Director Collection System Wastewater

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

10d • $95,664 - $114,797 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director Collection System Wastewater is a stand-alone leadership position in the City of Chattanooga’s Wastewater – Sewer Maintenance Department. The Director leads the strategic planning and operation of the City’s wastewater collection system, including more than 1,400 miles of sewer lines, manholes, and related infrastructure. The position provides executive oversight of collection system maintenance, infiltration and inflow reduction, sewer construction, capital improvements, asset management, system performance, and regulatory compliance.

The Director leads division staff and managers, sets operational policies and performance standards, develops short- and long-range goals, and oversees operating and capital budgets and major rehabilitation and replacement programs. The role represents the City in dealings with regulators, contractors, consultants, community groups, and other stakeholders, and may provide recommendations or testimony to City Council and regulatory bodies. The Director also supports the Wastewater Leadership Team, coordinates collection system improvements with treatment plant operations, and directs emergency response and operational readiness for system failures, overflows, and natural disasters.

The position is based at 455 Moccasin Bend Road, the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, though hours may vary based on assignments or projects. The position is exempt and is deemed essential during inclement weather; the employee may be required to report to or remain at work during administrative closings. Pre-employment screening includes a background check and HepB titer.

Requirements

• At least eight years of progressively responsible management experience in wastewater collection systems, including at least five years in a senior management role that includes managing managers, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Tennessee Grade II Collection System Certification, or ability to attain it within 18 months.
• Knowledge of managerial and leadership practices, public administration, property management, public relations, budgeting, contracts, strategic planning, sustainability, environmental and natural resources management, conservation, financial management, program administration, procurement, project management, construction, negotiations, customer service, applicable laws and regulations, and policy development.
• Skills in supervising and evaluating staff; assigning and prioritizing work; setting performance standards; analyzing operational and management issues; developing project plans and programs; building consensus; directing projects; performing mathematical calculations; and using spreadsheet, word processing, and database software.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational information, make program decisions, adapt to changing requirements, interpret and apply laws and policies, evaluate alternatives and consequences, negotiate, manage multiple tasks, collaborate with external agencies, and communicate effectively with staff, officials, community groups, the public, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to respond to inquiries and complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, and business communities, and to present information to administrators, the public, and boards.
• Ability to meet the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and to report to or remain at work during inclement-weather administrative closings when required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Tennessee Grade IV Collection System Certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Direct staff and subordinate managers, including assigning and prioritizing work, conducting evaluations, supporting training, maintaining a safe work environment, and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Lead division programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, and standards, and oversee daily work group activities.
• Oversee personnel matters, including staffing, hiring processes, employee actions, evaluations, discipline, salary administration, and employee relations in coordination with Human Resources.
• Communicate and collaborate with City departments, consultants, vendors, agencies, regulatory officials, and other stakeholders to coordinate work and resolve problems.
• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving and decision-making for operational issues; serve on the Wastewater Leadership Team and act for the Deputy Administrator when requested.
• Represent the City and Regional Wastewater System at meetings, public events, training sessions, committees, and other forums; manage division items on the City Council agenda and work with staff on external communications.
• Prepare, review, interpret, and analyze information, data, and reports; make recommendations and communicate findings to internal and external parties.
• Prepare or support resolutions, ordinances, requests for proposals, memoranda of understanding, and other documentation.
• Approve leave requests and interpret policies, rules, and procedures for staff.
• Develop policies, operating procedures, rules, regulations, work methods, and performance standards; recommend and implement improvements.
• Formulate short- and long-range goals and objectives and continuously evaluate staff procedures to improve operating efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement in safety, quality, and cost; represent City interests with suppliers and contractors when needed.
• Direct strategic planning and operations for the wastewater collection system, including maintenance, infiltration and inflow reduction, construction, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement collection system management strategies, long-range capital improvement plans, asset management programs, and system optimization initiatives.
• Oversee collection system operating and capital budgets and multi-million-dollar rehabilitation and replacement programs, including trenchless technology initiatives.
• Lead implementation of the smart sewer program and other technologies for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and system optimization; promote industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wastewater collection system regulations, including EPA and TDEC requirements; oversee the Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance program and Consent Decree obligations.
• Coordinate collection system improvements with the Director of Engineering and other division directors to support integrated system performance.
• Participate in regional planning and inter-jurisdictional agreements affecting collection system operations.
• Direct emergency response protocols for collection system failures, overflows, and natural disasters; maintain operational readiness and coordinate with City departments and external agencies during emergencies.
• Maintain relationships with professional organizations, regulators, and industry groups, and represent the City at state and national conferences and professional forums.
• Meet attendance requirements, maintain effective working relationships, complete essential functions in a timely manner with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible scheduling where possible.
• Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs for employees and their families.
• Access to a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for City employees.
• Professional development and upward mobility opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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