Deputy Commissioner of Operations

City of Philadelphia Water Department; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Water Department seeks an experienced Deputy Commissioner of Operations to lead a 1,379‑person workforce and oversee drinking water treatment, wastewater services, and related facilities.

This executive role requires strategic vision, regulatory acumen, and the ability to coordinate across engineering, planning, finance, and public affairs to ensure reliable service and ongoing workforce development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, utility management, or closely related field.
• 10 years of progressively responsible public utility management experience with senior-level responsibility.
• Valid driver's license and availability to respond to emergencies 24/7/365.

Responsibilities

• Oversee drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, biosolids management, and related systems.
• Define the organizational structure of the division and set accountability for seven functional areas.
• Coordinate with engineering, planning, finance, public affairs and HR to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Serve as emergency and incident responder, available around the clock when operational demands require.

Skills

Leadership of large multidisciplinary"

Oversight of unionized workforce

Emergency response leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, utility management, or closely related field

Master's degree or other advanced degree in a relevant discipline

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Class A/E Water and Wastewater Systems Operator license

Job description

The Position

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is seeking an experienced, operationally grounded executive to serve as Deputy Commissioner of Operations (DCO) who will work in one of the largest and most complex integrated water utilities in the United States. PWD is an operating department of the City of Philadelphia, delivering services in a fair, equitable, and cost-effective manner, with a commitment to positive customer experience. The DCO must be able to think at both the executive and strategic level and demonstrate keen executive presence. The DCO reports directly to the Water Commissioner and serves as a key advisor on operational performance, regulatory risk, staffing strategy, and long-term utility direction.

This position provides a rare opportunity to shape the day-to-day reliability and long-term resilience of a system that delivers safe drinking water to 1.6 million Philadelphians and manages wastewater services for 2.2 million in Philadelphia and certain surrounding municipalities. The DCO will oversee a large, multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 1,379 employees who have deep institutional knowledge and a strong operational foundation. The workforce includes licensed operators, engineers, maintenance personnel, field crews, technical staff, and union-represented employees working within a civil service environment.

The DCO works closely with PWD's divisions of Engineering and Construction, Planning and Environmental Services, Finance, Public Affairs, and Human Resources and Administration, as well as with other City departments, regional governmental agencies, and utility partners while providing executive oversight for the full breadth of PWD's operational enterprise, which includes drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, biosolids management, water conveyance and collection systems, pumping operations, stormwater management, and green stormwater infrastructure. This encompasses more than 3,100 miles of water mains, 3,700 miles of sewers, six treatment facilities, and dozens of pumping stations, infrastructure that collectively processes over 200 million gallons of drinking water and more than 500 million gallons of wastewater daily. The DCO is responsible for ensuring that this infrastructure performs reliably and remains in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements across drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and stormwater programs.

The role carries direct responsibility for emergency and incident response, including weather events, infrastructure failures, water quality incidents, and regulatory emergencies. The DCO is expected to be available around the clock as operational demands require.

Success in this role is measured by outcomes: treatment facilities operating within permit limits, field crews and maintenance teams deployed efficiently, capital investments coordinated seamlessly with engineering and planning divisions, and a workforce that is safe, well-led, and continuously improving. The DCO will define the organizational structure of the division, establish clear accountability for managers across seven functional areas, and drive operational improvements in workflow coordination, asset management, technology integration, and workforce development. The DCO will maintain a strong presence at treatment plants, pumping stations, and other field locations.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, utility management, or a closely related field, and 10 years of progressively responsible public utility management experience, which must include senior-level management responsibility in a water, wastewater, or integrated utility environment. A valid driver's license and availability to respond to operational emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis are also required.

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree or other advanced degree in a relevant discipline, and experience overseeing unionized workforces and leading large, multidisciplinary operational teams. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, or the ability to attain licensure via reciprocity, is preferred. Possession of a Class A/E Water and Wastewater Systems Operator license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is also preferred.

View the full position description with functions, competencies, and qualifications here.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [e-mail].