Senior Staff Analyst/ Drinking Water Operations

Service Line/Section: Drinking Water Operations | Reporting Location: Various Locations | Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM (subject to change)

About the Role

The Senior Staff Analyst provides analytical, operational, and technical support for Drinking Water Operations (DWO). This position plays a critical role in strengthening operational effectiveness, modernizing data systems, and overseeing budgets across Surface Water and Groundwater facilities. Supports organizational priorities by developing comprehensive databases, conducting research, analyzing operational and financial information, evaluating procurement and contract processes, and recommending workflow improvements. Exercises sound independent judgment and serves as a liaison between Drinking Water Operations, Houston Public Works, other City of Houston departments, vendors, and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and maintaining databases, Power Apps, digital tools, and dashboards to support DWO operations, regulatory compliance, and reporting needs.
• Developing, compiling, and maintaining operational reports, monthly KPIs, performance dashboards, technical summaries, and analytical materials.
• Monitoring budget performance, performing procurement card analysis, and preparing financial summaries.
• Tracking overtime usage, analyzing cost impacts, and preparing budgetary insights for senior leadership.
• Evaluating procurement workflows, contract processes, vendor performance, and purchasing documentation.
• Researching procurement and contract issues, preparing findings, and developing recommendations to streamline processes and reduce inefficiencies.
• Coordinating procurement-related documentation, tracking requisitions, supporting contract renewals, and ensuring alignment with City policies and procedures.
• Maintaining knowledge of current AWWA standards and water treatment best practices to support DWO operations.
• Evaluating operational, administrative, procurement, vehicle/fleet, and contract workflows to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Developing recommendations and implementing solutions that optimize resource utilization and reduce downtime.
• Investigating administrative or operational issues, gathering information from multiple sources, analyzing findings, and preparing recommendations for leadership consideration.
• Tracking departmental priorities, operational action items, and project deliverables, ensuring timely follow-up and completion.
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding, special projects, and departmental initiatives as assigned.
• Performing other related duties as assigned to support Drinking Water Operations leadership.

Working Conditions

This position requires stooping, bending and/or lifting of items (up to 30 pounds) and/or occasional periods of walking on rough surfaces inside of plant facilities. Occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than optimal temperature and air conditions. This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier 2 Level.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed. Graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed. Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferences

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for.

Pay

Pay Grade 28. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.