Description

Nature of Work

The purpose of this job is to oversee the various divisions responsible for long-range planning, drinking water treatment, operations, and capital and operating budgets for the potable Water Utility. Responds to media inquiries regarding the Water Utility. Provides leadership and oversight dedicated to providing safe, high quality drinking water. Ensures that overall operations effectively manage water infrastructure assets and properly plan via industry accepted asset management practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides leadership and management oversight of the Grand Rapids Water System
• Provides high level program and project oversight
• Performs operational review, management, reporting and oversight (meeting with mid-level managers, guidance with addressing issues and problems including regulatory matters, Key Performance Indicator review, Monthly Operating Report review, etc.)
• Ensures and maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Provides revenue and expenditure analysis
• Leads and participates in rate and policy development, review and implementation
• Manages utility emergencies and critical events or issues; Leads regular emergency planning and preparation exercises
• Provides input, approves and presents capital and operating budgets for the utility
• Responds or oversees response to media inquiries
• Prepares and presents budget; tracks budget and makes budget reports during the year
• Oversees various Water Divisions; hires supervisory staff for divisions and fills vacant positions
• Engages and collaborates with the community partners while representing the City on the Utility Advisory Board
• Provides long range planning and risk assessments of infrastructure and operations
• Leads and manages staff in community outreach and engagement practices across various platforms
• Collaborates with and supports other Departments on special programs and projects
• Performs related work as required

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or a related field

--AND--

Eight (8) years of experience in drinking water treatment, operations and maintenance

--AND--

Five (5) years of supervisory and management experience of a municipal drinking water system and/or drinking water treatment plant

--OR--

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required License

• State of Michigan S-1 or F-1 Drinking Water Operator License or the ability to obtain one from the State of Michigan through their Reciprocity Program guidelines 

Preferred License

• Professional Engineer