Water Resources Director bei City of DeKalb, IL

About the Department

The Water Resources Director plans, coordinates and directs the work of the City of DeKalb’s water utility. This includes managing budgeted resources and establishing departmental goals and objectives while delivering a safe and high-quality water supply to the community. The Water Resources Director oversees the administration and operations of the Water Department including water production, treatment, storage, metering, and distribution while promoting sustainable water management practices.

POSITION CONTEXT:
The position of Water Resources Director is a department head position and key member of the Executive Team, who reports to the City Manager. The position is a full-time exempt position which requires frequent work and meetings outside of regular business hours including weekends and evenings. This position routinely handles highly sensitive or confidential information and requires the ability to make difficult decisions under periods of extreme stress. This position is highly visible and collaborates regularly with City Hall staff, the Public Works Department staff, elected officials, committee members, partnering agencies, contractors, and the community at large. The Water Resources Director will lead and supervise departmental staff and provide oversight to on-site contractors.

The salary range for the position is $122,513 - $177,646. Placement within the range will be commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience. The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits, life insurance coverage, HSA & flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Water Resources Director position is classified as an emergency response position.  The position will require residency within the boundary map within fifteen (15) months from the date of hire.  Please click here to view the residency map.

Initial review of applications will begin Wednesday, October 1st.  The position will remain open until filled.

Position Duties

• Manages the overall administration and operations of the Water Department. Advises and develops staff to ensure continual professional growth in related disciplines. Oversees and evaluates the performance of departmental staff.
• Subject to review and approval of the City Manager, establishes goals, direction, and activities of the department. Develops and implements departmental policies, administrative rules and regulations governing personnel, standards of performance, operational procedures and other activities. Implements short and long-term plans to achieve City initiatives. 
• Directs the development, administration, and review of the departmental annual budget. Forecasts needs, allocates funds based on departmental goals and priorities, monitors and approves expenditures within the parameters of the approved departmental budget, and recommends adjustments as needed.  
• Collaborates with the Public Works Department on applicable public infrastructure improvements associated with development projects and agreements, including plan review and field changes. Reviews and may sign final plans as applicable. Collaborates with the City Engineer in the preparation and monitoring of the annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Assists in capital project development and management. 
• Provides strategic oversight for all aspects of the Water Department including water production, treatment, storage, distribution, and metering. 
• Manages professional development and performance management of department staff. Oversees employee and labor relations and related activities for the Water Department. Assists in the collective bargaining negotiations process including data analysis as directed by the City Manager.
• Provides ongoing administration and oversight of various City contracts and agreements. Assists in the selection, assessment, oversight, and retention of professional consultants.  
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.  Recommends appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Under the direction of the City Manager, consults with developers, engineers, and economic stakeholders to evaluate and assess proposed projects. Forecasts water usage, cost estimates, and presents findings. 

• Oversees and monitors the condition of the City’s infrastructure including water system facilities, vehicles, and equipment for maintenance, repair, and replacement.
• Evaluates work to be contracted, develops specifications, and provides oversight to on-site contractors. Ensures work is completed according to contractual agreements. 
• Coordinates the operation and maintenance of the City’s water system including water supply wells, water treatment plants, water distribution and pumping systems, water storage, and meter reading.
• Provides oversight of water supply wells and pump performance, establishes and coordinates maintenance activities to optimize water well production. 
• Plans and supervises water distribution operations, oversees response to main breaks and service leaks, hydrant and valve maintenance programs, utility locating (JULIE), and the planning and execution of water main improvement projects. 
• Monitors water quality and oversees the City’s Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPHP) certified laboratory. Analyzes, monitors, and reviews water quality information. Adjusts water chemical feed rates and water treatment process controls to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Inspects underground construction projects to verify compliance with contract specifications and other regulatory standards.
• Oversees the daily operation of the water supply Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. 
• Directs and coordinates the meter reading preparation, final meter readings, meter change-out, meter adjustments, review and preparation of meter reads, and correction of meter reads. 
• Provides direction and support in all aspects of utility billing including on-going communications with Finance Department utility billing personnel. 
• Serves as Responsible Operator in Charge with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) overseeing storage and distribution activities of wells, water treatment plants, and water towers. 
• Serves as primary contact for IEPA and other regulatory agencies regarding the operations of the City’s water utility system. Prepares reports as required. 
• Communicates with elected officials, residents, and the general public to answer inquiries, resolve service disputes, and provide high quality service. Makes on-site inspections as necessary.
• Acts as a staff liaison to a variety of boards, committees, and commissions. Prepares and presents meeting agenda materials and all related documentation.   
• Collaborates in the design of water projects; prepares specifications and cost estimates; prepares bids and requests for proposal (RFP) for utility projects, equipment, and/or consulting services; coordinates construction of projects.
• Leads the department’s response to emergencies, including severe weather, infrastructure failures, and other crises affecting water production. Works closely with other City departments and regional agencies.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulating agencies. Stays informed of changes in the regulatory environment and adjusts department operations accordingly.

