Water and Wastewater Division Manager

FLSA: Exempt | Reports to: Public Works Director | Grade: 85

About the Role

This position oversees the overall management and operations of the Town’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants to ensure compliance with Federal and State environmental regulations and standards, and the health, safety, and welfare of the Town’s citizens and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, recommend, implement, evaluate, and update infrastructure and service plans to meet the Town’s water and wastewater utility needs.
• Lead and maintain regional collaboration in developing a long-term wastewater treatment solution for the Telluride region, including evaluating current and projected system demands, assessing and selecting appropriate site designs, and advancing the integration of modern and emerging treatment technologies.
• Stay current with regulatory requirements, lead compliance audits, and ensure all operations practices meet applicable standards.
• Administer, prepare, and complete permit reports such as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Sanitary Survey audits, permit renewals, Nutrient reports, and other compliance reporting.
• Optimize SCADA and process control systems to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making for plant operations.
• Monitor plant performance to ensure operations comply with codes, regulations, and requirements.
• Plan and manage capital improvement projects, including preparing technical specifications, cost estimates, and bid documents.
• Contract for services and monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with standards and expectations.
• Ensure tools, facilities, and equipment are properly maintained to support reliable operations.
• Troubleshoot, make, or coordinate repairs to the Town’s treatment plant assets.
• Ensure the Division responds promptly, efficiently, and effectively to emergencies and after-hours on-call situations.
• Utilize the Asset Essentials platform to document, track, and manage preventive maintenance, work orders, asset data, and equipment lifecycle information.
• Establish and implement repair schedules in alignment with departmental asset management standards.
• Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies, community representatives, and internal departments; lead public outreach and education efforts related to water and wastewater operations.
• Oversee pretreatment, backflow, water meter exchange, and fleet programs.

Supervision

• Hire, train, oversee, and evaluate Treatment Plant(s) staff.
• Train employees in the use, maintenance, repair, and storage of tools and equipment.
• Prepare work schedules and manage the Division’s overall calendar.
• Assign duties, review work, and direct changes as needed.
• Provide onsite direction and assistance when necessary.
• Perform Operator duties when necessary.
• Prepare annual performance evaluations that clearly define expectations. Document performance highlights and provide regular feedback to employees.

Administration

• Develop and implement plans to accomplish annual division goals; prepare budget recommendations.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures; perform cost-control activities.
• Determine, research, and order tools, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the Town’s Procurement Codes.
• Create and maintain efficient recordkeeping systems.
• Solicit staff feedback to identify and implement innovative technologies, processes, and operational improvements that enhance division and Town operations.
• Coordinate with Town staff, clients, shareholders, and customers to ensure expectations are identified and met.
• Respond to public, official, and press inquiries related to utilities policies and procedures.
• Administer grants.

Safety

• Develop and enforce safety policies, standards, and regulations.
• Recognize and correct unsafe conditions while promoting a culture of safety in the workplace and reporting.
• Perform supervisory responsibilities of the Town’s Substance Abuse Prevention Policy for Employees Subject to FMCSA.
• Oversee safety training; work safely to prevent at-fault accidents.

Requirements

• College Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of relevant experience in water and wastewater treatment, including 2 years of staff supervision.
• Driver’s License.
• Class A Wastewater and Water Plant Operator certifications preferred.
• Water Distribution System Class I certification.
• Wastewater Collection System Class I certification.
• Project Management experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of equipment operation and repair preferred.
• Familiarity with complex Colorado regulatory compliance and reporting requirements (CDPHE).

Skills

• Working knowledge of electricity, chemistry, and mechanics.
• Team building and leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and equipment applicable to water and wastewater utility management.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices.
• Strong understanding of safety practices and PPE related to operations of plants.
• Ability to organize, assign, and monitor work, supervise employees, and manage outcomes.
• Ability to effectively convey oral and written directions.
• Strong organizational skills and regulation management.

Environmental Factors

While performing the duties of this job, the work location varies and is both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor work is performed in adverse weather conditions, including high UV rays in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. Indoor work is performed in confined spaces and at heights, with exposure to noxious odors and environmental and mechanical hazards.

Physical Factors

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to lift 50 pounds and meet on-call requirements.