Director of Operations

Overview

Clean water. Quality life.
At Eagle River Water & Sanitation District, our work matters every day. We deliver essential water and wastewater services that protect public health, safeguard the environment, and support the vitality of our mountain community.

We are hiring a Director of Operations to provide leadership and strategic vision across the District’s core operational functions—Water, Wastewater, Field Operations, and Operational Technology Services. This role brings people, systems, and priorities together to deliver safe, reliable service while advancing organizational goals.

Why work for us?
This is a chance to help shape what comes next. As Director of Operations, you’ll lead efforts to improve efficiency, optimize systems, and strengthen operational resilience—positioning the District to meet future demands with confidence. You’ll work alongside an experienced, mission-driven team to drive continuous improvement, modernize how we operate, and make a lasting impact, supported by a strong culture and excellent benefits.

LEADERSHIP & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: Guide and develop leadership across operational departments (Water, Wastewater, Field Operations, Operational Technology Services) through manager direct reports. Establish and implement organizational goals and strategies, monitor performance metrics, ensure accountability at all levels, and champion employee development and succession planning. Work in close partnership with the General Manager and fellow Directors to align division priorities and advance organizational strategy.

VISION & STRATEGY: Shape and communicate a clear long-term vision for operations, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, and organizational priorities. Build consensus across departments and drive cross-departmental collaboration on complex initiatives. Support the development of long-term capital planning, asset management strategies. Direct regulatory compliance roadmaps, ensuring departmental work plans emphasize accountability, engagement, safety, and fiscal responsibility.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Ensure organizational readiness and resilience through emergency preparedness and cross-functional alignment. Drive optimization and efficiency initiatives across the organization, ensuring regulatory compliance, resource allocation, and priority setting are coordinated at the organizational level. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing teams with the support, tools, and guidance necessary to succeed.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Direct the District’s compliance strategy with all federal, state, and local requirements for drinking water, wastewater, distribution, and collection systems (Regulations 11, 31, 100, etc.). Develop and execute readiness strategies for operational coordination with CDPHE officials during sanitary surveys, compliance inspections, and certification processes. Collaborate with Managers and fellow Directors to integrate regulatory requirements into planning, operations, and capital projects, balancing finances, risk, and system resilience.

REPORTING: Oversee development and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports for the General Manager and Boards of Directors, ensuring key metrics and performance are clearly communicated. Provide regulatory reporting and documentation required by state and federal agencies, coordinating with managers to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Develop memos and presentations that translate technical and regulatory information into strategic insight.

PROJECT & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT: Provide operational input into project delivery by supporting the development of long-term master plans and capital improvement programs. Partner with directors to prioritize investments, align resources with organizational goals, and ensure all engagements support sustainable, cost-effective outcomes.

FISCAL STEWARDSHIP: Lead development of the Operations Division operations and maintenance (O&M), and capital replacement budgets with a focus on robust maintenance programs, resiliency, and organizational priorities. Align divisional long-term capital needs that address regulatory…