Deputy Director of Operation & Maintenance

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District • Cleveland, OH

4d • $125,983 - $180,000

About The Position

Serves as a member of the executive leadership team and assists in directing wastewater treatment plants and collection system activities to ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of operational and maintenance practices. Oversees administration, planning, direction, and coordination of some or all of the following: Southerly Wastewater Treatment Center and Renewable Energy Facility; Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant; Westerly Wastewater Treatment Center; Maintenance Services, including operation and maintenance of the collection system and supporting departments; Process Control and Automation; and Emergency Management. Oversees department budgets, hiring, performance management, and other senior-level duties. Performs other duties of a similar nature as required.

The role develops and oversees operations and maintenance across wastewater treatment plants, the collection system, and auxiliary facilities; contributes to strategic goals and departmental direction; and establishes performance standards and operational plans that support regulatory compliance and safety. It oversees operating and minor capital budgets, planning, and recommendations for capital expenditures and purchases. The position evaluates operational data and processes, investigates improvements, leads change management, and builds collaboration across departments and with Engineering & Construction on capital projects.

The Deputy Director fosters teamwork, manages performance and staff issues, supports talent development and succession planning, and makes staffing recommendations. The position helps develop policies and procedures, maintains relationships with external organizations and regulatory and governmental agencies, and represents the Sewer District at national, community, and trade meetings. It also serves in the Sewer District incident command structure, oversees emergency responses, may act as incident commander, and guides emergency plans and drills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience operating, maintaining, and/or managing a utility, manufacturing facility, or similar operation.
• Experience managing budgets and cultural change, implementing process improvements and efficiency initiatives, and working with the general public, agencies, communities, and other external organizations.
• At least five years supervising, managing, and/or leading people, projects, and/or processes.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record meeting the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines.
• Knowledge of operating large-scale utilities or industrial facilities, strategic planning and implementation, and operation and maintenance administration.
• Effective written and verbal communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage projects, meet deadlines, and handle emergencies and difficult situations.
• Negotiation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and prioritize workloads based on available resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong team leadership and people-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous wastewater collection and/or treatment operation and maintenance experience.
• Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater or Collection System Operator certificate.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment applications, methods, and practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, the collection system, and auxiliary facilities.
• Contribute to Sewer District strategic goals and objectives and help set departmental strategic direction.
• Define department goals, prioritize resources, support KPI development and reporting, and establish performance standards and operational plans for compliance and safety.
• Oversee operating and minor capital budgets, ensure adherence, guide short- and long-term budget planning, and recommend capital expenditures and purchases.
• Analyze operational information, diagnose problems, evaluate alternatives and process quality, identify trends, and research methods to improve efficiency.
• Monitor wastewater industry developments and lead improvements to systems, processes, efficiency, and safety, including change management.
• Promote teamwork; address staff issues; conduct performance reviews; set goals; support talent development and succession planning; make staffing recommendations; and conduct grievance and disciplinary hearings as required.
• Assist in writing and implementing policies and procedures aligned with operational, maintenance, administrative, legal, regulatory, and financial requirements.
• Build cross-functional relationships and collaborate across Sewer District departments to improve processes and meet performance targets.
• Coordinate with Engineering & Construction on planning, design, construction, and commissioning of capital improvement projects to address operational and maintenance needs.
• Serve in roles within the Sewer District incident command structure, oversee emergency responses, act as incident commander when necessary, guide emergency plans, and participate in or develop crisis response drills.
• Develop partnerships with external organizations, regulatory agencies, and governmental agencies, and represent the Sewer District at national, community, and trade meetings.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement planning options through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free parking at facilities.
• Corporate discounts.
• Health and wellness program promoting life/work balance.

What This Job Offers

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