Assistant Utility Operations Manager – Water/Wastewater
Job Posting Summary
Position Title: Assistant Utility Operations Manager
Department: Utility Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In Person (Travel Required)
Travel: Up to 80% throughout the state
General Purpose
Under the general direction of the Utility Operations Manager, the Assistant Utility Operations Manager serves as the second-in-command for utility operations and regulatory compliance. This position provides direct supervision of utility operators and field personnel while assisting in the planning, coordination, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of municipal water production, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment systems.
The Assistant Utility Operations Manager performs both supervisory and field responsibilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of utility systems while providing technical leadership, employee development, and operational support. This position requires extensive travel to multiple utility systems and project sites throughout the service area.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Water Utilities, Environmental Science, Engineering Technology, Public Administration, or related field preferred)
- Valid Texas Driver License
- Texas Class C Water Operator License or higher required
- Texas Class C Wastewater Operator License or higher
- Ability to obtain higher-level TCEQ certifications as required
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water and wastewater utility operations
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or lead operator experience preferred
- Ability to travel up to 80% of the time
General Responsibilities
The Assistant Utility Operations Manager assists with the overall management of utility operations while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist the Utility Operations Manager in directing daily utility operations.
- Serve as acting Utility Operations Manager during absences.
- Supervise, train, mentor, schedule, and evaluate utility operators and field personnel.
- Assign work priorities and monitor employee productivity and performance.
- Ensure compliance with all TCEQ, EPA, OSHA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Assist with development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conduct field inspections to verify operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Assist with budgeting, equipment planning, capital improvement projects, and operational planning.
- Coordinate emergency response activities involving water and wastewater systems.
- Maintain effective communication with regulatory agencies, customers, contractors, consultants, and municipal officials.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Compliance Responsibilities
Serve as the primary compliance support for utility operations by:
- Assisting with preparation and submission of regulatory reports.
- Monitoring compliance with TCEQ permits and operating requirements.
- Coordinating water quality monitoring and wastewater sampling programs.
- Reviewing laboratory data and operational records for compliance.
- Assisting during TCEQ inspections and regulatory audits.
- Tracking operator licensing requirements and continuing education.
- Maintaining required compliance documentation and operational records.
- Assisting with corrective actions resulting from inspections or compliance deficiencies.
- Supporting emergency response reporting requirements.
- Ensuring all sampling, monitoring, and reporting deadlines are met.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise utility operators responsible for:
Water Production
- Operation of groundwater wells, pumps, motors, cooling towers, treatment equipment, and chemical feed systems.
- Water quality monitoring and operational adjustments.
- Preventive maintenance activities.
- Sampling and regulatory compliance monitoring.
Water Distribution
- Water main repairs.
- Valve and hydrant maintenance.
- Leak detection and water loss control.
- Meter installation and service connections.
- System flushing and water quality maintenance.
- Utility locating and mapping activities.
Wastewater Collection
- Sewer line cleaning and maintenance.
- Lift station inspections and repairs.
- Sewer overflow response.
- Inflow and infiltration reduction.
- Manhole inspections.
- Collection system rehabilitation support.
Wastewater Treatment
- Treatment plant operations.
- Process control adjustments.
- Laboratory sampling.
- Sludge management.
- Equipment maintenance.
- Regulatory discharge compliance.
Field Responsibilities
The Assistant Utility Operations Manager is expected to actively participate in field operations, including:
- Assisting crews during emergency repairs.
- Operating utility equipment when necessary.
- Troubleshooting mechanical and operational issues.
- Performing inspections of facilities and infrastructure.
- Supporting construction and rehabilitation projects.
- Conducting safety inspections and job site evaluations.
- Providing technical guidance and hands-on training.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Water production, treatment, storage, and distribution systems.
- Wastewater collection and treatment systems.
- TCEQ drinking water and wastewater regulations.
- EPA environmental regulations.
- OSHA safety requirements.
- Utility asset management principles.
- SCADA systems and process controls.
- Preventive maintenance practices.
- Budgeting and project management principles.
Skill in:
- Supervising and motivating employees.
- Regulatory compliance management.
- Technical troubleshooting.
- Reading engineering plans and utility maps.
- Preparing reports and maintaining records.
- Public communication and customer service.
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Computer applications including Microsoft Office and utility management software.
Ability to:
- Lead field personnel in a professional manner.
- Make sound operational decisions under pressure.
- Interpret regulations and implement compliance measures.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Respond to emergencies during nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Travel extensively between facilities.
- Develop positive working relationships with employees, regulators, contractors, and the public.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently walk, stand, climb, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to chemicals, wastewater, machinery, traffic, and construction hazards.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to travel frequently throughout the service area.
Work Schedule
- Full-time exempt position.
- Primarily Monday through Friday.
- Extended hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as required.
- Travel up to 80% throughout assigned service areas within the state.
Preferred Qualifications
- Class B or higher Water Operator License.
- Class B or higher Wastewater Operator License.
- Experience managing multiple utility systems.
- Experience with compliance reporting and regulatory inspections.
- Experience with asset management software and GIS.
- OSHA safety certifications.
- Confined Space and Trenching Competent Person certifications.
- Valid Texas Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) preferred.
Pay:
· $18.00 …………. No TCEQ license, class D required within 6 months
· $20.00…………..Class D water or wastewater license
· $21.00…………..Class D water and wastewater license
· $22.00………….. Class C water or wastewater license
· $24.00………….. Class C water and wastewater license
· $26.00…………. Class B water or wastewater license
· $27.00…………. Class B water and wastewater license
· $28.00………… Class A water or wastewater license
· $30.00………… Class A water and wastewater license
- All licenses need to be upgraded within a specific timeframe to be discussed upon hiring.
Leadership Expectations
The Assistant Utility Operations Manager is expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. This position serves as a leader within the organization by promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, employee development, and exceptional customer service while supporting the mission and goals of the utility department.
Pay: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
