Racine Water Utility ~ Water Utilities Director
Hiring Salary: $130,476 – $184,201 Annually
Location: Racine, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Water Utility
Job Number: 202400036
Closing: Until filled
Working at the Racine Wastewater utility is more than a job, it is a career. Employees here are focused on protecting the health of our community and the ecosystem of Lake Michigan. Come join us and be part of our team!
Job Description: The Water Utility Director reports to the Mayor of Racine and the Water Works Commission. The Director is responsible for budgeting, planning, service delivery, management, and performance of the water utility. The Water Utility Director provides recommendations for strategic and financial planning. At times, this may include securing revenue bond financing or State Revolving Fund loans to pay for capital improvements. The Water Utility Director ensures compliance with local, state, and federal safe drinking water standards, rules, and regulations. The Water Utility Director prepares for monthly water commission and biweekly common council meetings. The Director also plans and directs public education and relations programs regarding plans and current operations. The position directly oversees four staff: chief of operations, chief engineer, administrative manager, and an administrative assistant. General supervision is exercised over the Utilities’ 57 employees. The Water Utility Director oversees personnel management including fostering better union/association relations.
POSITION PURPOSE: The purpose of this position is to direct, plan, administer and supervise water utility activities according to applicable statutes, ordinances and regulatory mandates under the general direction of the Waterworks Commission.
Core Functions
- Participates in weekly staff and other meetings with operations personnel, administrative manager and chief engineer. Plans and coordinates overall operation of water utility including maintenance, repair, capital improvement planning, financial accounting and billing.
- Reviews operations to ensure compliance with local, state and federal safe drinking water standards, rules and regulations.
- Prepares for monthly water commission and biweekly common council meetings. Serves as administrative assistant backup for Legistar documentation.
- Maintains knowledge of administrative and accounting principles; applicable ordinances, laws, rules and regulations; personnel management principles and techniques; and city growth patterns and trends.
- Supervises annual operating budget preparation. Prepares capital improvement project(s) recommendations. Monitors budget activities. Approves fund transfers, weekly accounts payable logs, revenue activity and expense reports.
- Secures revenue bond financing or State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans to pay for capital improvements. Works with the Racine Common Council for approval of said loans.
- Directly oversees chief of operations, chief engineer, administrative manager, and administrative assistant. Oversees personnel management including fostering better union/association relations. Imposes employee discipline with city HR.
- Responds to customer complaints; contributes input to resolve damage claims in concert with the city attorney’s office.
- Plans and directs public education and relations programs regarding future plans and current operations. Works with local and regional media contacts as necessary.
- Participates in association contract negotiations and service provider contract negotiations.
- Oversees capital improvement and construction projects. Reviews and approves plans, bid specifications, requests for proposal, contracts and construction and maintenance statistical and narrative reports. Executes contract documents in concert with the city attorney’s office.
- Executes utility relocation contracts with WE Energies for any necessary relocations.
- Reviews and approves or prepares reports to regulatory agencies.
- Participates in strategic and financial planning regarding utility operations.
- Directs and reviews department personnel ongoing training. Participates in ongoing training.
- Coordinates utility activities with other city departments and other governmental agencies.
- Reviews, records and performs other miscellaneous administrative duties.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, with a Master’s degree preferred, in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, business administration, or related area from an accredited college or university.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in water or wastewater engineering or municipal utility administration is required; or any combination of education and experience (MS = 4 years or BS = 2 years) that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Registered Professional Engineer is a plus.
- A valid state-issued motor vehicle operating license is required
For full job description and to apply online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/racinewi/jobs/4417560/water-utilities-director?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs