Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director (Exec 3)

City-of-Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 272,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Free Orca Pass

City pension plan with employer/emplo​

Growth potential and advancement

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a collaborative leader for its Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director role. The position oversees a 95-person division responsible for drinking water facilities, drainage and wastewater infrastructure, and SCADA systems.

The incumbent directs 24/7 operations and an apprenticeship program; reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Water Line of Business and Utility O&M Branch.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a large operations and maintenance function with a diverse workforce in a unionized environment.
• Eight years of professional-level utility experience with at least two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee efficient operations and maintenance of drinking water pipes, pump stations, storage reservoirs and elevated tanks, plus drainage and wastewater systems.
• Provide 24/7 operations and emergency response leadership.
• Direct apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives.
• Drive performance improvements using KPIs and data-driven insights while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Support system planning and long-term infrastructure resilience.
• Lond leadership in change management and stakeholder collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication skills

Change management

Customer service orientation

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies or related field

Washington State Distribution Manager IV certificate (desirable)

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a collaborative leader for its Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director position. This position is responsible for a division of 95 professional and technical staff. The division operates and maintains much of SPU's infrastructure, including but not limited to drinking water pipes, pump stations, storage reservoirs and elevated tanks; drainage and wastewater pump stations and combined sewer overflow facilities; and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for drinking water and drainage and wastewater. The work is 24/7, including both around-the-clock system operations as well as emergency maintenance response. The division also includes the apprentice program, a two-year program that results in apprentices becoming Water Pipe Workers and Drainage and Wastewater Collection System Workers as part of SPU's workforce development program.

The Division is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of mechanics, electricians, machinists, pump station workers, storage maintenance crews, system operators, SCADA technicians, SCADA analysts, SCADA engineers, planner-schedulers, workforce development advisors, and administrators. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Water Line of Business and Utility O&M Branch.

About Seattle Public Utilities:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join our team?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• The efficient and forward-looking operations and maintenance of SPU's drinking water pipes, pump stations, storage reservoirs and elevated tanks; drainage and wastewater pump stations; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for drinking water and drainage and wastewater.
• Optimizing the delivery of drinking water from watersheds to 1.5 million people, ensuring adequate water quantity and pressure.
• Monitoring the drainage and wastewater system and identifying and resolving real-time issues that require attention.
• Providing reliable and efficient SCADA monitoring and control of the drinking water and drainage and wastewater systems.
• Producing accurate and timely analysis, data, reporting and technical guidance regarding the drinking water and drainage and wastewater systems to support efficient operations, regulatory compliance and system planning.
• Managing emergency responses to mitigate and quickly resolve public health and public safety protection issues and property impacts.
• Supporting Solid Waste with maintenance of the North and South Transfer Stations.
• Overseeing the apprenticeship program for Water Pipe Workers and Drainage and Wastewater Collection System Workers.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to create and foster a culture of empowerment and engagement through shared leadership (building a division leadership team where direct reports help co-lead the division).
• Experience managing a large operations and maintenance function with a diverse workforce in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated success utilizing key performance indicators/metrics to assess performance and drive organizational improvements.
• Experience leading continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to the City’s Race and Social Justice initiative as well as our values of access, opportunity, and sustainability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills in change management, team development, and service delivery excellence.
• Known for collaborative leadership, effective communication, and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation and advanced critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Experience:

Eight (8) years increasingly responsible professional-level experience in a medium to large sized utility. Two (2) years supervisory experience is required.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in business or publicadministration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies or a related field. If no degree, two (2) additional years of qualifying experience is required.

Certification/License:

Washington State Distribution Manager IV certificate is desirable. A Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification is also desirable. Individuals eligible for certification through reciprocity will be considered.

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, professional and/or lived experience(s) will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Interview Process:

Candidates who advance to the interview phase will be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation as part of their interview. The presentation topic will be provided to candidates in advance, allowing adequate time to prepare.

Workplace Environment:

This position is fully in person, 5-days a week, as well as requirements to respond to 24/7 emergencies as needed. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply:

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Salary:

The full salary range for this position is: $164,868.48 - $272,087.28 Annually

• The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.