Director of Engineering

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 475,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING to join our ENGINEERING Department.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, leads, and provides strategic direction for the following areas of responsibility: engineering, design, planning, construction, new business, maintenance and reliability and asset management.

Receives policy direction from the General Manager and Assistant General Manager. Provides input and direction as a member of the executive leadership team in establishing policies, procedures, goals and objectives for TMWA and exercises direct supervision over division and departments through subordinate supervision.

Oversees, leads, and participates in all activities of assigned departments, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental budgets, services, directives, procedures, goals and objectives for division. Assists the General Manager and Assistant General Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of board policy, TMWA functions, services and activities and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement interdisciplinary projects and programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; with staff, develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures, work plans to achieve goals and objectives; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against department budget and TMWA’s business objectives.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high performance, customer-focused environment that supports achieving TMWA’s vision, objectives, and values.
• Evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; subject to management concurrence, takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with TMWA’s rules, policies and labor contract provisions.
• Ensures preparation and delivery of formal reports and makes presentations to the TMWA Board; professionally represents TMWA before regulatory and permitting agencies, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Prepares special and recurring budgets, studies and reports; develops recommendations to improve the operation of assigned areas and coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, and agencies.
• Confers with, advises, and provides technical assistance to staff.
• Develops, implements, and monitors long- term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the department’s mission and assigned priorities; participates in the development of and monitors performance against the department’s annual budget; manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards.
• Directs planning, engineering design, construction, production, treatment, and distribution improvement projects; identifies and manages repair and replacement capital projects and budgets for all water improvement projects; facilitates work with agencies (agency planning departments, building departments, engineering departments, city councils and County Commission, etc.) in obtaining approval of water improvement projects; appear before planning commissions and city councils in relation to water project approvals, etc. Works and coordinates with agency public works directors, RTC, NDOT etc. in regards to Right of Way agreements and issues, joint projects (i.e. Street & Highway relocations, water main replacements, etc.), mutual aid, etc. Directs preparation of Water Facility Plans, short- and long-range Capital Improvement Plans, development of Facility Charges and prepares and delivers reports to the Board of Directors to gain approval of said Plans, Charges, etc.
• Leads and directs reliable engineering support for internal customers including operations, maintenance, distribution, facilities, power generation, control systems, etc; support includes maintenance projects, reliability studies, failure analyses, preventative maintenance recommendations, continuous improvement and innovation administration support.
• Provides information, presentations and data to community groups, community leaders and the media as required; acts as the utility spokesperson as required.
• Facilitates work and works closely with other water utilities, wholesale water customers and development customers; negotiates agreements with other agencies, wholesale water customers and development customers (i.e. annexation agreements, service agreements); meets and communicates with other water utilities regarding water issues.
• Ensures construction projects are completed in accordance with TMWA standards, all federal state and local regulations and ordinances, and approved design drawings and specifications.
• Management of legislative issues including providing testimony and working closely with the public and the news media.
• With other members of the Senior Leadership Team, participates in the development and implementation of TMWA’s strategic plans, goals, and objectives; leads and directs department staff in the development and application of new technologies to achieve higher efficiency, productivity and customer service in department work processes.
• Develops, implements, and administers comprehensive programs, policies, guidelines, and procedures.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Lead in a manner that inspires people to care more, never less, about TMWA’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water service, strengthening organizational pride and shared purpose through your actions and example.
• Actively develop direct reports and staff through regular coaching, meaningful feedback, and intentional growth opportunities that build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Demonstrate active listening in all interactions with staff, regulators, and stakeholders, demonstrating genuine curiosity, respect, and an ability to retain and act on key information.
• Model TMWA’s Core values (Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Dedicated, Excellence) and key leadership attributes (humility, drive, resilience, adaptability, ownership, team‑first mindset) consistently in decisions, communications, and strategic direction.
• Earn and sustain trust by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and clear alignment of decisions with TMWA’s mission, regulatory responsibilities, and long‑term strategic goals.
• Maintain strong situational awareness and manage emotions effectively under pressure, communicating with optimism, sincerity, and steadiness during both routine operations and emergency events.
• Demonstrate continuous leadership growth by engaging in self‑reflection, participating in leadership development training, seeking 360-degree feedback, and modeling a growth‑oriented mindset.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: Twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience involving professional civil, mechanical or electrical engineering work in the design of water system facilities; operation of water distribution systems; modeling and analysis of water distribution systems; construction management of water projects; or a closely related filed.

Five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or department managerial role is desired. Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and to plan, organize and direct all aspects of complex engineering projects.

Education & Training: Bachelors degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related filed is required.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold a valid driver’s license from the State of Nevada or, for applicants who reside in another state within a commutable distance (including students), a valid driver’s license issued by their state of residence.
• Must also meet and maintain eligibility to be covered under TMWA’s vehicle insurance requirements.
• A Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Professional Engineering license is required. Must obtain State of Nevada Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Professional Engineering Registration within six months.
• State of Nevada Grade IV Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator certifications are required within twelve months.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during the hiring process and periodically during employment, background investigations may be conducted.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened-for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

Principles and practices of civil engineering and methods applicable to water utilities; water treatment, groundwater, and distribution systems including their design, construction and maintenance; principles and practices of environmental controls and related regulatory processes; principles and practices of facility planning and budgeting procedures and techniques characteristic of utility operations; principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution; principles and practices of pertinent local, state and federal laws pertaining to the work, rules and regulations; principles and practices of organizational analysis and management; principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management; modern office procedures and computer equipment. Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, project management, and program development, implementation, and analysis; principles and practices of effective communication, management, and supervision; methods, practices, tools, and equipment common to the construction and hydroelectric trades; safety regulations, safe work practices and safety equipment related to the work; principles of labor relations; standard office practices and procedures, including computer applications related to the work.

Skilled in/Ability to

Plan, direct and control the administration and operation of the Engineering Department. On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; interpret, analyze, and appropriately apply laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve issues of impacting the division, company and or region; explain and interpret policy; develop and implement policies and procedures for internal and external audiences; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; successfully develop, control and administer budgets and expenditures; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; interpret and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel; establish and maintain working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at ***email_hidden*** or View phone number on jobradars.com.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.