Director, Water Operations - (25-WS-813000-353) jobs in United States
cer-icon
Apply on Employer Site
company-logo

DC Water · 4 months ago

Director, Water Operations - (25-WS-813000-353)

DC Water is responsible for providing essential water services to over 700,000 residents in the District of Columbia. The Director, Water Operations is a senior-level leader tasked with overseeing the strategic direction, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the water distribution system, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of potable water while promoting workforce development and interdepartmental collaboration.

Environmental ConsultingRecyclingWater
check
Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Oversees the development and implementation of repair and maintenance and asset management programs specific to potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure (e.g., water mains, valves, hydrants) to ensure the health and safety of the public through strict compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations—including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements specific to potable water operations and system rehabilitation
Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure assets
Leads comprehensive asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity
Oversees operational and process analysis for potable water systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technological advancements
Directs the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring systems) to improve operational resilience, performance, and sustainability
Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including oversight of expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources
Tracks emerging regulations, industry practices, and policy changes to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and operational strategy
Manages the operational execution of emergency contractors and construction teams during system failures, infrastructure repairs, or planned interventions
Oversees long-term planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and program goal setting for water operations
Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure planning and operational integration
Leads and implements operational improvements that enhance system reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability
Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies and innovative practices to strengthen system performance and resilience
Monitors regulatory changes and industry developments to ensure proactive compliance and inform operational planning
Participates in executive-level planning and decision-making to align water initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy
Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining continuity of service
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations

Qualification

Water distribution systemsRegulatory complianceSCADA systemsPreventive maintenanceCapital planningBudget managementLabor relationsCost efficiencyTeam cultureInnovation strategiesEnglishLeadershipCommunicationProblem solvingCollaboration

Required

Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience leading water utility operations with five (5) years of experience in a senior and/or executive management role
Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary field operations teams
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, foster team culture and implement accountability frameworks
Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering, water resources management, environmental science, public administration, business management, or a closely related field, with substantial professional experience in water transmission and distribution system operations and management OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as stated below:
Master's degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs), or
High school diploma or GED equivalency and 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs)
Thorough understanding of water distribution systems including valve and hydrant programs, leak detection, main repairs, meter maintenance, and system pressure management
Experience overseeing regulatory compliance and achieving water quality targets
Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS asset management platforms and CMMS tools
Development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs
Background in long-range capital planning and asset lifecycle management
Oversight of multi-million-dollar operation budgets, procurement and vendor management
Experience managing labor relations including union negotiations and performance management
Demonstrated ability to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to organizational priorities
Led or participated in the deployment of smart water technologies, AMI systems or digital twins
Familiarity with innovation strategies in the water sector, such as non-revenue water reduction and resilience planning
English

Company

DC Water

twittertwittertwitter
company-logo
DC Water provides drinking water and wastewater services to residents of Columbia.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

leader-logo
David L. Gadis
Principal CEO
linkedin

Recent News

District Department of Transportation DC
한국레노버, AMD 최신 AI 프로세서 탑재 노트북 2종 출시 | CIO
Coverager - Insurance news and insights
Company data provided by crunchbase