Assistant Director, Austin Water Operations

Purpose:

Under nominal direction of the Deputy Director of Austin Water (AW), this position executes as the Chief Operating Officer for AW. This position is responsible for the management of operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water distribution, collection and treatment facilities, budget development and monitoring, short and long-range capital improvement project planning, water and wastewater master plans, rate studies, impact fee studies, and daily operations of the Operations and Maintenance Program area.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs assigned operational activities and assists the Director with planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's programs, projects, and policies.
• Assists in establishing the department’s strategic priorities and determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements within assigned divisions. Establishes performance expectations, facilitates management efforts, promotes accountability, and develops engagement and buy-in throughout all levels of the organization.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance organizational performance as well as threats/risks that could jeopardize the organization from a financial, regulatory, public confidence, or culture perspective.
• Prepares, coordinates, and reviews consent agendas and discussion reports for discussion with the Director and placement on the agenda.
• Meets with and provides briefings to the City Mayor, City Council, and other senior staff; attends Commission and Oversight meetings to facilitate and communicate regarding departmental related matters.
• Meets with citizens to discuss issues and problems that can be addressed and resolved by the department and works to create a culture of public confidence. Acts as a departmental representative and subject matter expert in interactions with the media and in support of the communications team.
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and promotes an organizational culture that delivers high performance results through an engaging, communicative, and collaborative approach.
• Provides technical support, direction, guidance, and mentoring to Utilities staff throughout the organization to promote employee engagement and improved organizational capabilities.
• Supports all AW Emergency Management and Incident Management Team functionality and responses during emergency activations, including serving as Incident Commander or Deputy Incident Commander.
• Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed. Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water, wastewater, and reclaimed systems and regulations.
• Knowledge of computer maintenance management systems.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in negotiations and…