Director of Operations

The Texas Water Company is actively seeking talented, driven and highly-productive applicants for the position of Director of Operations to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Job Summary

Under the strategic direction of the Vice President of Operations, the Director of Operations for Water & Wastewater is accountable for the comprehensive oversight, leadership, and management of all water and wastewater operational activities, including but not limited to supply, production, treatment, storage, distribution, compliance, maintenance, and energy management and business financial development.

This senior-level role will start as a high-level representative on behalf of our company, integrating a newly acquired company into our business. This will require advanced project management oversight and strategic skills for meeting essential timelines, objectives and goals. Once complete with the integration, the role will provide vision, stewardship, and high-level direction across the organization’s water and wastewater utilities, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery in accordance with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and company objectives. The Director serves as a principal advisor on operational strategy and drives continuous improvement across complex utility systems, comprising distribution networks, treatment plants, SCADA and control systems, and watershed management.

The Director is responsible for formulating and implementing operating policies, procedures, and standards, and for fostering a culture of excellence, safety, environmental compliance and stewardship, and accountability. The incumbent plays a pivotal role in organizational asset management, capital planning, and regulatory compliance, while maintaining effective relationships with local, state, and federal regulators, agencies, and community stakeholders, and internal teams.

Distinguished by advanced technical competency, strategic acumen, and collaborative leadership, the Director is expected to deliver innovative solutions, optimize resources, and safeguard the integrity of water and wastewater operations, positioning the Company as an industry leader.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Direction.

Provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all water and wastewater operations, including supply, production, treatment, storage, distribution, and compliance.

Develop and implement long-term operational plans, performance standards, and asset management strategies aligned with the Company’s mission and regulatory expectations.

Direct and evaluate programs for water and wastewater operations, SCADA and control systems, distribution, and watershed management.

Operational Management & Optimization

Plan, organize, coordinate, and assess comprehensive water and wastewater programs, optimizing system reliability, quality, and efficiency.

Direct emergency and scheduled construction, maintenance, and repair activities for distribution pipelines, treatment facilities, and appurtenances.

Establish, revise, and enforce operating procedures to ensure compliance with water quality, pressure, environmental, and health and safety standards.

Analyze complex operational problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions using sound engineering and management principles.

Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

Maintain expert-level understanding of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to water and wastewater operations, environmental protection, and health and safety.

Serve as the primary Company representative in meetings with regulatory agencies, inspectors, contractors, and partner organizations, ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration.

Helps oversee Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and other relevant statutory requirements for operational tasks.

Capital Planning & Asset Management

Collaborate with Capital Planning, Engineering, and Construction Groups to develop and execute the Company’s Capital Improvement Program.

Lead organizational asset management initiatives, including equipment lifecycle management, capital investment analysis, and resource allocation.

Review plans and specifications for maintenance, construction, and operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals and system requirements.

Personnel Management & Development

Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor professional, technical, and operational staff engaged in water and wastewater systems management.

Establish work standards, conduct regular performance appraisals, and foster professional development to promote a skilled, motivated workforce.

Participate in selection, assignment, and ongoing evaluation of personnel, ensuring high-quality service, safety, and productivity.

Budgeting & Financial Stewardship

Develop, manage, and monitor department budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline and resource optimization.

Prepare clear, concise, and data-driven administrative, technical, and financial reports to inform executive decision-making and operational strategy.

Administer contracts and vendor relationships, acting as contractor and vendor administrator for operational projects.

Technology & Systems Management

Direct the design, operation, and maintenance of advanced SCADA and control systems, integrating technology solutions to enhance operational performance and data management.

Champion the adoption of innovative tools and software for project scheduling, asset management, and quality assurance.

Ensure system improvements are coordinated between staff, departments, regulatory agencies, and external experts.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response

Lead organizational health and safety programs, promoting a culture of safety and regulatory compliance across all operational activities.

Coordinate emergency response and crisis management protocols, ensuring preparedness and effective resolution of incidents.

Develop and maintain safe working conditions and standards across all facilities and field operations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Serve as primary liaison to government officials, industry groups, inspectors, contractors, vendors, and community organizations.

Represent the Company at meetings, conferences, and task forces, advocating operational priorities and building strategic partnerships.

Lead or participate in interdepartmental committees to advance operational objectives and organizational initiatives.

Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging technology, data, and best practices to advance operational excellence.

Drive energy management and efficiency programs, supporting sustainability objectives and operational cost savings.

Prepare written reports, analyses, and recommendations for executive leadership as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced technical competency in water and wastewater engineering, distribution systems, treatment processes, and regulatory compliance.

Proficiency in water chemistry, biology, bacteriology, and associated laboratory testing methodologies.

Comprehensive understanding of asset management principles, project scheduling, and operational budgeting.

Expertise in administrative, managerial, and legislative decision-making processes, including goal setting, policy development, and program administration.

Demonstrated skill in planning, organizing, and managing complex utility programs and engineering studies.

Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, particularly under emergency or crisis conditions.

Competency in technology adoption, including SCADA systems, civil and mechanical engineering applications, and database management.

Strong leadership capacity, with skills in team development, performance management, and professional mentoring.

Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in civil, mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering; chemistry; environmental science; construction management; or a closely related field. Proven work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

An advanced degree (Master’s or above) is highly desirable but not required.

Minimum 5 years of senior-level administrative or managerial experience supervising professional staff in water/wastewater production, treatment, storage, distribution, collections or system operations.

TCEQ Class A Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment license(s) or equivalent from another state is desired

Other Requirements

Possession of a valid Texas state driver’s license and maintenance of a satisfactory driving record is required.

Ability to travel locally, regionally (Texas) for operational oversight, inspections, and stakeholder engagement and across state lines to other company owned facilities.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and certification in relevant regulatory, safety, and technical domains.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with frequent field visits to operational sites, treatment plants, and distribution systems.

Must be able to respond to emergencies outside of standard business hours as needed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

EEO Statement

Our company 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.