Assistant Director of Utilities - Water/Wastewater

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.

The Assistant Director of Utilities - Water/Wastewater provides strategic leadership for the City’s water and wastewater utilities, directing operations, system planning, and asset management to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service delivery. This role oversees the maintenance, regulatory compliance, and performance of water production, wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, reclaimed water, lift stations, storage facilities, and related support functions. This role manages key programs and projects, ensures alignment with City standards and regulatory requirements, and liaisons with governmental agencies, consultants, contractors, and developers. By addressing operational challenges, customer needs, and business priorities, the position drives continuous improvement and supports organizational decision-making. The Assistant Director also serves as a key advisor to the Director of Utilities, contributing to policy development and division-wide strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

Manages and Coordinates Water/Wastewater Division Operations

• Oversees daily operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and service delivery across water production, wastewater treatment, distribution, collection, reclaimed water, lift stations, booster stations, storage facilities, warehouse operations, and water quality functions.
• Participates in developing and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and long-range plans to support operational excellence and regulatory alignment.
• Administers and oversees Division technology resources, including asset management systems, SCADA, and other operational software.
• Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies, engineering and legal consultants, contractors, developers, and community members to ensure information flow, regulatory compliance, and responsive service.

Administers Departmental Programs and Projects

• Oversees assigned programs and projects, including review of plans and specifications for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure.
• Prepares and reviews project proposals, reports, analyses, and presentations to support informed decision-making.
• Conducts site inspections and monitors project activities for compliance with specifications and performance expectations.
• Plans, prioritizes, and evaluates Division programs, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives and regulatory standards.

Coordinates Regulatory and Compliance Activities

• Interfaces with federal and state agencies on inspections, notices of violation, resilience planning, water rights actions, TPDES filings, CCN amendments, and other regulatory matters.
• Serves as the Division’s primary contact for professional services contracts related to regulatory affairs, including legal and engineering support.
• Provides testimony or participates in hearings and proceedings before TCEQ, PUC, SOAH, and other regulatory bodies.

Supports Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Assists the Director of Utilities in preparing and administering the departmental budget; monitors expenditures, compiles financial reports, and communicates budget information to Division staff.

Provides Leadership and Personnel Management

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned personnel; communicates policies and expectations to ensure consistent performance and regulatory compliance.
• Provides guidance and leadership to foster a safe, collaborative, and effective work environment.

Represents the Division and City

• Serves on boards and committees as assigned and represents the City at professional meetings, workshops, and regulatory proceedings.
• Prepares and delivers presentations in support of Division initiatives and citywide objectives.

Miscellaneous

• Monitors legislative developments affecting water and wastewater utility operations.
• Responds to emergency incidents and unplanned events to support continuous service delivery.
• Acts on behalf of the Director of Utilities when designated.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field. Commensurate combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing water/wastewater utilities operations with five (5) years in senior level management.
• Level B Water and/or Wastewater Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is required within two (2) years of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of State and Federal environmental regulations, municipal codes, and industry standards applicable to water and wastewater utility operations.
• Knowledge of technical drawings, specifications, maps, equipment manuals, and other operational documentation.
• Knowledge of potable and reclaimed water treatment, transmission, distribution, pumping, storage, wastewater collection, and centralized treatment systems.
• Skill in preparing and reviewing budgets, proposals, reports, and summaries to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including maintaining positive working relationships with City staff, external agencies, contractors, vendors, and the public.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating personnel to build a high-performing team.
• Skill in managing departmental projects, programs, and budget resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements and technical materials accurately.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in operational decisions and resolve conflicts effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds rarely. Subject to vision constantly; sitting, handling, fine dexterity and hearing frequently; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, balancing, talking and foot controls occasionally; kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting and climbing rarely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involves occasional exposure to maintenance machinery, vehicle/equipment hazards, exhaust fumes, and hazardous chemicals.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
• Choice Plus PPO Plan
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Wellness Initiatives
• Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
• Dental Plan
• Base Vision Plan
• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical Concierge Service
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit
• Home Buyer Incentive Application
• Home Buyer Incentive Policy
• Paid Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave

The City of San Marcos is committed to supporting a flexible and positive work/life balance. Certain eligible positions may offer remote telework opportunities based on departmental operations and the nature of the work. Telework is not a fully remote arrangement, and eligibility and frequency are determined by the department director based on operational needs and the city's commitment to providing quality services to the community.

Closing Date/Time: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Central