Division Director of Water and Sewer Utilities

Frederick County Government•Division of Water & Sewer Utilities - Frederick, MD

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) plays a vital role in supporting Frederick County’s infrastructure by ensuring residents have access to safe, clean drinking water and dependable wastewater services. Through responsible management and environmental stewardship, the Division works to protect the County’s natural resources while maintaining essential public services. The Division’s work is carried out across five departments and one support office, which provide services in water purification and distribution, wastewater treatment and disposal, regulatory compliance, system maintenance, engineering and planning, and water and sewer billing. This position manages all operations related to the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) and is responsible for the development and administration of programs related to the operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems and infrastructure. Ensures compliance with local code and ordinances, as well as state and federal regulations regarding land, air, and water. Prepares and administers budget of all departments within the division. Interacts with various levels of outside parties, including residents and elected officials. Manages Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds and administers the Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Program. Supervision is received from the Chief Financial Officer. This position serves at the pleasure of the County Executive. Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Requirements

Bachelors' degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of management experience working in the operation or engineering of water or wastewater treatment systems, which must include (experience areas may be concurrent)
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience
Minimum of 3 years of budget experience
Possession of a valid driver's license
Master’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field with 8 years of work experience as described above with at least 5 years of work experience supervising or managing staff and 3 years budget experience.
Extensive knowledge of water and sewer utility infrastructure, including treatment plants, pumping stations, storage tanks, transmission mains, and sanitary sewer interceptors
Extensive knowledge of the water and wastewater industries, including regulatory, technical, laboratory, and environmental compliance requirements
Extensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to water and wastewater treatment processes
Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, ordinances, and safety requirements governing water and sewer utilities
Extensive knowledge of hazards common to water and sewer operations and the ability to apply appropriate safety measures
Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles
Extensive knowledge of public administration, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures
Extensive knowledge of budget development, financial analysis, water and sewer rate modeling and fiscal management for complex operating and capital programs
Extensive knowledge of procurement practices, including bid preparation, proposal evaluation, and contract administration
Advanced skill in program development, including designing, staffing, and implementing new operational and strategic initiatives
Advanced skill in supervision, leadership, employee coaching, performance management, and administering disciplinary actions
Advanced skill in preparing, reviewing, and presenting complex reports, memoranda, and recommendations to executive leadership and elected officials
Advanced skill in conducting public hearings, public meetings, and processes involving updates to ordinances, rules, and regulations
Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Ability to assess operational data, identify irregularities, determine causes, and take appropriate corrective action in water and wastewater systems
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, schematics, and process/instrumentation diagrams, and utilize required technology, software, and equipment safely and effectively

Nice To Haves

Related management experience at the local government level and/or private-sector management experience with similar professional and technical diversity and organization size

Responsibilities

Lead with innovation by staying current on industry standards and best practices, incorporating emerging trends and evidence-based approaches into Division planning
Develop, execute, and modify the Division’s Strategic Plan and set the overall direction for the Division through prioritizing projects; provide long and short-range goals and plans for program departments
Plan, coordinate, and supervise the overall operation of the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities
Review, approve, and prepare Division staff memoranda for presentation to the County Executive, Chief Financial Officer, or Elected Officials
Develop and implement policies, procedures, or standards related to Water and Sewer Utilities operations and safety
Provide technical advice and assistance to the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Financial Officer on utilities-related matters
Collaborate with the County Attorney on legislative and regulatory changes, contract disputes, litigation matters, and enforcement actions
Coordinate with public, State, and Federal agencies on project development, permitting, and funding activities
Respond to constituent and customer inquiries and resolve complaints involving water, or wastewater
Oversee Capital Improvement Program (CIP) activities, including project planning, monitoring, and approving contract change orders within delegated authority limits
Update the Water and Sewer Rules, Regulations, and related County ordinances through a public hearing process
Prepare agreements, memoranda of understanding, contracts, property leases or purchases in collaboration with the County Attorney
Prepare, review, and administer the annual operating and capital budgets and the capital improvement program, and account for the expenditure of funds
Using an outcomes-based budgeting approach guide, oversee the development and monitoring of the Operating and Capital Budgets, present to the County Executive and the County Council
Assist with drafting bid documents, reviewing proposals, and recommending contract awards for chemicals, services, and capital improvement projects
Establish new programs and staff them, including initiatives such as Asset Management and Cross-connection Control
Provide comprehensive leadership over all personnel management functions, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and promoting staff; maintain required records, ensure accurate payroll and timekeeping, monitor staffing needs, and direct professional development to support a high-performing workforce
Create and maintain relationships with local and County agencies and Federal and State regulatory agencies
Participate in regulatory and professional groups and peer utility organizations
Represent Frederick County Division of Water and Sewer Utilities, Frederick County Government and the County Executive to civic groups, committees, boards, organizations and other groups; attend meetings and conferences and make public presentations
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices within the Division; confer with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Office to identify and execute strategies to ensure that all programs are designed and delivered using equitable practices; communicate values and expectations to management staff through policy creation, practice, and guidance; identify mechanism to monitor and evaluate efforts
Perform other related duties as required

Benefits

clothing allowance
professional organization membership dues
11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options
generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan)
Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Vesting after 5 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Legal Resources
Supplemental Life Insurance
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan