Director of Drinking Water Quality (ECWA)

Erie County Water Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 142,382 - 159,970; Full time

Job summary

A regional water authority in New York is seeking a Director of Drinking Water Quality to manage water quality programs and oversee a team of professionals. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of water quality management, ensure regulatory compliance, and act as a liaison with health and environmental agencies. A Doctorate in a relevant field and significant experience in water treatment are essential for this role. This position requires leadership and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Graduation with a Doctorate in a relevant field and 6+ years of experience in a water treatment plant.
• Graduation with a Master's degree and 8+ years of experience in a water treatment plant.
• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of experience in a water treatment plant.

Responsibilities

• Administer water quality policies and procedures.
• Direct water quality testing and compliance efforts.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies on water quality issues.

Skills

Knowledge of water processes

Knowledge of Federal and State Laws

Ability to conduct water quality testing

Knowledge of chemistry principles

Ability to prepare presentations

Education

Doctorate in Public Health or related field

Master's in Public Health or related field

Bachelor's in Public Health or related field

Job description

Director of Drinking Water Quality (ECWA)

Posted February 13, 2026

Exempt Title

Salary Range: $142,382.24 - $159,970.72

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves the responsibility for administering and proposing changes to policy for the management, administration and technical direction of a staff of highly trained water treatment professionals and laboratory personnel. The incumbent provides scientific recommendations on water quality issues; assurance of water quality regulatory compliance; implementation of the amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act; maintenance of certification and quality assurance programs; research on water quality assurance programs, water quality monitoring and alternative treatment methods; and serves as liaison with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Erie County Health Departments and other New York State and Erie County regulatory agencies concerned with water quality. Performs other duties required to assure the safety, purity and quality of the water. Work is performed under the general direction of the Executive Engineer, or an administrative employee of higher rank, in accordance with established policies with latitude allowed for the exercise of independent judgment. Supervision is exercised over the work of the Chemist and Assistant Chemists and other technical workers. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Prepares and, subject to the approval of the Executive Engineer and the Board of Commissioners, issues standards, policies, and procedures regarding water quality and water quality systems.
• Submits periodic reports to the Board of Commissioners.
• Directs and coordinates with operating production and distribution departments the Authority’s water quality program.
• Responsible for chemical and microbiology testing laboratory procedures; directs and trains appropriate personnel in those procedures.
• Acts as spokesperson or liaison person on behalf of the Board and as an authority for water quality matters; responsible for budget development of, and administration of, water quality activities.
• Responsible for evaluation to ensure total compliance with statutory provisions, regulations, and Authority directives.
• Supervises the work of all water quality employees in coordination with the Senior Production and ExecutiveEngineers.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Comprehensive knowledge of water processes and water quality management procedures; comprehensive knowledge of appropriate Federal and State Laws to include a working knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act and administrative procedures as determined by the United States Environmental and Protection Agency, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Erie County Health Department and other New York State and Erie County regulatory agencies concerned with water quality; ability to coordinate and conduct water quality testing and operational procedures; superior knowledge and capacity to recommend changes in procedure and new standards; ability to administer all phases of the statutory procedures; ability to deal with the public, other agencies and with statutory departments; ability to prepare and deliver presentations concerning water quality and water quality procedures; knowledge of the principles of chemistry as they relate to the operation of a Type 1-A municipal water treatment plant containing facilities for coagulation, filtration and chlorination; thorough knowledge of the sources of the technical literature related to the profession; thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of modern water treatment plants and equipment; ability to make accurate chemical and bacteriological analyses; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to develop cooperative relationships with professionals and lay groups and representatives of regulatory agencies; thoroughness; initiative; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Doctorate degree in Public Health, Sanitary, Chemical, Science (Biology) or Civil Engineering (graduates in Chemical or Civil Engineering must have completed acceptable course in sanitation) and six (6) years of experience in the actual operation or the quality control function of a I-A water treatment plant which includes facilities for coagulation, filtration and chlorination.
• B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Public Health, Sanitary, Chemical, Science (Biology) or Civil Engineering (graduates in Chemical or Civil Engineering must have completed acceptable course in sanitation) and eight (8) years of experience in the actual operation or the quality control function of a I-A water treatment plant which includes facilities for coagulation, filtration and chlorination.
• C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Sanitary, Chemical, Science (Biology) or civil Engineering (graduates in Chemical or civil Engineering must have completed acceptable course in sanitation) and ten (10) years of experience in the actual operation or the quality control function of a I-A water treatment plant which includes facilities for coagulation, filtration and chlorination.
• D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), (C) and (D).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid motor vehicle Driver’s License issued by the State of New York at time of appointment.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.