and auxiliary facilities. Provides regular updates to the Board of Trustees on the Sewer District's operation and maintenance of these facilities. Acts on requests from Board of Trustees as directed.

- Works collaboratively across all Sewer District departments to achieve performance targets. Writes and implements policies and procedures to assure effective operations, maintenance and administrative functions in alignment with Sewer District policies and standards, operational needs, legal and regulatory requirements and financial plan through cross department collaboration. Oversees the continuous improvement of the operation and maintenance processes. Builds cross-functional relationships to support continuous improvement.

- Develops and maintains partnerships with external organizations, regulatory agencies and other governmental agencies. Serves as a Sewer District representative in national, community and trade meetings.

- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Candidate must possess a bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration, science, engineering or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE

- Candidate must possess ten (10) years of progressive responsibility in operating, maintaining and/or managing a utility, manufacturing facility or similar operation. Experience must include managing budgets and cultural change, implementing process improvements and efficiency initiatives, working with general public, agencies, communities and other external organizations.

- Experience must include five (5) years of supervising, managing and/or leading people, projects and/or processes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

- Candidate must possess a valid driver's license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District's acceptable guidelines.

- An Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater or Collection System Operator certificate is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Candidate must possess the knowledge and skills of leading, managing and operating large-scale utilities or industrial facilities, strategic planning and implementation and operation and maintenance administration. Knowledge of wastewater treatment applications, methods and practices is preferred.

- Candidate must possess stellar written and verbal communication skills, proven experience planning strategically and effectively managing people and processes, strategic thinker with the ability to lead organizational change; interact effectively at all levels of an organization, present ideas clearly; and establish and maintain effective working relationships (internally and externally); and ability to lead, persuade, influence and negotiate with others to accomplish goals and objectives.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to analyze, communicate, comprehend, make decisions, possess general intelligence, interact, interpret, negotiate, possess numerical intelligence, organize, problem solve, have resilience and perform tasks. Physical work will need to be performed, such as driving, sitting, standing, talking, typing and walking. Repetitive movements will need to be performed such as simple grasping with one hand. Position will require visual demands of accommodation, depth perception and near acuity. Ability to withstand faint to moderate noise exposure for fifteen minutes or longer on an infrequent basis is required. Exposure to environmental conditions such as outdoor work is encountered in this position.

Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience

$147,521 - $200,000

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification