Director - Distribution - WaterOne

Overview

Under the administrative direction of the General Manager, the Director-Distribution provides organizational goals, vision, and leadership for all Distribution Division functions especially those pertaining to distribution assets installation, replacement, inspection, and repair, valving, leak detection, and watermain taps.  The Director plans, directs, and manages all aspects of the Distribution Division including the construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection of WaterOne infrastructure to ensure reliable distribution of water to WaterOne’s service area that will meet or exceed WaterOne standards, State and Federal regulations, and customer needs.  The Director will work closely with decision makers in other Divisions to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support existing policies and procedures or develop alternatives.  The Director is also responsible for managing the performance of the employees of the Division.  The Director must demonstrate senior leadership experience and the ability to effectively interface with the Board, other senior leadership team members, internal and external stakeholders, and consultants.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay Range:  From $143,900/yr

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Plans, coordinates, schedules, oversees, and evaluates all functions, organization, and activities of the Distribution Division to ensure effective and efficient operations and quality service to all customers and stakeholders. Provides general supervision for the installation, maintenance, replacement, and preventative maintenance of all distribution facilities including pipe, services, meter pits, valves, and fire hydrants.
• Provides Water Distribution vision, direction, and goal setting for WaterOne that is consistent with the utility’s mission, values, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Manages the performance of the Distribution Division staff, including goal setting, measuring performance, training, disciplining, job coaching, and assisting/initiating with employment decisions.
• Coordinates the activities of Construction, Distribution Maintenance, and Transmission Mains & Valving Departments to ensure the reliable distribution of water that meets all safety, regulatory requirements, and customer needs.
• Monitors and reviews work assignments to identify and solve operating difficulties, personnel or customer problems, and to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, regulations, etc. and to provide supervision and technical advice. Responsible for working with Division managers and staff members to determine the most economical method for utilization of the workforce, equipment, and materials.  Makes recommendations to improve efficiency and control costs.
• Oversees the maintenance function of the distribution system with emphasis on immediate response to interruptions in service to restore normal operations.
• Oversees the construction of new distribution system expansions and the relocation or replacement of existing distribution system assets.
• Develops, implements, and reviews safety and training programs such as the Distribution Technician program.
• Leads effort to control losses in the Division due to accidents, injuries, and utility damage.
• Mentors/trains/monitors supervisors regarding methods and procedures of work, safety, supply and equipment requirements, operational policies, and priorities.
• Makes recommendations to the Engineering Division for design of additions and replacements of distribution system facilities. Makes recommendations for developing specifications for material and equipment.
• Recommends when various work activities in the Division should be contracted. Administers these contracts, coordinates the services of contractors, and evaluates work of contractors for WaterOne as needed.
• Guides the development and implementation of new technology, techniques, methods, and procedures to increase efficiency, safety, and good public relations.
• Directs the development and implementation of projects assigned to the Division. Works with other Divisions to coordinate the development and implementation of projects that affect the operations of the Division.
• Provides operational input to the Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, the long-range development of new water distribution facilities, and mutually coordinates with other Division Directors for the timely construction of Master Plan Projects related to the distribution system.
• Develops and maintains internal relationships within WaterOne, as well as stakeholder relationships within the community, various governmental entities, such as with Public Works Directors within Johnson County to review and update them, concerning WaterOne Distribution projects.
• Develops and maintains industry relationships with other utilities and professional organizations like the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Participates and encourages staff to participate in water industry research and activities, such as Water Research Foundation (WRF), AWWA, and other projects and groups providing awareness to WaterOne on leading edge technologies and practices.
• Monitors the Rules and Regulations, laws, compliance, and WaterOne policies as they relate to Distribution operations and makes improvements when necessary through coordination with WaterOne’s General Counsel and Director-Finance.
• Provides the leadership, implementation, and direction for the continued development of WaterOne’s Asset Management Program with regard to the distribution system.
• Provides leadership and guidance to establish a safety-first attitude in the workplace and encourages the career development of Division employees.
• Provides vision and leadership for the development and administration of the Division’s budget, business plans, and forecasts. Prepares, implements, and monitors Division operating and capital budgets.  Reviews past expenditures and analyzes future needs to accomplish Division objectives within overall WaterOne budget guidelines.  Approves expenditures for Division. 
• Develops a long-term vision of staffing and equipment needs to meet the future growth of the distribution system and watermain replacement program while ensuring best value for customers. Evaluates and makes recommendations for the purchase and the proper utilization of mechanical and construction equipment and vehicles.  Approves final specifications for all Division equipment and vehicles.
• Ensures reliability and availability of distribution assets to meet customer demands.
• Responds to customer or stakeholder’s concerns using established procedures and protocol.
• Attends Board and Board Committee meetings, as well as other public or staff meetings as necessary.
• Makes periodic presentations to ensure the Board, employees, and other stakeholders are adequately informed on water distribution matters.
• Coordinates the response to emergencies within the distribution system to ensure safe and efficient restoration of service to customers.
• Must be available in certain emergency situations in accordance with Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or operations requiring Director input.
• Coordinates and manages Division activities.
• Acts as General Manager when requested during General Manager’s absence.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Manager – Construction
• Manager – Distribution Maintenance
• Manager – Transmission Mains & Valving
• Planner/Scheduler
• Distribution Analyst

