ASSISTANT WATER DIVISION DIRECTOR (Drinking Water)

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (DE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Medical/dental coverage

Job summary

City of Wilmington is seeking an Assistant Water Division Director to lead Water Treatment Plant Operations, Plant Maintenance, and Water Quality Laboratory functions. The role ensures safe, reliable, and compliant operations and strategic oversight of water quality initiatives.

Reporting to the Water Division Director, this position will guide budgeting, capital projects, contracts, and emergency response while promoting safety and continuous improvement across the utility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical or Mechanical) and related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in management of complex water facilities and systems; five (5) years in a leadership role.
• Master’s degree or PE license strongly preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for Water Division operations and staff.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant plant operations.
• Oversee budgeting, capital improvement planning, and emergency response.
• Coordinate contracts for plant operation and maintenance services.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local water regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting/finance

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical or Mechanical)

Master’s degree in related science or Environmental discipline

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer operates and maintains critical infrastructure and facilities, provides superior services for our customers, and promote resiliency. The Water Division operates an entire Water, Wastewater and Stormwater utility. The Utility 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 is responsible for the overall management, administration, and operational oversight of the Water Treatment Plant Operations, Plant Maintenance, and Water Quality Laboratory functions within the Water Division. The position provides leadership and direction to ensure the safe, reliable, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation and maintenance of the City’s water treatment facilities and related systems.

Responsibilities include overseeing water treatment processes; plant operations and maintenance; water quality monitoring and laboratory activities; regulatory compliance; process optimization; chemical management;

preventive and corrective maintenance; personnel management; budgeting; capital improvement planning; emergency response; and implementing operational policies, procedures, and safety standards. The position also

provides strategic oversight of water quality initiatives and regulatory requirements to ensure the continued delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to the City’s customers. This position 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 in developing and implementing 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. Assists in preparing and submitting required reports to regulatory agencies and communicating with the public about water quality and safety.
• Assist in developing and managing 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. Assists in developing and maintaining 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, in 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.

• Prepares operating and capital improvement budgets. Works 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.

• Performs 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 division 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 a panel interview.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation, drug screening, 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: The City offers a robust benefit package with medical/dental available on the date of hire. Additional details available at www.wilmingtonde.gov/benefits.

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 Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, 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 accommodation is needed, please call 302-576-2466.