Director of Field Operations

Director Of Field Operations

At Natural Systems Utilities, we are dedicated to providing sustainable, innovative solutions in the water and wastewater services industry. Specializing in the design, operation, and maintenance of utility systems, we prioritize environmental responsibility, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Join our team and be part of an organization that values teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to a sustainable future.

The Director of Field Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for NSU's water and wastewater operations division, ensuring safe, compliant, efficient, and high-quality operations across assigned facilities. This role oversees staffing, operational performance, training, maintenance coordination, regulatory compliance, and process improvement initiatives while supporting consistency and alignment across operating regions nationwide. The position partners closely with the VP of Operations to support operational priorities, resource planning, and continuous improvement initiatives across NSU's national operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership across regional teams; set expectations for safety, regulatory compliance, quality, and customer service.
• Plan, organize, assign, direct, and review work of employees engaged in operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, advanced water treatment facilities, and reclaimed water distribution/disposal facilities.
• Establish an operating cadence (e.g., daily/weekly check-ins, performance reviews, quarterly business reviews) to track commitments, resolve blockers, and manage risk across facilities.
• Oversee operation of facilities to meet applicable regulatory requirements and design criteria; drive process control methods that improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.
• Set and manage regional operating plans within established budget limitations; forecast resource needs, approve priorities, and optimize utilization (people, contractors, equipment, materials).
• Lead preventive maintenance and reliability initiatives, including coordination of emergency repairs, equipment replacement, root-cause analysis, and corrective action follow-through to maintain operational continuity and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee work order planning, scheduling, procurement activities, and contractor performance to ensure operational, safety, and quality standards are met.
• Review and comment on plans for construction, repair, or replacement of plant components; lead cross-functional decision-making to manage downtime, risk, and client impact.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytical tools/metrics; use data to prioritize improvements and communicate progress.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; provide concise executive updates, risks, and recommendations to the VP of Operations and senior stakeholders.
• Implement, direct, and enforce safety and risk management programs; model safety leadership, conduct field leadership visits, and ensure corrective actions are completed and verified.
• Be accountable for achieving state, federal, and local water/wastewater regulatory standards; lead regulatory readiness, audits, and corrective action plans.
• Analyze and evaluate operations, maintenance, and support functions; standardize practices and process control with company standards across operations centers.
• Lead training and professional development activities; mentor supervisors and high-potential talent; build succession plans and ensure role coverage.
• Own talent processes for the field organization, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and corrective action; ensure decisions are consistent with policies and applicable laws.
• Demonstrate leadership by example and participative management; drive engagement, reinforce accountability, and recognize performance aligned to NSU values.
• Serve as an escalation point for customer/client issues; influence outcomes through calm, solutions-oriented communication, and timely follow-up.
• Participate in project startups, commissioning activities, and operational transitions for new and existing client contracts.
• Provide leadership during operational emergencies, including process upsets, equipment failures, and weather-related events, ensuring timely response, communication, regulatory compliance, and restoration of service. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to travel nationwide as needed to support operational and client requirements.
• Available for emergency situations.
• 15 Years' experience in the water and wastewater industry.
• 15 Years of employee supervision/management.
• Must be available to respond to operational emergencies and business needs outside normal working hours as necessary.
• Valid driver's license.
• S3 Wastewater License required, S4 preferred in NJ and the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed.
• Ability to build a high-performance team culture that encourages creativity, innovation, empowerment, and vision.
• Encourages the effective use of technology to improve facility operations.
• Ability to react quickly to resolve various mechanical and biological process upsets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

What We Offer:

• Top-Tier Benefits: We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance: Your peace of mind matters, and we provide employer-paid life insurance to protect you and your loved ones.
• Disability Coverage: With both short-term and long-term disability coverage, you can feel secure knowing you're supported during difficult times.
• Tuition Reimbursement: We are committed to helping you enhance your career. NSU offers tuition reimbursement to support your ongoing education and professional development.
• Mentorship: At NSU, you're not alone. Our team includes experienced mentors who have been in the business for years, offering guidance and support every step of the way.

Salary range: $150,000- $175,000 based on certifications, licenses, and relevant experience.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Natural Systems Utilities provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NSU complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

40-hour work week – Monday through Friday.