Director of Engineering and Operations — Burlington

Salary: $91,326.00 – $101,978.00 Annually

Regular Full Time Non Exempt

General Purpose

Under the general direction of the Division Director, plans, directs, manages and oversees the personnel, functions, priorities, programs and operations of the Engineering and Asset Management, Stormwater and Water Distribution Field Services teams. This includes providing technical leadership to the operations and capital planning and construction associated with Water Supply treatment/distribution, Wastewater treatment/collection and Stormwater management/collection. Ensures that the work of the assigned workgroups is being performed in compliance with State and Federal regulations, AWWA and City policies and standards. Acts as the Division Director in the absence of the Division Director.

Union: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Essential Job Functions

• • Assumes management responsibility for all Engineering and Asset Management, Stormwater and Distribution functions, programs, operations, including planning, design, maintenance and construction of all infrastructure assigned to those teams.
    • Plans, directs and coordinates through team managers, the work plans and priorities of the Engineering and Asset Management, Stormwater and Distribution teams
    • Monitors workload and assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility
    • Integrates the work of the assigned teams
    • Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures
    • Monitors and recommends solutions for addressing the training, equipment and staff resources needs of the assigned workgroups.
    • Meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems
    • Ensures adherence to the AFSCME contract for relevant personnel
    • Hires and supervises staff, provides development opportunities, ensures work is performed effectively and evaluates performance of the team managers in an objective and positive manner.
  • Coordinates and ensures technical support of operations and capital planning and projects for the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment and Pumping Facilities through the assignment of Engineering and Planning team members
  • Responsible for the technical coordination of assigned workgroups’ activities with the DPW Technical Services Division and other City department construction activities.
  • Responsible for monitoring and making recommendations regarding elements of Water Resources Division (WRD) work assigned to the Street Maintenance Division
  • In collaboration with the Director of Finance and Administration, ensures assigned workgroups’ activities are implemented in an efficient, effective and equitable manner for our Water Resource customers.
  • Ensures timely completion of projects and work plans and adherence to project budgets for the assigned work groups.
  • Ensures the compilation and maintenance of detailed records of WRD activities, plans, technical decisions, project outcomes and metrics and after-action reports.
  • Provides day to day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high performance, customer service oriented, growth and learning focused work environment which supports the Department’s mission.
  • Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and OSHA mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
  • Provides regular reports to the Division Director on the status of assigned workgroups’ progress on work plans and project development and implementation.

  Technical Analysis, Planning and Implementation

  • Oversees the development and on-going maintenance of the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater collection system 5, 10 and 20 year capital plans, including system wide comprehensive “master” plans; planning for the drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities will be conducted in collaboration with the Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities managers.
  • Assists with developing proposals for revenue bonds to fund larger capital efforts.
  • In collaboration with the Engineering Manager, Stormwater Program Manager and the Drinking Water and Wastewater Facility managers, recommends and directs the implementation of annual capital work plan for the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater systems.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of annual preventative maintenance work plans for water distribution and the wastewater and stormwater collection systems.
  • Exercises significant autonomous judgment on details of work and in making preliminary selections and adaptations of engineering alternatives.
  • Oversees the procurement and use of on-call contractor contracts that support the operations of water, wastewater and stormwater functions
  • Coordinates the technical activities of the Engineering and Asset Management and Stormwater Program workgroups related to implementation of the City’s Combined Sewer Long Term Control and Integrated Water Quality Management Plans.

  Policy, Procedures and Continuous Improvement
  In support of achieving the DPW Mission of stewarding Burlington’s infrastructure and environment by delivering efficient, effective and equitable public services:

  • With the support of the Policy and Program Advisor, manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of short and long-term plans, policies, systems, business workflows and standard operating procedures related to the assigned workgroups to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards. This includes activities related to:
    • Proper engineering design and construction of infrastructure
    • Long term asset management
    • Implementation of a comprehensive water resources project review for both public and private projects.
    • Protection of the environment and public health
    • Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and permits
  • Support the Division Director in developing and advancing continuous improvement efforts towards the effective utility management principles of operational optimization, financial viability, customer satisfaction/stakeholder understanding and support, and employee leadership and development for the Engineering and Asset Management, Stormwater and Distribution workgroups. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • the development, measurement and tracking of appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) for assigned functions
    • monitoring of industry trends and reporting on innovative ways to elevate the effectiveness of the Water Resources Utilities
  • Recommends updates to the City’s Chapter 26 and 31 code of ordinances as necessary and collaborates with the Policy and Programs Advisor to ensure the City’s regulatory authority enables adherence to State and Federal regulations, AWWA and other engineering standards, Water Resource Division policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

  Other duties:

  • Provide support and/or management of special projects as assigned by the Division Director.
  • Oversees compliance with City Procurement policy, contracting and risk management for all purchases and contracts related to assigned work groups
  • Prepares written technical reports.
  • Represents the city at various public forums.
  • Prepares, submits and presents reports to the Mayor, City Council, Public Works Commission and other committees regarding assigned activities.
  • Maintains accurate records and files.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Proof of vaccination required, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field with demonstrated experience in at least 2 of the following fields (Water treatment/distribution, Wastewater Treatment/Collection, Stormwater Management). Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-for-one year basis.
• Vermont PE license strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in the Water Resources Operations or Engineering field.
• Minimum 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience supervising Union staff preferred.
• Must have experience in project management, including developing and maintaining project budgets, schedules, procurement and project controls.
• Must have experience in water/wastewater/stormwater (or, at a minimum some combination of at least 2 of those areas, i.e. water/wastewater, wastewater/stormwater or water/stormwater) operations, design and/or construction administration/oversight project as a task manager or design/technical lead on a variety of projects.
• Preferred experience with municipal public works infrastructure planning, design, construction, operations.
• Preferred experience with Vermont State Revolving Fund loans
• Preferred functional understanding and experience with ArcGIS.
• Experience with interpreting the results of hydraulic and hydrologic models; preferred experience building, calibrating, operating KYPipe 2000 and PCSWMM models.
• Must have knowledge of methods, materials, procedures, and standard practices of construction, including public works projects; contract negotiation and administration;
• Must have strong computer skills; demonstrated ability to effectively use computer equipment and related software; competent in use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Must have skill in public speaking with the ability to present public education programs.
• Must have the ability to occasionally work beyond normal hours, at night or weekends, including ability to respond to emergencies and to travel to various seminars and conferences for the benefit of the Department.
• Must have the ability to exercise independent judgment within the limits of the position.
• Ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically with contractors and the public regarding the various projects under development and construction.
• Must be able to handle various projects at the same time, work effectively under pressure and keep schedule on track.
• Ability to read, analyze and modify specifications and blueprints to ensure work complies with all contract specifications.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relations with his/her co-workers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Vermont State Driver’s license required.
• Ability to receive constructive criticism and react appropriately.
• Must be able to operate and have a general working knowledge of personal computers, telephone communications equipment and other standard office devices.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.

To Apply

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website. Apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/burlingtonvt/jobs/3988713/director-of-engineering-and-operations-water-resources Applications due 5/4/2023 11:59 PM Eastern