Water Infrastructure Division Manager

Senior managerial leadership position responsible for the strategic oversight, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of the City’s comprehensive water infrastructure systems. This includes water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution, sanitary sewer, stormwater systems, pump and lift stations, and associated facilities. Ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable delivery of essential water services to the community, while aligning operations with long-term capital planning, environmental regulations, and public policy goals.

This position reports directly to the Public Works Director and collaborates closely with the City Manager, City Commission, regulatory agencies, commercial and industrial entities and the public.

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management: (50%)

• Leads the planning, integration, and performance of all water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure systems.
• Develops and implements long-range capital improvement plans and asset management strategies.
• Represents the City in regional and state-level water policy discussions and regulatory forums.
• Acts as Public Works Director in the Director’s absence or through official representation at City Commission meetings, Neighborhood Council meetings and other City municipal meetings.

Operational Oversight: (15%)

• Serves as the City’s Responsible Operator in Charge for water treatment and pump station facilities.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of water and wastewater utilities, processes, personnel, and infrastructure
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.

Team Leadership: (10%)

• Leads and develops a diverse team of union and non-union staff.
• Leads and mentors Branch Managers for career progression, including leadership, management, technical and regulatory knowledge and capabilities.
• Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, root cause analysis, and continuous process improvement.
• When tasked by the Public Works Director, provides informal authority for collaborative teams consisting of more than one Division and/or Department.

Contract & Vendor Management: (10%)

• Administers and evaluates performance of third-party wastewater treatment contractors.
• Ensures service-level agreements are met and operational standards are maintained.

Budgeting & Resource Management: (10%)

• Develops and manages multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets.
• Oversees procurement, fleet, equipment, and facility management for the division.

Public & Intergovernmental Engagement: (5%)

• Serves as a key liaison to the City Commission, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Communicates technical and policy issues clearly to non-technical audiences.

• Responds to public and other inquiries related to engineering policies and procedures in a courteous and timely manner.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in water/wastewater utility management, or similar plant operations (such as oil refineries, auto manufacturing plants, steel manufacturing facilities, communication utilities, energy utilities, etc.), with at least 5 years in a senior supervisory role.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Either of the following (both are preferred):

• Water and Wastewater certification:
  1. Montana Class 1B Water Treatment Plant Operator’s License (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
  2. Montana Class 1C Wastewater Operator’s Certification (preferred or ability to obtain within 3 years of hire).
• Licensed in Montana as a Professional Engineer for the State of Montana. Equivalent certification will be accepted; however, as a condition of continued employment, Montana certification must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.

• Possession of a valid Montana Driver’s License.

• Extensive knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure systems, and regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of similar and/or related systems (refineries, auto manufacturing plants, etc.) will also be considered.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, capital project management, and public sector operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex systems and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Substantial knowledge of budgeting, financial accounting, reporting, and management.
• Proficiency in using computer programs with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, and other web-based databases. Ability to stay current on technological systems and advances.
• Ability to create and deliver public presentations on Public Works programs and operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership, Management and Organizational Skills
• High Ethics
• Decision Making
• Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent Communication Skills (oral and written)
• Project Management
• Supervisory Skills
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Safety Focused
• Change Agent
• Understanding of City Policies and Procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position supervises the Utilities, Water Treatment and Environmental Branch Managers, in the Public Works Water Infrastructure Division which may include mentoring, developing and assigning workload, hiring, training, disciplinary measures, and mediating conflicts between employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office and industrial settings, with exposure to environmental hazards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform light physical work and to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a computer, office equipment and a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work week is Sunday through Saturday with work typically performed Monday through Friday. The 40-hour work schedule is a minimum weekly schedule. Frequent participation in evening Commission meetings may be required beyond the regular 40-hour work schedule. This position is exempt and ineligible for overtime.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel outside of the local area is required for training and interagency coordination.