Sewer Operations Administrator

City of Des Moines•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the Sewer Maintenance Division, which is responsible for the overall operation of the city’s sewage collection system and administration of the City’s flood control plan. The role provides administrative oversight of sewer collection and conveyance activities. Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Works Director, with extensive leeway for independent judgment and initiative. The position supervises all employees within the Sewer Division during routine operations and emergency flood and snow operations, and requires effective working relationships with City employees, business and community groups, contractors, state and federal officials, media representatives, and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
Seven years of experience in public works operations in a management role, including emergency operations such as flood and snow events.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Must pass a post-employment-offer background check, physical examination, and drug screen.
Must be on call and respond to flood and ice/snow emergencies.
Submit college transcripts and applicable certifications by the application deadline.
Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must submit certified driving records by the application deadline.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of Iowa; preferred but not required.
Relevant graduate education may substitute for up to two years of required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Additional related experience in infrastructure management, utilities, transportation, or municipal services may be considered toward the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of Section Chiefs supervising TV, Construction, Cleaning, and Pump Station crews in sewer maintenance, repair, and construction.
Develop policies and procedures to improve Division efficiency and effectiveness and address sewer maintenance infrastructure needs.
Organize Division resources, develop equipment and materials specifications, requisition supplies, and coordinate maintenance.
Coordinate projects with City departments, contractors, state and federal agencies and monitoring officials, other governmental jurisdictions, and authorities.
Receive, investigate, and resolve public complaints.
Oversee emergency operations, including flood control, snow and ice removal, and emergency sewer repairs.
Oversee Division cost accounting and provide cost estimates for major planned and pending projects.
Provide operational status reports and recommendations for future development to the Sewer Enterprise Administrator.
Participate in personnel administration, including hiring, termination, grievance procedures, and employee training coordination.
Perform special projects as requested and provide information and demonstrations to new employees on work tasks.
Keep the immediate supervisor and designated others informed about work progress, potential problems, and possible improvements.
Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and review materials to stay current in assigned work areas.
Respond courteously and promptly to residents’ questions and comments.
Communicate and coordinate with others to support effective and efficient interdepartmental operations.
Perform related work as required.