Water Resources Operations Manager

Public Works Department – Search Extended - Looking to move to Portland, Maine?  Located in the scenic Northeast, the City of Portland is perched on a peninsula that juts out onto an island-studded Casco Bay.  Portland is a progressive, lively city incorporating the character of yesteryear into a modern urban environment.   Portland is truly the gem of New England, which is why it was named the #1 place in the country to raise children, the top green city of its size, and one of the ten great adventure towns by National Geographic.  In Portland, we are lucky to have water resources at our door step – Stroudwater and Fore Rivers, Back Cove, Capisic Pond, Casco Bay.  Clean Water is important to our economy and way of life.  The City and our partners work hard to ensure clean water.  When it comes to keeping our rivers, streams and bays clean, everyone plays an important role.  Join the City of Portland, Maine, Water Resources Division of Public Works as the Water Resources Operations Manager.  The Operations Manager will report directly to the Water Resources Division Director and will manage the City’s operations and maintenance programs to meet regulations governing stormwater, combined sewer, and sewage collection systems, as well as develop and implement proactive solutions to compliance issues.  The ideal candidate will have significant technical knowledge and a broad base of stormwater and wastewater treatment and regulatory experience.  The candidate must have proven experience in leadership, operations, budgeting, process optimization, project management and support of Capital Improvement Projects.  Work is performed with considerable discretion, initiative and independent judgment under the general direction of the Water Resources Division Director.  The Operations Manager joins a highly skilled and dedicated division and will supervise the Utility Coordinator and subordinate staff in his/her absence.  Essential Duties include but not limited to: Manage the wastewater and stormwater systems within the City’s operational area, to include the production, field operations, maintenance services, health & safety, and environmental compliance ensuring cost effective, high quality customer service and operational reliability.  Implement best operating practices to promote continuous improvement, innovation and develop operational strategies, direct and manage the field operations and production for stormwater and wastewater operations.  Provide strategic and operational input to control budgets for responsible areas, and ensure that operational and financial targets are met or exceeded.  Lead, motivate and develop staff.  Build shared commitment to improving business performance, and develop both individual and team capabilities.  Drive performance by linking Public Works objectives to Water Resources goals and values.  Communicate a shared vision, energize and empower staff, and champion diversity.  Support the utility development function of the Integrated Plan.  Assist in due diligence and operational analysis, and ensure effective integration and performance of contracted work.  Establish relationships with and serve as operational contact for political and civic leaders and other key external stakeholders.  Support and assist in maintaining and enhancing such relationships.  Responsible for overseeing a unionized workforce while maintaining a positive, professional and customer service-oriented work environment, to include understanding and implementing union contracts, processing grievances, and effectively resolving employee issues in a timely manner.