ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - PUBLIC WORKS (EXE LEV): DRINKING WATER OPERATIONS - City of Houston

PN# 33382: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - PUBLIC WORKS (EXE LEV) - DRINKING WATER OPERATIONS

SECTION: Drinking Water Operation
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 Walker St., Houston TX 77002
Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm*
*Subject to change
 
Houston Water is a team of approximately 1,600 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including but not limited to operators, mechanics, engineers, scientists, planners, regulatory and business personnel. The City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility is a regulated public health agency governed by federal and state laws. Our staff maintains professional licenses issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other public health agencies.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Assistant Director leading Drinking Water Operations will:

• Lead a diverse team of over 670 members that operate and maintain a regional water system comprised of 3 surface water treatment plants, 100 groundwater wells, over 7000 miles of transmission and distribution lines.
• Manage an annual operations and maintenance budget of ~$220M
• Lead the development and update of the 5-year capital improvement plan.
• Develop, communicate, and administer branch objectives, policies, and procedures
• Manage all technical and operational functions to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements and permits.
• Be an innovative leader that leads by example and solves complex problems by building strong teams, implementing industry best business practices, integrating technology, and cultivating professional relationships through excellent interpersonal skills.
• Respond to requests from the public, administration, City Council, and executive management.
• Direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of program initiatives across multi-functional lines; and implement various programs to improve operational and financial efficiency.
• Serves as a liaison with water authorities, cooperative partners and other key stakeholders, and develops strong working relationships.
• Plans, organizes, and directs financial activities at an executive management level.  Responsible for development, execution, and management of Drinking Water Operations’ annual and long-term planning of projects, operational and maintenance budget includes coordinating annual operational budgets with water authorities such as the Trinity River Water Authority and the Coastal Water Authority. 
• Provides presentations to Council and committees on operations and improvements, expansions, and contracts for current and proposed projects. Presents to professional organizations and represents on behalf of Houston Public Works.
• Negotiates and plans capital projects includes providing technical engineering guidance and negotiation of long-term contacts and cost sharing agreements with water authorities and other cooperative partners.
• Develops operational innovative strategies that align with and support other public works efforts (e.g.  One Water, Digital Twin, Smart Utility), and looks to employ technological solutions that address the complex challenges associated with water affordability, water loss, water supply resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.

This is a TIER 1 responsibility position with respect to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Most specifically, this means you are responsible for working and being available to work during a natural disaster or catastrophic event.
 
CORE VALUES
In alignment with the Houston Public Works Five to Thrive Values we adhere to the following core values:
 
Respect - we listen and care

• Lead a team of diverse skill sets with a focus on team building, communication, and alignment of goals to achieve organizational efficiencies.
• Develop health and safety practices and oversee compliance of those practices.
• Meet with team members and stakeholders to understand issues and explain operation policies, programs, objectives and/or initiatives.

Ownership - we find solutions, instead of excuses

• Lead the team by providing general oversight and strategic planning initiatives to improve efficiencies, reporting, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Assess, manage, and mitigate the principal risks to our drinking water delivery.
• Assess current practices and management processes to implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, and procedures. 
• Oversee emergency management for the team including ensuring staff are properly trained, standard operating procedures are updated, distributed, and followed.

Communication - we are reliable and clear

• Monitor operational effectiveness through reports on status, adequate resources, feedback, and analytics.
• Establish and coordinate a variety of special projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations, processes, and procedures.
• Work to ensure the department director's expectations are met and exceeded.

Integrity - we are truthful and keep our word

• Foster a team culture that promotes ethical practices, customer focus, and service and encourages individual integrity.

Teamwork - we work together

• Develop, in collaboration with the Houston Water Director, an annual operating plan the supports the long-term strategy.
• Oversee long-range planning for capital improvement projects, maintenance projects, technology, and service initiatives.
• Motivate and lead a high-performance management team.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has some discretion about walking, standing, etc.
 
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.