ASSISTANT WATER DIVISION DIRECTOR (DISTRIBUTION)

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (DE); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilmington is seeking an Assistant Water Division Director (Distribution) to oversee the Water Distribution, Leak Detection, and Metering Divisions within the Water Division. You will lead a team to ensure safe drinking water, system reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include budgeting, capital planning, contract oversight, and coordinating with engineers and contractors to deliver projects on time and within budget, with a focus on reducing water loss and

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the management of complex water supply/wastewater facilities and distribution/collection.
• Five years in a general engineering or management capacity in a water/wastewater utility of comparable size.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to water quality, public health, and environmental protection.
• Valid driver’s license and State of Delaware Base Level Water Operator License upon first opportunity and must maintain possession of license once obtained.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to the water utility team, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement; assist to develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the utility’s long-term goals and objectives.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and related infrastructure to ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend the life of assets; respond to and manage emergency situations, including natural disasters, system failures, and public health threats.
• Oversee and assist with the administration of contracts covering services related to the operation of the water/wastewater treatment plant and distribution and collection system.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to water quality, environmental protection, and public health; assist to prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and communicate with the public about water quality and safety.
• Assist in planning, design, and implementation of capital projects, including infrastructure upgrades, expansions, and new construction; develop and maintain a long-term capital improvement plan to address current and future needs of the utility.

Skills

Water utility management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in related science or Environmental discipline

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, provides the City's sanitation, recycling, street cleaning, water, and transportation services through the Department of Public Works. The Water Division operates an entire Water, Wastewater and Stormwater utility. The division consists of 2 Water treatment plants, a regional wastewater treatment plant and hundreds of miles of water transmission and distribution mains as well as sewer and stormwater mains.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Water Division Director (Distribution) is responsible for the overall management, administration, and operational oversight of the Water Distribution, Leak Detection, and Metering Divisions within the Water

Division. The position provides leadership and direction to ensure the reliable, efficient, and regulatory- compliant operation and maintenance of the water distribution system, including water mains, valves, hydrants,

meters, service connections, and related infrastructure. Responsibilities include overseeing leak detection and water loss reduction initiatives; meter installation and maintenance; system maintenance and repair; work

planning and prioritization; personnel management; budgeting; capital improvement planning; and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, policies, and safety standards. The Assistant Water Division Director

(Distribution) reports to the Water Division Director. Additional responsibilities include:

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to the water utility team, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement; assist to develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the utility’s long-term goals and objectives.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and related infrastructure to ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend the life of assets; respond to and manage emergency situations, including natural disasters, system failures, and public health threats.
• Oversee and assist with the administration of contracts covering services related to the operation of the water/wastewater treatment plant and distribution and collection system.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to water quality, environmental protection, and public health. Assist to prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and communicate with the public about water quality and safety.
• Assist to develop and manage the utility’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient use of resources. Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support capital projects and operational improvements.
• Assist in planning, design, and implementation of capital projects, including infrastructure upgrades, expansions, and new construction. Develop and maintain a long-term capital improvement plan to address current and future needs of the utility.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Promote and implement innovative technologies and practices to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the water and wastewater utility. Develop and execute strategies to reduce water loss, enhance water conservation, protect source water supplies, prevent CSOs, and adhere to City’s LTCP.
• Represent the water utility at public meetings, industry conferences, and other events. Communicate effectively with customers, the public, and the media about utility operations, projects, and service issues.
• Prepare operating and capital improvement budgets. Work with other City agencies in the development of contractual agreements.
• Manage professional, technical, and operations employees within the Water/Sewer Division.
• Provide assistance and oversight on special programs and projects as directed by the Water Division Director including department and citywide resiliency/sustainability program, website development, and coordination with large wholesale customers and neighboring utilities.
• Perform all related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical or Mechanical), Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree in a related science or Environmental discipline, Professional Engineer (PE) license, or equivalent certification is strongly preferred. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the management of complex water supply/wastewater treatment facilities and distribution/collection, including five (5) years in a general engineering or management capacity in a water/wastewater utility of comparable size; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge: Extensive understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, distribution and collection systems, and utility management. In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to water quality, public health, and environmental protection. Strong understanding of strategic planning, infrastructure development, and capital project management. Proficiency in financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue collection for utility operations.
• Skills: Exceptional leadership and management skills to direct a diverse team and achieve organizational goals. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess operational challenges and implement effective solutions, especially in emergency situations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders, represent the utility in public forums, and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Abilities: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the utility’s long-term vision and objectives. Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Licenses: Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Possess or obtain the State of Delaware Base Level Water Operator License upon first opportunity and must maintain possession of license once obtained.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the applicant materials, certification of qualified applicants, and panel interview.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation, drug test, and pre-employment physical.

• Physical Requirements: May require lifting up to 20 pounds, standing, and working in various environments.
• Vision: Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working Conditions: Exposure to hazardous materials, potential loud noise, and variable temperatures based on location (laboratory and field). Frequency of exposure may vary (i.e., 25% in the field, 75% in the office/laboratory).
• Location and Schedule: Standard business hours, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with potential for weekends, hybrid work, and on-call responsibilities. Various city facilities, including the water and wastewater treatment plant, Water Quality Laboratory, City Turner building, and administrative offices.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

• New employees are hired at the starting and up to median salary based on qualifications and internal equity. Annual merit increases are provided based on a satisfactory performance review.

• Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Open Competitive: This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
• The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• City Residency required within 12 month(s) of employment.
• City code provides preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, it is the policy of the City to provide reasonable accommodation when requested without causing an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at 302-576-2466.