Director of Water & Sewer Operations

Statement of Duties:

The Director of Water and Sewer Operations is in charge of field operations for both the Water and Sewer Divisions. The City of Somerville is a member community of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for both water and sewer. The Director is responsible for functioning of the City’s water distribution system and the quality of the City’s drinking water, ensuring it meets all guidelines and mandates of the MWRA, DEP, EPA, and other governmental agencies.

The position is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer, drainage and combined collection, conveyance and discharge systems, including compliance with MWRA, DEP, EPA, and other governmental agency permit requirements. The Director supervises employees directly or through subordinate Superintendents and Foremen in the performance of their duties.

This position is subject to 24-hour call.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Responsible for the continuous operations of water distribution and sewer and drainage collection systems serving approximately 15,000 customer accounts and approximately 80,000 constituents.
• Ensures public health and safety through the responsible provision of potable water and adequate fire protection and through the proper discharge of sewerage.
• Ensures compliance with all State, Federal, and local mandates and standards of operation and maintenance of a local water/sewer system.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Division and staff possess the proper licensure and for all proper reporting to the state for regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates field work and assignments of the Water and Sewer Divisions in collaboration with the Water Superintendent and the Sewer Superintendent. Reviews work schedules and deployment of equipment.
• Manages on-call contracts for execution of any work not self-performed by the Department. Works with the Procurement and Contract Services Division to bid and contract such services.
• Assists in recruitment, screening and orientation of new employees.
• Responsible for staff development, including training for job safety and obtaining required licenses in accordance with best industry practices and to reduce dependency on outside contractors.
• Develops and implements Standard Operating Procedures.
• Oversees the lead sampling program as mandated by Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA).
• Formulates written policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and ability to meet volatile conditions in the office and in the field.
• Assists in the development of annual budgets based on departmental goals and objectives and tracks annual spending against those budgets. Works as part of a team with the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Infrastructure & Asset Management, focused on proficient operation and maintenance in water and sewer systems.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree, in a directly related field, and ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of water distribution system and wastewater collection systems, four years of which were in a supervisory or management role; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions.

Special Requirements:

• Massachusetts Drinking Water License Grade 3 “In Full” preferred.
• Wastewater Collections Certificate Grade 4 is preferred but not required

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Excellent technical knowledge water and sewer infrastructure and treatment systems and best practices for aging urban environments.

Ability: Ability to work well independently and with teams; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability…