Director, Pumping Operations - (26-DDCS-815006-112)

DC Water•Washington, DC

58d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Pumping Operations is a senior-level leader responsible for strategic oversight, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance of all pumping systems within the water and wastewater utility. This role ensures the reliable movement of potable water, wastewater, and stormwater across the service area through effective management of pump stations, reservoirs, pressure regulating facilities, and force main systems. The Director, Pumping Operations leads a multidisciplinary team, manages complex infrastructure assets, and drives performance through innovation, preventative maintenance, and interdepartmental coordination.

Requirements

Ten years (10) of progressive experience related to the management and/or operation of water delivery and wastewater collection systems or similar operations, with five (5) years of experience in a senior and/or executive management role.
Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary field teams responsible for operating and maintaining mechanical and electrical systems in a utility environment.
Experience fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
A bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as stated below:
Master’s degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs), or
High school diploma or GED equivalency and 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs).
In-depth knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pump stations, booster stations, lift stations, force mains, and pressure regulating systems.
Hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical systems including motors, pumps, VFDs, control panels, and backup generators.
Strong understanding of SCADA systems, telemetry, remote monitoring, and PLC-based control systems.
Experience ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations such as the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) requirements, and MS4 permitting.
Familiarity with reporting, permit management, and environmental monitoring protocols.
Proven experience developing and implementing preventative and predictive maintenance programs using CMMS platforms (e.g., Cityworks, Maximo).
Background in condition assessment and reliability-centered maintenance strategies for pumping infrastructure.
Experience supporting or managing capital improvement projects for pump station upgrades, equipment standardization, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Ability to collaborate with engineering teams on technical specifications, design reviews, and commissioning processes.
Strong background in budget development, equipment procurement, vendor management, and cost control for large operational programs.
Experience managing third-party maintenance contracts and specialized service providers.
Skilled at cross-functional coordination with water distribution, wastewater collections, treatment, engineering, and emergency response teams.
Experience presenting operational updates, project statuses, and compliance summaries to senior leadership and regulatory bodies.
Proven track record of leveraging data to optimize maintenance schedules, reduce overflows, and extend asset life.
Demonstrated ability to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to organizational priorities.
Experience managing labor relations including union negotiations and performance management.
Must possess and maintain current or acquire within 18 months from the date of hire, ABC certification, Distribution Systems Operator IV, Collection Systems Operator IV or equivalent MD or VA certification.
English
General office conditions

Responsibilities

Oversees the development and implementation of control measures to ensure the safety of the environment and the public through strict compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations—including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, MS4 Permit, NPDES Permit, and requirements from governing bodies in Maryland and Virginia associated with the operation of the Potomac Interceptor.
Authorizes and signs official compliance reports on behalf of DC Water, bearing legal responsibility for regulatory submissions.
Assists with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), ensuring effective pollution control beyond the plant boundaries as part of interceptor system management.
Monitors and reports potable water loss in the distribution system and the daily combined sewer flow into the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Coordinates activities associated with SCADA and process control systems for the water distribution, wastewater, and stormwater collection systems.
Directs staff in the coordination of outages, construction projects, control assignments, and maintenance activities at the Washington Aqueduct to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water.
Ensures the operational integrity and performance of specialized infrastructure assets such as Fabridams, reservoirs, pump stations, tanks, and the Potomac Interceptor.
Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements specific to pumping operations and system rehabilitation.
Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for assets such as pump stations, reservoirs, tanks, and pipelines.
Leads comprehensive asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity.
Oversees operational and process analysis for water, sewer, and stormwater pumping systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technological advancements.
Directs the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring systems) to improve operational resilience, performance, and sustainability.
Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including oversight of expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources.
Tracks emerging regulations, industry practices, and policy changes to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and operational strategy.
Manages the operational execution of emergency contractors and construction teams during system failures, infrastructure repairs, or planned interventions.
Oversees long-term planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and program goal setting for pumping operations.
Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure planning and operational integration.
Leads and implements operational improvements that enhance system reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies and innovative practices to strengthen system performance and resilience.
Monitors regulatory changes and industry developments to ensure proactive compliance and inform operational planning.
Participates in executive-level planning and decision-making to align sewer initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy.
Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining continuity of service.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations.
Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the department.
Responsible for the success of the department and monitors and evaluates the progress of the department toward meeting goals, and makes adjusts in objectives, work plans, schedules, and commitment of resources.