Austin Water Operations Manager (SCADA, I&C & Electrical Services)

City of Austin

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 – anchors in delivering 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. 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. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for the installation, maintenance, calibration, and optimization of instrumentation, control systems, and electrical infrastructure across water, wastewater, and industrial process control facilities. All functional areas, that include SCADA, Instrumentation & Control, and Electrical will report to this role. This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing mission critical systems that ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex operations in a highly regulated environment.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Appropriate Class "A" Water/Wastewater license from TCEQ or State of Texas Professional Engineers license.
• Program Area Responsibility for Advanced Technology and Smart Grid, Supervisory Control and Data, Acquisition, and Operational Support Services: No license required.

Nice To Haves

• Experienced State of Texas Master Electrician License within six (6) months of employment.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, must have the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six (6) months of employment.
• Experience successfully leading a multidiscipline team in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and optimization of instrumentation, control systems, and electrical infrastructure across water, wastewater, and industrial process control facilities.
• Experience with process control and SCADA systems, including experience with Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and/or Remoter Terminal Units (RTUs)
• Experience with iFIX, Telvent Oasys, Viejo Designer, Modicon Concept, and Schneider Unity Pro.
• Experience with industrial electrical medium voltage (5k-15kv)
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager