Director of Water & Wastewater Operations

Job Scope

The Director of Water and Wastewater Operations is responsible for the leadership, management, and performance of all water and wastewater utility operations for the Meridian Metropolitan District. This role provides strategic oversight for the district’s treatment facilities, distribution system, collection system, regulatory compliance, asset management, maintenance programs, and emergency response activities. Reporting to the General Manager, the Director works collaboratively with the Director of Engineering and Director of Finance to ensure the reliable, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of utility services while supporting the organization's long-term strategic objectives.

The pay range for this position is $125,000 – $175,000 and this position is also eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus plan. JF Shea offers a competitive benefit package including

• PTO
• paid holidays
• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401k
• disability
• life insurance

The Director of Water and Wastewater Operations, as with all Shea team members, is expected to conduct himself/herself in a professional manner that is consistent with Shea Core Values and the Business Ethics, Employee Conduct and Confidentiality policy.

Job Duties

Operations Leadership

• Direct the operation and maintenance of all water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as the reclaimed system.
• Establish operational goals, performance standards, and key performance indicators.
• Ensure reliable and efficient delivery of utility services to customers.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Oversee emergency preparedness and response activities related to utility operations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee permit compliance, monitoring, reporting, inspections, and audits.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies on compliance matters and regulatory changes.
• Develop corrective action plans and operational improvements as necessary.
• Maintain records and documentation required by regulatory authorities.

Maintenance Oversight

• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Monitor asset condition and establish replacement and rehabilitation priorities.
• Coordinate maintenance and replacement priorities with the Director of Engineering.

Leadership and personnel Management

• Provide leadership and direction to superintendents, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee employee performance management, workforce development, succession planning, and training programs.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications and professional qualifications.
• Foster employee engagement and organizational excellence.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and administer annual operating budgets.
• Monitor operational expenditures and resource utilization.
• Review and approve operational purchases, contracts, and service agreements.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance on long-range financial planning, rate studies, and operational forecasts.
• Identify and implement cost-effective operational improvements.

Capital Project Coordination

• Collaborate with the Director of Engineering to identify operational needs and project priorities.
• Provide operational input during planning, design, construction, and commissioning of capital projects.
• Ensure new facilities and infrastructure are designed for long-term operability and maintainability.
• Support transition of completed capital projects into ongoing operations.

Board and Stakeholder Relations

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for district boards and executive leadership.
• Attend board meetings and provide technical guidance regarding operational matters.
• Respond to customer, community, and stakeholder concerns.
• Represent the organization before regulatory agencies, industry groups, and regional utility partners.

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Experience operating water treatment, wastewater treatment, collection systems, and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local land use regulations is preferred including EPA, CDPHE, and other applicable regulatory requirements such as Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Knowledge of utility asset management, maintenance management systems, and operational best practices.
• Understands utility budgeting, financial planning, and enterprise operations.
• Strong leadership, management, and team development skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with boards, consultants, regulators, contractors, and customers.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make informed strategic decisions.
• Experience in reading and reviewing design drawings, technical specifications.
• Demonstrated understanding of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Proficient computer skills including Adobe Writer and Microsoft Power Point, Excel, Word and Outlook
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Utility Management, Public or Business Administration, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations.
• Five (5) years of senior management or leadership experience.
• Experience managing treatment facilities, distribution systems, and collection systems.
• Colorado Water and/or Wastewater Operator Certifications
• Must have and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Desired Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Regulatory Stewardship
• Team Development
• Financial Accountability
• Professionalism
• Change Management
• Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Communication and Influence
• Integrity and Accountability

Work Environment

The Director of Water & Wastewater Operations position is based in an office location with regular travel to district facilities in various stages of construction is required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, squat and lift objects up to 25 pounds.May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Must be able to occasionally drive during the course of work. Will be required to drive to different job sites.

Shea Properties is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status, or any other protected factor.

EOE/M/F/D/V