Deputy Commissioner, Engineering

About the position

This is Deputy Commissioner level administrative and engineering work directing the activities of the Water Department's Engineering Division. The Engineering Division consists of 340+ engineers, engineering technicians, and administrative support staff. The Deputy Commissioner of Water Engineering is responsible for strategic leadership and direction overseeing the department's $800 million annual capital program through engineering design, construction, and related technical and administrative services. The role involves developing and implementing the Department's capital improvement program strategies that ensure the City's water and wastewater infrastructure is designed, renewed/rehabilitated, and improved to meet regulatory requirements, environmental sustainability goals, and operational efficiency. The position requires frequent collaboration with other divisions, City departments, external governmental agencies, contractors, and consultants to coordinate large-scale water engineering initiatives. The employee in this class reports directly to the Water First Deputy Commissioner and provides high-level leadership in guiding the division's objectives and projects. Reporting to this position are multiple Water Engineering Assistant Managers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams through subordinate engineering managers, ensuring efficiency, compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for large-scale water infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, pipelines, and wastewater and stormwater control initiatives.
• Confidently and competently represent PWD's Division of Engineering in public forums and working groups.
• Support a collaborative relationship with Department divisions.
• Develop and implement divisional goals and objectives, aligning them with department-wide priorities and environmental sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with other City departments, governmental agencies, and utility providers to coordinate division activities and resolve engineering challenges.
• Develop and manage divisional operating and capital budgets, reviewing financial proposals and justifying funding requests.
• Establish, review, and revise divisional policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness and compliance with evolving regulations.
• Track project delivery through design and construction to ensure timely and on-budget execution.
• Direct the organizational structure and workflow of the division, defining key responsibility areas for managers and staff.
• Analyze and evaluate the performance of division operations, identifying areas for process improvement and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with First Deputy, Assistant Deputies and Deputy Commissioner of Finance to link daily operations to strategic regulatory goals and capital needs.
• Provide high-level administrative guidance for complex engineering projects, ensuring proper resource allocation and adherence to project timelines.
• Participate in the formulation of regional policies that impact water and wastewater systems.
• Operate an effective, responsible and accountable Division that can attract and retain top talent.
• Work to innovate and implement best practices that service the evolving needs of the Department/Division.
• Manage a team of engineers and construction inspectors to plan, design and build distributed and facility-based water and sewer infrastructure.
• Oversee in-house and consultant led planning, design and construction projects.
• Develop and implement a process for monitoring and adjusting project prioritization.
• Develop a robust performance management program that aligns with the mission, vision and strategic goals of the department.
• Implement best management practices for all facets of project management.
• Identify and develop reports that facilitate communication with executive staff.
• Develop and implement letting schedules in coordination with project managers and the Finance Division.
• Manage the public works bidding process in accordance with all City, State and Federal requirements.
• Transition projects from Final Design to Construction Start in a timely and effective manner.
• Provide guidance for Utility Records and Infrastructure Protection, including PA OneCall, Act 537, Sewer Connection, Water Records and Geographic Information Systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Engineering. Bachelor's degree in Water Resource Engineering is preferred or a Master's Degree in Water Engineering, Engineering, or Public Administration.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) as issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers or the ability to attain one via reciprocity prior to appointment to the position.
• At least nine years of engineering experience, with at least two years of administrative and engineering work in directing complex utility or public works organizations or departments.
• Experience in design engineering, construction management, capital program administration.
• Experience in planning and research, development services, green stormwater infrastructure, watersheds management and/or laboratory services.
• Experience in treatment of water for consumption and fire protection, the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant, or a pollution control plant.
• Experience in delivery of water for consumption and fire protection, the operation and maintenance of a water conveyance system.

Nice-to-haves

• At least 5 years of experience working for a public sector Water or Wastewater Utility in an engineering capacity, with at least 2 years of administrative experience managing engineering design or construction management and/or inspection.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offering eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships with partnerships from local colleges and universities.