Utility Management Consultant-Municipal Technical Advisory Service (IPS)

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

209d

About The Position

The Utility Management Consultant for the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (IPS) at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga provides professional advice and technical assistance on a wide range of water or wastewater operations, finance, and management to city officials (elected and appointed), and their staff in all cities in the state of Tennessee. This role involves consulting and training on public safety issues regarding the Federal Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts. The consultant will assist Tennessee professional organizations and agencies such as the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association, Tennessee City Managers Association, Tennessee Municipal League, and the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical assistance to Tennessee municipal customers in water or wastewater issues, including plant optimization, troubleshooting, financial reviews, and mandatory reports to the Environmental Protection Agency and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The role also includes developing publications and training programs for water or wastewater applications, serving as an in-house expert to MTAS staff, and supporting municipal natural gas systems in areas such as rate reviews and pipeline management. Other special project work may be assigned by the Technical Consulting Program Manager, Assistant Director, or the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• Requires either TN Water Operation Grade IV license or Wastewater Grade IV license.
• At least five years of experience with extensive responsible administrative and supervisory experience in the operation of water or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge and ability to diagnose operational deficiencies/issues in a water or wastewater utility.
• Skills to offer proper corrective actions in a situation at a utility.
• Ability to create informative reports and reviews regarding operational and financial functions of a utility.
• Ability to recognize a potentially hazardous condition in either drinking water or wastewater operations.
• Ability to read and interpret federal or state regulations related to utility operations and management.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance to elected and appointed municipal officials and municipal staff.
• Advises and assists non-city clients such as elected and staff members of the Tennessee General Assembly and employees of state agencies.
• Offers professional advice and technical operational assistance to municipalities regarding their water or wastewater treatment needs.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with both elected and appointed city officials.
• Maintains an area of specialization and serves as the in-house expert to MTAS staff.
• Develops curriculum and provides training for Elected Officials and utility staff.
• Produces course materials and provides operator continuing education classes across the state.
• Researches, produces, and maintains publications and online references on critical issues regarding water, wastewater, or natural gas utilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree