Deputy Director, Austin Water Operations

Job Description:

Deputy Director, Austin Water Operations

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

AUSTIN WATER

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1 million people in the Austin metropolitan area, spanning more than 548 square miles.

The utility draws water from the Colorado River into three regional water treatment plants, Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich, which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day.

Austin Water has two wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, that can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat. Wastewater is cleaned into high-quality effluent that is safely returned to the Colorado River to augment environmental flows. More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed annually for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other purposes.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country for water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. At all water and wastewater treatment plants, Austin Water far exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance.

Reporting to the Director of Austin Water (AW) and operating with a high level of autonomy, this position provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the day-to-day management of operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water distribution, collection, and treatment facilities.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees executive staff and provides overall leadership and direction for the department’s Water and Wastewater Operations, Process Engineering, Regulatory Compliance, and Laboratory Services functions.
  
• Sets direction and achieves results for reliable and efficient operations, customer service delivery, cost management, safety, security, and maintaining compliance with City and department policy as well as with all applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations and laws.
  
• Is responsible for the development of the strategic vision and plan for the department and implements activities that align with the department’s mission and vision.
  
• Advises executive staff on matters of operational efficiency and effectiveness, and implements activities to identify and track AW performance measures, ensuring utility operations achieve strategic initiatives and goals.
  
• Identifies opportunities to enhance organizational performance, as well as threats and risks that could jeopardize the organization from a financial, regulatory, public confidence, or cultural perspective.
  
• Establishes performance expectations, facilitates management efforts, promotes accountability, and develops engagement and buy-in throughout all levels of the organization.
  
• Fosters and develops a culture of positive customer service in working relationships with key staff, division and department employees, other governmental organizations, citizens, legal counsel, boards and commissions, City Council, and with external services such as consultants.
  
• Represents AW before governmental and regulatory agencies, boards, councils, commissions, and joint-partnership oversight bodies.
  
• Facilitates communication and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints, both internal and external.
  
• Supports all AW Emergency Management and Incident Management Team functionality and responses during emergency activations, including serving as Incident Commander or Deputy Incident Commander.
  

Assumes the Director’s duties and responsibilities in their absence.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience in the technical aspects of assigned functional areas.
  
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water and wastewater utility regulations.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of pertinent utility operations, services, practices, and policies.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, organizational development, and change strategies, and performance measurement to achieve business excellence.
  
• Knowledge of emergency management, including incident command and business continuity planning.
  
• Knowledge of personnel administration and laws and regulations on personnel matters.
  
• Skill in fiscal planning, developing and preparing budgets, and managing O&M costs.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, City Council, the media, and the public.
  
• Skill in leading and managing a diverse workforce, including department employees and contractors.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution.
  
• Ability to organize and implement comprehensive programs.
  
• Ability to understand complex issues and foster compromise, along with daily interaction with all divisions and City departments/offices.
  
• Ability to gather pertinent facts, make thorough analyses, arrive at sound conclusions, and formulate effective action plans.
  
• Ability to present the department’s position and policies and respond to inquiries from the City Council and City management.
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at many levels inside the organization, with outside agencies, and with the community.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, particularly in taking complex subjects and distilling them into an understandable format, and preparing clear and concise reports.
  
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply City and AW policies and procedures.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management, Business, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental/Natural Sciences, or related field, plus eight (8) years of progressively increasing responsibilities relevant to the municipal water and wastewater industry, including experience managing complex organizations.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, a Class A license in Water or Wastewater operations issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or the ability to become so registered or licensed within six (6) months of hire.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and proven leader with extensive experience in providing strategic direction for major utility initiatives, including plant expansions, treatment process upgrades, and the implementation of wet weather treatment. This individual must possess a forward-looking, strategic mindset, coupled with the agility to respond effectively to operational risks and emergencies. A solid background in water or wastewater utility operations is essential for success in this role. While experience working within the regulatory framework of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is preferred, it is not required. Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with diverse internal and external partners are also critical.

The following core competencies are essential for this role:

• Political Savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.
  
• Communicates Effectively with an Equity Mindset - Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities and populations to build constructive and effective relationships, and convey and receive information.
  
• Community Collaborator - Experience presenting complex technical information strategies to public stakeholders, utility management, City Manager’s Office, Boards and Commissions, and City Council.
  
• Experience Developing and Implementing Emergency Plans - Proven ability to create, test, and revise emergency operations plans, continuity of operations plans (COOP), and hazard mitigation strategies.
  
• Creative Solutions Oriented - Ability to solve problems and find avenues to reconcile issues that would otherwise remain unsolved.
  
• Experience in Utility Operations and Critical Infrastructure - Proven background in managing or maintaining utility systems for water or wastewater, with an emphasis on operational efficiency and reliability.
  
• Comprehensive Knowledge of Water Utility Safety Regulations and Standards - Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and state-level safety regulations governing water and wastewater operations, including confined space entry, chemical handling, and process safety.
  
• Thinks Strategically - Enables others to understand the vision and strategy better, and implement them clearly and concisely. As the aligned forward thinker, they can formulate and communicate sound business strategies.
  

Notes to Candidate:

To view the recruitment brochure, please click here

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Water offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

Salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary
range.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by August 4 , 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• Please note that the job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the closing date.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

A Cover Letter and Resume are required for this position. Please ensure that you upload these documents for consideration.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.