Deputy Director of Sewer
Town & County of Nantucket
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Town of Nantucket is seeking a Deputy Director of Sewer within the Department of Public Works. This leadership role directs the Wastewater Division, oversees operation of wastewater facilities, and guides capital projects and regulatory compliance.
The Deputy reports to the DPW Director, coordinates daily operations, and leads workforce development, safety, and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure resilient wastewater utilities for the island.
Qualifications
- Associate’s Degree or equivalent post‑secondary education in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Wastewater Technology, or a closely related field is required, a Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred.
- At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment operations or public utilities management, including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity overseeing plant operations, capital projects, or regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee the Wastewater Division's operations and facilities.
- Develop and implement capital improvement projects and maintenance programs.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with MassDEP, EPA, OSHA and other agencies.
- Manage budget and procurement functions.
- Provide workforce development and safety management.
- Coordinate with the DPW Director on strategic planning and CWMP.
Skills
Education
Job description
The Deputy Director of Sewer is responsible for the leadership, management, oversight, and strategic direction of the Town’s wastewater treatment (sanitary and stormwater) infrastructure and facilities. This position is responsible for supervising the staff of the Wastewater Division of the Department Public Works and ensuring the effective and compliant operation of all wastewater facilities, infrastructure, and systems. The position reports to the Director of Public Works. Duties include coordinating daily operations, directing maintenance and capital improvement activities, supporting regulatory compliance, assisting with budget and procurement functions, and representing the department in both internal and public forums. The Deputy Director holds a key leadership role in workforce development, safety management, emergency preparedness, capital planning, project management and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure the resilience and efficiency of the Town’s wastewater utilities.
Under the general direction of the DPW Director, the Deputy plans and ensures that operations are carried out in accordance with standard practices with substantial responsibility for determining the sequence and timing of planning work activities, including determining the work methods.
Associate’s Degree or equivalent post‑secondary education in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Wastewater Technology, or a closely related field is required, a Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred. At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment operations or public utilities management, including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity overseeing plant operations, capital projects, or regulatory compliance.
A candidate for this position must have a valid Class B Massachusetts Driver’s License.
Required to participate in the NIMS (National Incident Management System) system and must obtain multiple NIMS certificates. Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official certification or commitment to obtain within 12 months. Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License, Grade 4 status preferred or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
131,414 - 160,617 per year
Compensation commensurate with experience and subject to negotiation.
The Town is actively working to secure housing for this position.
The Town of Nantucket offers a retirement pension through Barnstable County Retirement, 90% employer sponsored health insurance plan options and a diverse selection of supplemental insurance policies.
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 4 pm
The Deputy Sewer Director is responsible for the leadership, management, oversight, and strategic direction of the Town’s wastewater treatment and sewer (sanitary and stormwater) infrastructure and facilities. This position is responsible for supervising the staff of the Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works and ensuring the effective and compliant operation of all wastewater facilities, infrastructure, and systems. Duties include coordinating daily operations, directing maintenance and capital improvement activities, supporting regulatory compliance, assisting with budget and procurement functions, and representing the department in both internal and public forums. The Deputy Director holds a key leadership role in workforce development, safety management, emergency preparedness, capital planning, project management and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure the resilience and efficiency of the Town’s wastewater utilities.
Under the general direction of the DPW Director, the Deputy plans and carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training, with substantial responsibility for determining the sequence and timing of planning work activities, including determining the work methods. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy changes in procedures are reviewed by the Director prior to implementation. The Deputy plans daily work assignments of direct reports independently. Work is generally reviewed only for technical content and completeness, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements.
The Deputy is accountable for the quality, quantity and completeness of work done by subordinates and assures the accomplishment of work in accordance with federal, state and departmental operating practices and procedures. Work operations are dynamic and subject to changes in work procedures, activities and volume. The timing of these fluctuations in the event of an emergency cannot always be anticipated.
The Deputy has regular access to confidential information of the department such as official personnel files, collective bargaining records and Select Board executive sessions in accordance with the State Public Records and Open Meeting law. The employee participates to a substantial degree in formulating and implementing policy on behalf of the Town.
