Purpose:
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 technical services of AW including Engineering, Customer Experience, Environmental, Planning, and Development Services.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to 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 department’s Engineering Services, Environmental, Planning and Development Services, and Customer Experience 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 which align with the department’s mission and vision.
Advises executive staff on matters pertaining to 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/risks that could jeopardize the organization from a financial, regulatory, public confidence, or culture 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 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:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

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 pertaining to personnel matters.
Skill in fiscal planning, developing and preparing budgets, and managing O&M cost.
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 analysis, arrive at sound conclusions, and formulate effective action plans.
Ability to present the department’s position and policies and respond to inquiries from 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 distill into an understandable format and prepare 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 Business, Marketing/Communications, Public Administration, Engineering, or a 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 in a relevant field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.