DWM Watershed Management, Deputy Commissioner (Office of Watershed Protection)

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

2d•$129,798 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Commissioner of Watershed Protection serves as a key member of the Department of Watershed Management's executive leadership team and reports directly to the Commissioner of Watershed Management. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and administrative direction for the Office of Watershed Protection, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations while protecting public health, water quality, and natural resources throughout the City of Atlanta. The Deputy Commissioner directs all Watershed Protection programs through subordinate directors, managers, and professional staff and is responsible for planning, organizing, and administering regulatory compliance, environmental protection, stormwater management, stream protection, industrial pretreatment, fats, oils and grease (FOG) compliance, environmental monitoring, watershed investigations, consent decree obligations, public education, and related environmental initiatives. The position develops strategic initiatives, establishes operational priorities, oversees budgets and personnel, coordinates intergovernmental partnerships, and ensures the efficient and effective delivery of watershed protection services that support the Department's mission and regulatory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering required.
Twelve (12) or more years of leadership experience within a large utility, public works agency, environmental organization, regulated water utility, or related field.
Georgia registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) required.
Possession of a valid Georgia Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Environmental Management, Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
Executive leadership experience within a large municipal utility, public works agency, environmental organization, or regulated water utility.
Experience managing EPA Consent Decree programs and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Experience overseeing large-scale environmental, stormwater, or watershed protection programs.
Demonstrated success in organizational transformation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Professional Engineer (PE)
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification
Other applicable environmental or regulatory certifications

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Office of Watershed Protection, including all environmental compliance, stormwater, stream protection, watershed assessment, industrial pretreatment, FOG, environmental monitoring, and regulatory programs.
Directs the development and implementation of policies, procedures, strategic plans, and operational initiatives that support watershed protection objectives and regulatory compliance requirements.
Ensures compliance with applicable regulations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Clean Water Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits, Consent Decree requirements, and other environmental mandates.
Oversee the administration and enforcement of watershed protection ordinances, environmental regulations, and compliance programs throughout the City of Atlanta.
Provides leadership for stormwater management programs, stream protection initiatives, illicit discharge detection and elimination efforts, watershed assessments, and environmental restoration projects.
Directs industrial pretreatment and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) compliance programs to protect wastewater infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance.
Oversee environmental investigations, inspections, monitoring, enforcement activities, and compliance reporting.
Develops and administers annual operating and capital budgets for the Office of Watershed Protection and ensures responsible stewardship of public resources.
Establishes performance measures, operational objectives, and key performance indicators to evaluate program effectiveness and organizational performance.
Collaborates with Engineering, Consent Decree, Infrastructure Operations, Water Reclamation Centers, Customer Service, and other DWM offices to support departmental goals and initiatives.
Provides executive oversight for emergency response activities involving environmental incidents, sanitary sewer overflows, stormwater emergencies, and water quality concerns.
Represents the Department before the Mayor, City Council, regulatory agencies, community organizations, neighborhood groups, business stakeholders, and the public.
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with federal, state, regional, and local regulatory agencies and environmental organizations.
Leads organizational development efforts, workforce planning, succession planning, and professional development initiatives for Watershed Protection staff.
Oversee procurement, contracts, grants, intergovernmental agreements, and consultant services related to watershed protection programs and projects.
Directs the preparation and presentation of technical reports, regulatory submissions, environmental assessments, and executive briefings.
Evaluates organizational effectiveness and implements continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
Makes executive decisions impacting environmental compliance, public safety, watershed protection, and departmental operations.
May work beyond forty (40) hours per week as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned.