THE OPPORTUNITY

Austin Water, the City of Austin’s water and wastewater utility, is searching for its next Assistant Director of Operations. Serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the utility, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to lead strategic improvements and overall operations in one of the nation’s most attractive cities.

ABOUT AUSTIN

This vibrant and dynamic city tops numerous lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular and culturally dynamic cities, Austin was selected as the #1 Best Place to Live in Texas by U.S. News & World Report in 2022 and ranked #2 by the Milken Institute as the Best Performing City. Austin was ranked #1 by the Wall Street Journal in 2020 as the Hottest Job Market in the USA. In support of the LGBTQ people who live and work in Austin, in 2022, the City of Austin scored 100 points out of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign.

Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated, where community needs and values are recognized, where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.

To learn more about the dynamic City of Austin, visit austintexas.gov.

AUSTIN WATER

For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided water and wastewater services to the Austin community. The utility has three water treatment plants, two wastewater treatment plants, and a biosolids management plant, which serve over 1 million people across more than 548 square miles of Austin’s metropolitan area.

Austin Water is recognized as an industry leader for innovation in the delivery of safe, reliable, high-quality, sustainable, and affordable water services. It earned the distinction of being named a 2020 Utility of the Future Today by the Water Environment Federation and received the prestigious President’s Award for Water Treatment by the American Water Works Association.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of Austin Water, the Assistant Director performs as the Chief Operating Officer for Austin Water. This position is responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water distribution, collection, and treatment facilities., This includes budget development and monitoring, equipment and chemical procurement, and short- and long-range planning for operational and staffing needs. This position also participates in capital improvement project planning and financial planning and budgeting.

The ideal candidate will have a leadership style that is grounded in listening and collaboration;  will foster respect and meaningful relationships; and have a background in either water or wastewater services. Since the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is a primacy agency of the US Environmental Protection Agency, experience in Texas is desirable but is not required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum requirements for the position:

• Education:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or Public Administration.

• Experience: Six years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including three years of experience with a water or wastewater utility. Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual salary for the Assistant Director of Operations is up to $230,000 for exceptionally qualified candidates. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The City is a member of the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan.

Visit austintexas.gov/department/active-employee-benefits to learn more about the City’s employee benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is open until filled. Interested candidates should apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Greg Nelson or Bryan Noblett at (916) 550-4100. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Candidates may apply by submitting a compelling cover letter and resume below.

Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact 512-974-3210 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.