Directly accountable for the regulatory compliance of two wastewater treatment facilities and the island‑wide collection system; noncompliance can result in enforcement action, fines, consent orders, or environmental harm to Town waters. Consequences of errors or poor judgment may include missed deadlines, adverse public relations, labor/material costs, danger to public safety and personal injury, legal ramifications. Accountable for timely and accurate execution of CWMP obligations and MassDEP reporting; delays or errors in this area carry direct legal and financial exposure for the Town.
The Deputy has substantial responsibility involving the exercise of independent judgment in personnel administration. The work requires the employee to examine, analyze, and evaluate facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations and to work with Human Resources to determine appropriate actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices or bargaining contracts. Guidelines include industry operational standards, which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Independent judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. The Deputy is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decision making. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and local regulations.
The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, regulations, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact‑finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.
The nature of duties may involve the continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, extreme heat/ cold temperatures, oil, dirt or grease. Work may be performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to man‑made or natural emergencies on a 24/7, 365 days per year basis.
Relationships are primarily with co‑workers and the public involving explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with uncooperative or uninformed persons.
Essential functions regularly present a potential risk of injury to the employee that could result in a loss of time from work. Special safety precautions, training and protective clothing such as gowns, coats, gloves, glasses, hard hats, or safety boots are required.
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Direct daily operations of wastewater and stormwater collections, conveyance, and treatment systems. Monitor compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations, including those set by the MassDEP, EPA, and OSHA.
- Assist with strategic and emergency planning and lead implementation of standard operating procedures and emergency protocols across facilities.
- Ensure 24/7 operational readiness and emergency response capability of treatment plants and sewer infrastructure.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of assets of the Sewer division.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide mentorship, and coordinate technical training to ensure proper certification and professional growth.
- Oversee staff scheduling, task assignments, and labor distribution during routine operations and emergency events.
- Manages divisional labor relations in coordination with Human Resources, including the consistent administration of collective bargaining agreements, employee relations, grievance and disciplinary matters, and workplace issues.
- Coordinate with the DPW Director on capital project planning and execution.
- Identify and prioritize operations, maintenance and repair needs of all components of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
- Oversee logistics, procurement, and inventory control for materials, equipment, and contracted services required for system maintenance and improvements.
- Direct the operation and maintenance of the Town’s wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and the sewer collection system to ensure continuous, code‑compliant service.
- Ensure compliance with MassDEP permits, NPDES/groundwater discharge requirements, and all applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
- Oversee monitoring and reporting programs (e.g., effluent quality, sludge management, emerging contaminants such as PFAS) and ensure timely submission of required regulatory reports.
- Maintain emergency response protocols for system failures, spills, or service interruptions, including 24/7 on‑call coverage.
- Maintain internal controls and inspection programs to prepare for third‑party audits and agency reviews.
- Keep current with industry regulations and environmental standards; ensure plant practices evolve to maintain compliance.
- Directs the review, periodic update, and implementation of the Town's Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) for both the Town/Surfside Sewer District and the Siasconset Sewer District, in accordance with MassDEP guidelines and any applicable Administrative Consent Orders.
- Ensures the Department's capital and operational programs align with CWMP‑identified needs, including sewer district expansion, inflow and infiltration (I&I) reduction, and treatment and collection system capacity upgrades.
- Serves as the Department's primary point of contact with MassDEP on CWMP approvals, permit renewals, compliance schedules, and required reporting.
- Oversees consultant‑led CWMP studies, alternatives analyses, and associated environmental review (e.g., MEPA) as needed.
- Monitors nitrogen loading, watershed and wellhead protection considerations, and other water‑quality‑driven planning requirements that inform CWMP scope and funding requests.
- Develops CWMP‑related capital funding strategy, including pursuit of State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans, grants, and other financing tied to CWMP implementation.
- Presents CWMP status, compliance obligations, and associated funding needs to the Select Board, Town Manager, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting as required.
- Coordinates CWMP planning with Town coastal
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