The Sr. Manager, Water/Wastewater Innovation, Technology & Research leads innovative research and technology initiatives to identify, test and implement solutions that enhance reliability, resilience, sustainability and efficiency of operational processes and systems for delivery of excellent water and wastewater services. Responsibilities include maturing a formal research program, managing strategic partnerships and projects, as well as implementing methodology to promote sustainable adoption of solutions.
Essential Functions
•Leads a team of research scientists and engineers, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluation
•Implements methodology for identification, review, prioritization and pursuit of innovation, technology and research initiatives that align with operational process and systems needs and objectives
•Develops a formal research program to align Commission research efforts with operational process and system needs and objectives
•Leads development and review of external partnerships to pursue solutions to prioritized operational challenges
•Provides technical expertise for interactions with government and regulatory agencies
•Provides technical expertise to regulatory inquiries and reviews
•Identifies emerging environmental issues with potential for significant impact on the Commission; proposes technical responses for the issues, coordinates investigation, and manages any required technical oversight of the resolution of the issues
•Establishes and tracks strategic and operational performance measures
•Performs project management for special studies including developing the scope of work, negotiating contracts, reviewing and approving invoices, coordinating internal and external resources, and technical review and approval of the consultant’s work
•Designs and implements innovative solutions to enhance water treatment processes, water distribution systems, wastewater conveyance systems, and water resource recovery processes
•Supports water and wastewater process and systems technology evaluation and selection
•Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of new technologies
•Identifies training needs to enhance process and systems efficiency and integrate new technologies
•Develops conceptual level designs for water and wastewater treatment systems
•Leads/supports development of project plans with stakeholders for implementation of optimization and piloting initiatives
•Leads initiatives to assess new ideas and develop comprehensive technical analysis and business cases
•Works closely with stakeholders to conduct, review, analyze, interpret, and report on initiatives
•Explores and develops initiatives for cost-neutral and revenue-generating opportunities
•Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
Other Functions
•Develops and implements strategic plans for knowledge retention
•Develops and tracks budget
•Works with internal stakeholders to scope, solicit, select, and manage professional and product service contracts to ensure requisite skills or services
•Establishes, demonstrates, and enforces high standards for safety
•Provides engineering support and guidance to troubleshooting complex process problems as needed to ensure the process, systems, and/or facility modifications enhance operations
•Analyzes relevant technical and operational reports, including process and systems efficiency data; identifies causes of non-routine events; recommends process and systems control strategies and adjustments to variables affecting the quantity and quality of process effluent; identifies how adjustments in one unit process impact other unit processes and overall plant performance
•Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional organizations
•Supports Communications Office to address inquiries and outreach related to environmental issues
•Serves as Acting Director, when designated
•Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
•Performs related duties, as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Business casual office environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
•Strong writing, analysis, and presentation skills
•Ability to prepare and effectively report on and present highly technical subjects both verbally and in writing
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including listening, reading and collaboration
•Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
•Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism
•Ability to effectively plan and implement various management and support programs and initiatives
•Skilled in facilitating an environment of trust, cooperation, and collaboration
•Strong organizational, problem solving, decision-making and multi-tasking skills
•Ability to plan, direct, and review the work of professional engineers and scientists for quality control
•Ability to manage external consultants and evaluate their performance against contract requirements
•Ability to develop and implement work standards, policies, and procedures
•Ability to communicate and work collaboratively with staff as well as internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels in a fast-paced environment
•Ability to deliver superior customer service
•Ability to interact in an effective and professional manner
•Proficiency in principles and practices in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, or environmental science, with focus on water quality
•Knowledge occupational hazards and the necessity for adherence to safety precautions
•Ability to analyze complex technical problems, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions
•Knowledge of general municipal water treatment processes, water distribution systems, wastewater conveyance systems, and wastewater treatment process applications
•Mastery of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental engineering and science, with ability to apply them on a practical level
•Knowledge of current best practices in innovation, applied research and technology development
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
•Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/engineering, or civil or sanitary engineering, or related scientific discipline
•8+ years experience related to applied innovation and research in the water and wastewater industry
•2+ years experience in planning and managing complex investigations or programs
•3+ years management experience that includes employee supervision (relevant leadership roles or substantial project/program work involving contractors may be considered as equivalent)