Watershed Director I - DWM Office Of Performance and Accountability

Posting expires: January 14, 2025

Salary range: $88,654 - $118,353

General Description and Classification Standards

This is a high-level strategic and operations management position, reporting to the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) Commissioners’ Office. Areas of responsibility include strategic planning, evaluation, program development, personnel and fiscal management, and management of key departmental services. This leader manages several primary functions of the department, recommending high-level policy, procedural, operational and process improvements throughout. This leader will manage an array of DWM professionals and managers, as well as groups of professionals in administrative, strategic, and operational functions. 

The OPA Director is responsible for the administration and management of technology discovery and implementation to satisfy business needs. The role involves acting as the liaison among internal stakeholders to analyze, document, communicate, and validate business requirements for platform applications. Other responsibilities include overseeing department-wide reporting and analytics, project management, and process improvement, with a strong focus on driving meaningful progress and executing tangible results on key initiatives and efforts that make DWM services more customer-focused, innovative, and efficient.

Supervision Received

May work independently or as part of a team of managers that meet to discuss issues related to budgets, staff, policy, and operations. The direction received is very general and focuses on strategic objectives and is typically collaborative in nature. This is a policy-making level of management and would be considered \'upper middle” management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

Provides direct management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the following functional areas.

• Provides management direction to key functions of DWM, working collaboratively and harmoniously with others within the department and external organizations. Ensures the short- and long-term financial health and viability of the department.
• Develops program and service model strategies while serving as a key technical lead and point of contact for 3rd party technology vendors for DWM.
• Provides oversight in the gathering and analysis of technology requirements on behalf of the department, recommending streamlined processes and leveraging technology throughout.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives using advanced data modeling and analysis techniques to discover insights that will guide strategic decisions and uncover optimization opportunities.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the operation of the Office of Performance and Accountability, providing departmental status on DWM programs, key initiatives, and objectives accordingly.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements performance management strategies to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborates with external stakeholders to align departmental goals with community needs and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates the development and execution of training programs to enhance staff competencies and performance.
• Manages the integration of new technologies and systems to support departmental operations and strategic goals.
• Conducts regular reviews and audits of departmental processes to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Develops and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to track departmental progress and success.
• Provides leadership and direction to group managers and oversee project goals. Develops project strategies, implementation plans, project scope, and milestones.

Decision Making

This position is generally required to provide input regarding decisions that impact any area within the watershed's divisions and offices. Such issues may be related to policy/procedure, strategy, budget, and/or technical. May commit department to action. Establishes organization strategy and policy within required legislative or executive limitations.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance to a varied group of Managers and Supervisors or may directly supervise a staff of professionals and team leaders engaged in an organization-wide or policy-advisory activity. Guidance should typically be general in nature and focus on objectives, end results, and policies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Extensive knowledge of technical terminology; extensive knowledge of construction projects, administrative activities or field operations; knowledge of engineering, water and sewage, procurement, hydraulics, and geotechnical processes and terminology; knowledge of legal requirements of water conservation laws & ordinances; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water resource management and watershed science.
• Strong Computer and Software (Microsoft) Skills; very strong administrative and managerial skills; interpersonal team working skills; skilled in communicating verbally and in writing.
• Ability to be decisive; ability to develop relationships and partnerships; ability to write clear and concise technical documents; ability to read, understand, and prepare legal documents; ability to operate city vehicles. 
• Ability to effectively negotiate resolution of conflicts among citizens, neighbors, elected official, and staff, as well as efficiently manage a government office open to the public.
• Ability to interact effectively with various personality styles and with upper departmental management or elected officials.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings; ability to interpret laws, regulations and guidelines; ability to utilize Microsoft office suite and project management programs.

Minimum Qualifications –

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, Management or Public Administration. 

7 years of experience in environmental engineering, municipal government sector, or water/wastewater plant operations with at least 5 years of experience as a manager, supervisor, team leader, etc.  (Additional years of professional experience may be considered as a substitute for the bachelor’s degree on an exception basis).

Preferred Education & Experience

Master’s degree in business, Management or Public Administration. (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the master’s degree on an exception basis). Minimum of 7 years of work experience in environmental engineering, municipal government sector, or water / wastewater plant operations with at least 5 years of experience as a manager, supervisor, team leader, etc.

Licensures and Certifications:

None required. P.E. License preferred.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.