Director, Water Operations - (25-WS-813000-353)

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.

General

Job Title:

Director, Water Operations

Job Code:

OA0434

Supervises Directly:

Yes

New or Revised:

New

Regular or At-Will:

At-Will

Date Last Revised:

5/13/2025

Exempt or Non-Exempt:

Exempt

Compensation Approval Signature:

Union/ Non-Union:

Non-Union

Department Name and Division:

Water Operations-Central Administration, Operations

Salary Schedule:

Executive Grade

Cost Center Code:

813000

Grade:

ESSB

Essential Position:

Yes

Reports To:

Vice-President, Water & Sewer Operations

EEO Code:

Officials and Administrators

Work Format

Hybrid

Who We Are & What We Do:

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description:

The Director, Water Operations is a senior-level leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the water distribution system. This position directs field operations, maintenance, emergency response, and capital planning related to potable water infrastructure. The Director ensures safe, reliable and compliant delivery of potable water to the community while promoting workforce development, asset stewardship, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Oversees the development and implementation of repair and maintenance and asset management programs specific to potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure (e.g., water mains, valves, hydrants) to ensure the health and safety of the public through strict compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations—including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

- Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements specific to potable water operations and system rehabilitation.

- Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure assets.

- Leads comprehensive asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity.

- Oversees operational and process analysis for potable water systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technological advancements.

- Directs the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring systems) to improve operational resilience, performance, and sustainability.

- Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including oversight of expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources.

- Tracks emerging regulations, industry practices, and policy changes to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and operational strategy.

- Manages the operational execution of emergency contractors and construction teams during system failures, infrastructure repairs, or planned interventions.

- Oversees long-term planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and program goal setting for water operations.

- Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure planning and operational integration.

- Leads and implements operational improvements that enhance system reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

- Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies and innovative practices to strengthen system performance and resilience.

- Monitors regulatory changes and industry developments to ensure proactive compliance and inform operational planning.

- Participates in executive-level planning and decision-making to align water initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy.

- Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining continuity of service.

- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities : Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the department. Responsible for the success of the department and monitors and evaluates the progress of the department toward meeting goals, and makes adjustments in objectives, work plans, schedules, and commitment of resources

Key Working Relationships: I nteracts with high-ranking officials of the Authority and the Board. Attends and participates in meetings within the Authority, with Federal and private agencies, and with departments of the District of Columbia Government. Attends and represents the Authority at community meetings and resolves issues presented by the general public.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience:

Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience leading water utility operations with five (5) years of experience in a senior and/or executive management role.

Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary field operations teams.

Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, foster team culture and implement accountability frameworks.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental engineering, water resources management, environmental science, public administration, business management, or a closely related field, with substantial professional experience in water transmission and distribution system operations and management OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as stated below:

Master’s degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs), or

High school diploma or GED equivalency and 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (such as pumping, distribution, or treatment programs).

Required Skills:

Thorough understanding of water distribution systems including valve and hydrant programs, leak detection, main repairs, meter maintenance, and system pressure management.

Experience overseeing regulatory compliance and achieving water quality targets.

Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS asset management platforms and CMMS tools.

Development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

Background in long-range capital planning and asset lifecycle management.

Oversight of multi-million-dollar operation budgets, procurement and vendor management.

Experience managing labor relations including union negotiations and performance management.

Demonstrated ability to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to organizational priorities.

Led or participated in the deployment of smart water technologies, AMI systems or digital twins.

Familiarity with innovation strategies in the water sector, such as non-revenue water reduction and resilience planning.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

N/A

Required Languages:

English

Physical Requirements:

General office conditions.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

N/A

Preferred Education Requirements:

N/A

Preferred Skills:

N/A

The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.*

Your Experience at DC Water:

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.

- Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.

- Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values —accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.

- Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.

- Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.

If a 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

email complianceada@dcwater.com