Director, Sewer Operations - (25-SS-814000-154)

OverviewThe Director, Sewer Operations is a senior-level leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the wastewater collection system. This position directs all field operations, maintenance, emergency response, and capital planning related to sewer infrastructure. The Director ensures safe, efficient and environmentally compliant delivery of wastewater services to the community while promoting workforce development, asset stewardship, and interdepartmental collaboration.Who We Are & What We DoAt DC Water, we provide essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services to residents and visitors in the District of Columbia and wholesale customers in surrounding jurisdictions. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesOversees the development and implementation of control measures to ensure environmental and public safety, complying with federal, state, and local regulations (including the Clean Water Act, MS4 Permit, NPDES Permit, and requirements from Maryland and Virginia for the Potomac Interceptor).Authorizes and signs official compliance reports on behalf of DC Water, bearing legal responsibility for regulatory submissions.Oversees implementation of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and interceptor system management.Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements related to sewer operations and system rehabilitation.Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for sewer and stormwater assets.Leads asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity.Oversees operational and process analysis to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technology.Directs evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring) to improve resilience and performance.Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources.Tracks regulatory changes and industry practices to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and strategy.Manages emergency contractor and construction team operations during failures, repairs, or planned interventions.Oversees long-term planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and program goals for sewer operations.Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders for infrastructure planning and operational integration.Leads operational improvements to 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 planning.Participates in executive planning to align sewer initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy.Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining service continuity.Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesProvides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the department. Responsible for the department’s success and for monitoring and evaluating progress toward goals, adjusting objectives, work plans, schedules, and resource commitments as needed.Key Working RelationshipsInteracts with senior Authority and Board officials. Attends meetings within the Authority, with Federal and private agencies, and with District of Columbia Government departments. Represents the Authority at community meetings and addresses issues from the public.Required Skills & QualificationsRequired Experience: Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience leading wastewater collection system operations with five (5) years in a senior/executive management role. Proven ability to lead large, diverse field operation teams and to drive organizational change and accountability.Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in civil/environmental engineering, water resources management, environmental science, public administration, business management, or a closely related field, with substantial professional experience in sewer system operations, maintenance, or utility management. An equivalent combination of education, certifications, and experience may be accepted.Required Skills:In-depth knowledge of sanitary sewer systems including gravity mains, force mains, lift stations, and manhole infrastructureHands-on experience with inflow and infiltration control, sewer cleaning, root control, emergency response, and bypass managementFamiliarity with CMOM, NPDES, and MS4 permit requirementsExperience developing and implementing asset management programs for sewer infrastructure, including risk-based prioritization and condition assessmentsUnderstanding of environmental compliance standards, including CSO reporting and mitigationExperience preparing regulatory submittals and working with state/federal agencies; able to respond to consent decrees or enforcement actionsFamiliarity with CMMS platforms (e.g., Cityworks, Maximo), flow monitoring, GIS, and SCADA systemsProven ability to use data to optimize maintenance, reduce overflows, and extend asset lifeAbility to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to prioritiesOversight of multi-million-dollar operating budgets, procurement, and vendor managementExperience managing labor relations including union negotiationsRequired Licenses & Certifications: N/ARequired Languages: EnglishPhysical Requirements: General office conditionsPreferred Skills & QualificationsPreferred Experience: N/APreferred Education Requirements: N/APreferred Skills: N/A* The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential responsibilities.Your Experience at DC WaterAt DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. We aim to attract thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s resources in the nation’s capital.Employee Benefits & CultureTake pride in your work. We provide essential services and opportunities to make a difference for the environment and community.Connect to a strong culture. Our values include accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that celebrates diversity and individual contributions.Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce.We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed for the application or interview process or to perform essential duties, please email . #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06