• Coordinates or responds to special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
• Attends meetings and acts on behalf of the City Manager as requested.
• Responds to and is available for after-hours contact for emergency management incidents as needed. 
• Participates in professional meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of new trends, legislation, and innovations related to the industry.

• Extensive knowledge of water resource management including the operations, maintenance, and water quality standards required for the production and protection of a potable water supply.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory agency rules and regulations, specifically Federal and Illinois EPA, OSHA, and IDOT.

• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of construction management, inspection, contract management, municipal project financing, project cost estimating, and expenditure control principles and practices. 
• Extensive knowledge of water supply wells, water treatment, pumping, and distributing drinking water. 
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety procedures. 
• Ability to direct the work of others while leading and motivating a team.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  Must have the ability to communicate and facilitate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage projects and facilitate project teams that include a variety of stakeholders while building consensus.
• Ability to analyze financial, budgetary, administrative, legal, and organizational data to recommend appropriate action. 
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans and specifications. 
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, agencies, elected officials, and general public while maintaining a high level of social awareness for professional engagement. 
• Must have the ability to maintain professional composure and take reasonable action when confronted with difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with interruptions and within short time frames.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive materials in a professional manner.
• Ability to drive to and from various worksites.
• Ability and willingness to respond to situations twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural/physical science, natural resource management, engineering, construction, public administration or a closely related field.
• Possess a minimum of a valid Class “A” Public Water Supply Operator License from the Illinois EPA, or ability to obtain such certification within 24 months of hire. 
• Ability to obtain Certification by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health as a Laboratory Analyst within one year of hire. 
• Valid driver’s license required.  

• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works, water resource management, engineering, construction or related field. Experience must include extensive background in water resource management and planning for large-scale water systems, including direct involvement with potable water treatment and distribution.
• Minimum of five years of direct supervisory experience required. Previous experience should include delegating and planning of tasks, training and evaluating effectiveness, and providing feedback to others.
• Demonstrated experience working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and SCADA systems.
• Experience in administering contracts for outsourced services and specialized areas specific to operating divisions such as EPA Clean Water Act, NPDES Program, and EPA Drinking Water Regulations. 
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite required. Previous experience or the ability to gain proficiency with GIS software, crystal reports, customer relations management, database management, and enterprise systems required. 

Other Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Duties are performed primarily indoors in an office setting. While working in the office, the person in this position will regularly sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear over the phone and in person.  
• This position will require travel to various municipal buildings and offsite locations to attend meetings.  This position will also travel to various work sites through the City to review work in-progress.
• While working outdoors, the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl, or crouch to reach items and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain.
• The employee may lift or move up to 20 pounds. 
• Occasionally work exposes the employee to potential hazards at construction sites such as traffic, fumes, dust, adverse weather conditions, and moderate noise levels.
• At times, workloads can be extensive with limited time for response/and or action.  Position requires prolonged periods of concentration and the ability to cope with numerous interruptions and changing priorities.

• General office equipment including computers, laptops, scanners, copiers, and smart phones. Public Works/construction equipment including snow removal equipment, hand tools, motorized equipment, and motorized vehicles. Water treatment equipment including SCADA systems, PLCs, and various chemical applications.

• The Water Resources Director may serve as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as assigned by the City Manager.
• The position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours including evenings, weekends, and on-call as required.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. 

Please click here to view the City's policy regarding the hiring of immediate family members of a current City employee, elected official, or appointed official prior to completing an application for employment.