ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SEWER OPERATIONS

$84,216 - $111,349/Yr

City Of Worcester - Worcester, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Worcester, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The City of Worcester is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Assistant Director of Sewer Operations within the Department of Public Works & Parks. This full-time role is crucial for the maintenance and operation of the city's sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure, which includes pumping stations and engineering oversight. The Assistant Director will work closely under the direction of the Sewer Operations Director, playing a key role in ensuring the effective functioning of sewer services while minimizing flooding and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations set forth by state and federal authorities. Bilingual and multilingual candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. In this position, the Assistant Director will be responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and inspecting the work of employees involved in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the city's sewer systems. The role requires maintaining high standards for service, safety, and technology, as well as sound civil and sanitary engineering practices. The Assistant Director will assist with public records requests, plan and permit reviews, and other administrative tasks as assigned. Effective communication with other divisions and city departments is essential to ensure a collaborative approach to public works operations. The Assistant Director will also be tasked with identifying infrastructure deficiencies and developing mitigation and repair plans, either with in-house staff or external contractors. This includes developing policies and procedures for restoring sewer services, managing flood mitigation efforts, and addressing sewer blockages and pipeline failures. The role demands a proactive approach to safety, requiring the Assistant Director to observe personnel at work and ensure compliance with safe working conditions. Participation in staff and vendor meetings, as well as neighborhood meetings, is also a key component of this position, ensuring that community concerns are addressed and that the department remains responsive to public needs.

Responsibilities

• Organize, assign, supervise, and inspect the work of assigned employees involved in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's sanitary and stormwater systems.
• Maintain standards for service, safety, technology, and sound civil/sanitary engineering through daily, weekly, and long-term operational policies and practices.
• Assist the Director of Sewer Operations with public records requests, plan review, permit review, applications for service, and other office-related tasks as assigned.
• Maintain professional and productive communication between other DWP&P Divisions and outside City departments.
• Make recommendations for capital equipment purchases, operational budget management, and consult with senior DPW&P administration for capital system updates.
• Identify infrastructure deficiencies that limit the ability of the Division to carry out its service-based mission and develop mitigation and repair plans with in-house staff or contractors as needed.
• Develop policies and procedures for restoring loss of sewer service, flood mitigation, pumping station failures, sewer blockages, and pipeline collapses.
• Apply the principles and practices of sanitary engineering to the day-to-day operations of the sewer system.
• Receive, investigate, and follow through on complaints from the general public.
• Observe personnel at work to ensure safe working conditions and take action to correct unsafe work procedures.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, vendor meetings, and neighborhood meetings.
• Follow and adhere to department or City government rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Direct, assist, instruct, and train operational staff in the safe and professional operation of the City's sanitary and stormwater systems.
• Follow progress of work, check efficiencies of employees, and make recommendations to the Director for personnel adjustments as necessary to obtain proper flow of work and optimum performance.
• Anticipate or investigate causes of delay or inadequate performance and take corrective measures.
• Make recommendations for improvements in procedures or methods to increase effectiveness and reduce costs.
• Maintain discipline, morale, and harmonious personnel relations.
• Handle complaints and grievances within limits of established policy.
• Assist with rating and evaluating employees' performance.
• Respond to emergency calls for repair of sanitary and stormwater equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and ten (10) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Valid driver's license.
• Seven (7) years of experience in sewer and stormwater systems and maintenance.
• Five (5) years of experience in sewer and stormwater pumping system design and construction.
• Five (5) years of experience in sewer and stormwater construction.
• Knowledge and experience with GIS and asset management systems.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Engineer-in-training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Five (5) years of direct managerial experience.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in a municipal setting.
• Ten (10) years of experience working with sewer and stormwater systems.
• Massachusetts Voluntary Certification program for Wastewater Collection Systems Operator (Grade IV).
• Knowledge of combined systems and treatment systems.
• MS4 permitting and compliance.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.