Director Engineering Wastewater

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

6d • $93,788 - $131,303 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking a Director Engineering Wastewater to lead their Wastewater Engineering, Sewer Maintenance, and Infiltration and Inflow (I & I) teams. This role is crucial for managing and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for the Interceptor Sewer System, Combined Sewer System, and Sanitary Sewer Overflows. The Director will review and approve consultant sanitary sewer projects, develop departmental policies and procedures, and formulate long- and short-range goals for operational efficiency. This position also involves preparing and implementing annual operating and capital improvement budgets, evaluating staff procedures, and interpreting rules and policies. Additionally, the Director will coordinate emergency preparedness, supervise lower-level wastewater utility staff, and manage the day-to-day activities of the Regional Wastewater Engineering and Collection System, including capital projects and Consent Decree projects. The role also includes participating in the City’s Environmental Protection Agency Consent Decree program, providing guidance on innovative technology projects like the smart sewer program, forecasting and preparing utility budgets, and representing the City at various meetings and events. The Director will also prepare, review, interpret, and analyze data and reports, and serve as a technical authority for engineering projects and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in civil, environmental, mechanical or chemical engineering or a related field.
• Six (6) years progressively responsible management experience in an engineering department focused on wastewater collection and treatment facilities.
• Five (5) years in a supervisory position.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee or the ability to obtain by reciprocity from another state within six (6) months of starting the job.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of grant writing.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles.
• Knowledge of program management and development including supervisory principles.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of vendor management principles.
• Proficiency with personal computer, Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies and business community.
• Ability to exercise independent and decisive judgment.
• Ability to make presentations to administrators, public and boards.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer License must be issued in the State of Tennessee.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Wastewater Engineering, Sewer Maintenance, and Infiltration and Inflow (I & I) teams.
• Manage and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements for the Interceptor Sewer System, Combined Sewer System, and Sanitary Sewer Overflows.
• Provide review and approval on behalf of the City for consultants’ sanitary sewer projects, ensuring they meet City and State of Tennessee design requirements.
• Perform departmental managerial duties, including developing policies, operating procedures, rules, regulations, and work methods, and making recommendations for their improvement.
• Formulate long- and short-range goals and objectives for better operating efficiency.
• Assist with preparing and implementing the annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Evaluate staff procedures on a continuous basis; recommend and implement improvements where necessary.
• Interpret rules, policies, and procedures for staff members.
• Assist in coordinating and preplanning emergencies with departmental personnel and various governmental departments/agencies.
• Supervise lower-level wastewater utility staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, ensuring staff training, ensuring policy adherence, maintaining a healthy and safe working environment, and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Approve leave requests.
• Manage the day-to-day activities and operations of the Regional Wastewater Engineering and Collection System, including capital projects, Consent Decree projects, developing, planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, long and short-term strategic planning, and/or service offerings.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.
• Perform activities for the City’s Environmental Protection Agency Consent Decree program, including correspondence, reports, negotiations, meetings, plans review, and monitoring project progress.
• Prepare and evaluate specifications and requests for proposals for related capital projects, equipment, and services.
• Provide guidance, input and recommendations for innovative technology projects, including the City’s smart sewer program.
• Forecast and assist in preparing various utility budgets; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; prepare and submit justifications for budget items; evaluate, monitor and control expenditures.
• Represent the City and/or the Regional Wastewater System at internal and/or external meetings, public events, training sessions, on committees, and/or other related events or groups.
• Prepare, review, interpret and analyze a variety of information, data and reports; make recommendations based on findings; communicate pertinent information to internal and external parties.
• Participate in developing and administering the division budget; approve expenditures; review financial statements.
• Serve as a technical authority for engineering projects and/or systems.
• Manage a variety of different professionals such as engineers of Treatment Plant processes, pump stations, collection system, system modeling engineer, and environmental issues pertaining to sewage flows and treatment, and GIS analyst to maintain asset inventory.
• Oversee work toward Zero Net Energy for the wastewater system.
• Provide Consent Decree coordination with Consent Decree Program Manager including Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) and Projects to ensure Consent Decree compliance.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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