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science and Management, Business, or Engineering (Civil, Construction, or Mechanical), or related discipline from an accredited university.
• Ten years of experience in a water utility or comparable industry, with an emphasis on construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, and operation of a large water distribution system and its components.
• Five years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience.
• Certification by California State University Sacramento in Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance is required within 12 months of date in position.
• Certification as a Grade IV Water Distribution Operator is required within 12 months of date in position.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience and the ability to effectively interface with the other senior leadership team members, a governing body, internal and external stakeholders, and consultants.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build effective teams and create a culture of excellence.
• Demonstrated successful experience with leading people; project management; asset management; budgeting; regulatory compliance; and staff training, development, and management.
• Ability to plan, direct, lead, and evaluate a large and diverse workforce and must foster an environment of high respect and high performance.
• Cooperative attitude and ability to exhibit diplomacy and judgment when working with the public, co-workers, customers, or public officials. Present professional image.
• Knowledge of safety issues in underground work including open trench operations and trenchless operations as well as safety issues with traffic control and confined spaces. High degree of safety awareness particularly regarding jobsite set-up and construction practices.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and concern for workers and workplace safety.
• Knowledge of security issues that affect water utilities and ability to recognize hazards to water quality, personnel, and facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of working in right-of-way and easements.
• Ability to effectively plan, schedule, and direct multiple projects and evaluate activities of the Division.
• Plan and organize complex projects for the Division in the most cost-effective manner.
• Knowledge of and ability to specify mechanical and electronic equipment and materials used in water distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and standard practices of water distribution systems and related technology. Thorough knowledge of water distribution design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and delegate projects and tasks to individuals and teams. Ability to work effectively in teams.
• Capable of setting priorities and scheduling a broad range of work to meet goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrated high standards for quality and quantity of work produced including the ability to provide technically correct and timely forecasting, progress, and procedural reports.
• Demonstrated strong management, organizational, verbal and written communication, listening, analytical, judgment, decision-making, and logical problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of software with emphasis in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn and use WaterOne software programs.
• Ability to apply creative thinking to encourage innovation and new initiatives to the status quo.
• Ability to stay well organized to handle a diversity of concurrent work demands and deal well with deadlines.
• Maintain good working relationships with employees, customers, and outside contacts.
• Lead disaster recovery efforts in the event of a catastrophic occurrence.
• Knowledge of FEMA National Incident Management System and certified in Incident Command System modules 100, 200, 700 and 800.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• Postgraduate degree (related field) or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Civil, Construction, or Mechanical) from an accredited institution.
• Registration to practice as a Professional Engineer in the state of Kansas. (Licensing from another state will be considered if comity exists with the State of Kansas.)
• Water distribution engineering design and construction experience.
• Experience with enterprise software, such as: Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Automated Information Mapping System (AIMS).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for several hours a day.  They must be able to move from one location to another (outdoor worksites, WaterOne facilities, etc.) occasionally. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. Additionally, they must be able to wear personal protective equipment and navigate construction sites.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a professional office environment with visits to jobsites in the field. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and document scanners. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except when in the field on a jobsite.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.