Water System Agency Director presso Cobb County Government, GA

About the Department

Reporting directly to the CEO/County Manager, the Water System Agency Director is responsible for daily operations, financial planning, and strategic planning for the Cobb County Water System, which is a utility operation responsible for water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater management. The Water System Director provides leadership and direction to ensure compliance with regulations, efficient operations, and excellent customer service.   The Water System Director also executes directives and implements policies stated by the County Manager and Board of Commissioners as aligned in the County Strategic Plan. 

Why Cobb County Water System (CCWS)? 

CCWS and our staff of approximately 450 water professionals are routinely recognized by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for excellence. Our water distribution system, comprising approximately 3,100 miles of water main, and our wastewater collection system, comprising 2,600 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 31 lift stations, win awards from GAWP year after year.  CCWS operates and maintains four award-winning water reclamation facilities with a combined capacity to treat up to 122 million gallons of wastewater a day.  Our wastewater laboratory is routinely recognized for its QA/QC program.  CCWS has an esteemed public education and outreach program winning many state and national awards, including receiving 13 EPA WaterSense Excellence Awards.  CCWS encourages professional development and supports our staff in obtaining and maintaining licenses and certifications. In addition, CCWS has a long history of our staff participating in and holding leadership positions in professional organizations, including having two past-presidents of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.

Cobb County is home of:  

• The 2021 World Champion Atlanta Braves and the 2025 MLB All Star Game
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, one of the most prestigious soccer facilities in North America housing Atlanta United’s First Team, Academy, and front office staff
• One of the largest amusement parks in the country, Six Flags Over Georgia
• Second largest University system in Georgia, Kennesaw State University
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Dobbins Air Reserve Base
• Cobb County Public Schools, one of the best school systems in the state of Georgia
• Several Fortune 500 companies

Position Duties

Manages the Water System’s enterprise funds: oversees the long- and short-range financial planning, including forecasting all revenues, capital requirements, cash flow management, and borrowing needs; monitors and maintains debt service requirements; recommends rate increases to Board of Commissioners as appropriate; provides annual updates to bond rating agencies in support of maintaining the Water System’s Triple AAA bond rating;  oversees bond issuances and state revolving fund loans; and oversees Water System’s contribution to the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and annual audit.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Coordinates work activities of assigned agencies and departments; prioritizes work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex and problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County management and elected officials as requested.

Consults and communicates with County Manager, Board of Commissioners, County employees, outside agencies and other individuals to review operations and activities, review and resolve problems, receive and give advice and direction, and provide recommendations; and attends meetings and provides information, reports, documentation, etc. as requested.

Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for assigned agencies: researches, assesses and develops strategies to meet current and future community needs in area of assignment.

Develops, implements, and updates policies and procedures for assigned agencies: formulates and develops work methods and practices, policies, standard operating procedures, and training programs; monitors implementation of rules and regulations; and updates policies and procedures according to federal, state, or local legislation as required.

Develops and implements budget for area of assignment, including operating, maintenance and capital improvements; monitors expenditures and revenues to ensure compliance with approved budget; coordinates with agency and department staff members regarding budgets; and maintains related documentation.

Performs public relations duties: represents the County at various functions; attends County board meetings and various other meetings; attends ceremonies, dedications, and other events; makes speeches or presentations; and provides information to the public regarding plans, projects, issues and concerns regarding area of assignment.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or field related to assignment (Master's degree preferred); ten years of progressively responsible experience in public or business administration, with a minimum of five years of experience at the department head level in a large metropolitan government or comparable corporate environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Driver's License.

Other Qualifications

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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