Assistant Director, Austin Water Operations

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Water Operations

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

About Austin Water:

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles.

The utility draws water from the Colorado River into three regional water treatment plants, Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich, which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day.

Austin Water has two wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, that can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat. Wastewater is cleaned into high-quality effluent that is safely returned to the Colorado River to augment environmental flows. More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed each year for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other uses.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Water Operations

Purpose:

Under nominal direction of the Deputy Director of Austin Water (AW), this position executes as the Chief Operating Officer for AW. This position is responsible for the management of operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water distribution, collection and treatment facilities, budget development and monitoring, short and long-range capital improvement project planning, water and wastewater master plans, rate studies, impact fee studies, and daily operations of the Operations and Maintenance Program area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs assigned operational activities and assists the Director with planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's programs, projects, and policies.
  
• Assists in establishing the department’s strategic priorities and determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements within assigned divisions. Establishes performance expectations, facilitates management efforts, promotes accountability, and develops engagement and buy-in throughout all levels of the organization.
  
• Identifies opportunities to enhance organizational performance as well as threats/risks that could jeopardize the organization from a financial, regulatory, public confidence, or culture perspective.
  
• Prepares, coordinates, and reviews consent agendas and discussion reports for discussion with the Director and placement on the agenda.
  
• Meets with and provides briefings to the City Mayor, City Council, and other senior staff; attends Commission and Oversight meetings to facilitate and communicate regarding departmental related matters.
  
• Meets with citizens to discuss issues and problems that can be addressed and resolved by the department and works to create a culture of public confidence. Acts as a departmental representative and subject matter expert in interactions with the media and in support of the communications team.
  
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and promotes an organizational culture that delivers high performance results through an engaging, communicative, and collaborative approach.
  
• Provides technical support, direction, guidance, and mentoring to Utilities staff throughout the organization to promote employee engagement and improved organizational capabilities.
  
• Supports all AW Emergency Management and Incident Management Team functionality and responses during emergency activations, including serving as Incident Commander or Deputy Incident Commander.
  
• Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed. Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.
  
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water, wastewater, and reclaimed systems and regulations.
  
• Knowledge of computer maintenance management systems.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution.
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or Public Administration, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

The following are the preferred qualifications for the Assistant Director of Austin Water Operations:

• Professional Engineer License (PE)
  
• Class A Water Operator License or Equivalent
  
• Experience managing a large water distribution system
  
• Experience working in municipal government
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Ideal Candidate:

The next Assistant Director of Austin Water Operations will be instrumental in establishing the department’s strategic priorities and goals. Utilizing previous experience in a municipal water utility, the ideal candidate will establish performance expectations and lead facilities management. This position will also be responsible for preparing Austin Water items for the City Council agenda. The person selected for this role will meet with the Mayor, City Council, senior leadership, and other stakeholders to communicate department related matters. The Assistant Director will be a subject matter expert supporting Austin Water communications. Prior management experience in a large, robust city or organization is highly preferred. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are imperative for this position.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Purpose & Vision - Ability to deliver reliable, equitable, and sustainable services that enhance quality of life and support the community’s long-term prosperity.
  
• Boundaryless Perspective - Demonstrated ability to see a broad view of an issue or challenge across typical organizational lines and beyond the present.
  
• Strategic Thinking - Enables others to better understand and implement the vision and strategy, while being the aligned forward thinker, has the ability to formulate and communicate sound business strategy, and implement in a clear and concise manner.
  
• Achieves Results - Ability to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
  
• Politically Savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.
  
• Team Builder - Ability to create a positive team culture and aligning team members with shared goals.
  
• Critical Thinking - Ability to understand the most important variables in a regulatory background managing a large water distribution system.
  
• Solutions Oriented - Ability to identify, develop, and implement effective answers to challenges or issues that may arise through proactive problem solving.
  
• Public Speaking - Experience presenting complex technical information to management and elected officials.
  
• Expertise with predictive maintenance - Ability to utilize data analytics to monitor performance and predict breakdowns to improve cost efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend asset life.
  

The salary range is $212,000 to $222,000 annually.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Please be sure to upload your Resume and Cover Letter for consideration.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by March 11, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here .

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.