Water Services Director

The City of Bend is accepting applications for a regular, full-time Water Services Director in the Water Services Department. This is a non-represented, salaried, exempt (overtime ineligible) position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes.

About the role

The City of Bend’s Water Services Department plays a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring reliable water services for the Bend community. The Water Services Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the City’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, guiding policy implementation, service delivery, and long-range planning with a One Water approach that recognizes all water has value and is interconnected.

Working out of the city’s newly constructed Public Works Campus and reporting to the Public Works Director, this role leads a highly technical, service-oriented department responsible for delivering safe, high-quality drinking water, managing stormwater to reduce flooding and protect watershed quality, and ensuring wastewater is collected, treated, and returned safely to the environment. The Water Services Director works closely with Public Works leadership, City departments, regulatory agencies, and community partners to balance infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance, affordability, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability.

This position is ideal for an experienced utility leader who values interdepartmental collaboration, data-driven decision making, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to public service. The Water Services Director plays a critical leadership role within Public Works and serves as a key advisor to the Public Works Director on water-related policy, capital planning, and operational matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Water Services Department under the direction of the Public Works Director
• Oversee drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater programs using a One Water framework
• Direct day-to-day department operations, capital planning, and long-term infrastructure investment
• Develop and administer operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and financial performance
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to water quality, wastewater, and stormwater
• Lead, coach, and support managers, supervisors, and professional staff
• Advise the Public Works Director on policy, operational, and financial matters related to water services
• Represent the department in interdepartmental coordination, regulatory meetings, and community engagement efforts
• Support City Council items and public communication through the Public Works Director
• Promote sustainability, resilience, safety, and continuous improvement in service delivery

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced utility leader with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on operational oversight. This candidate will be a strong collaborator who works effectively within a director-led Public Works structure, with strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues for internal leaders and the public.

Highly qualified candidates will have comprehensive working knowledge of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, as well as familiarity with climate resilience, water conservation, and long-term resource planning. This candidate will bring skills in leadership, change management, and executive-level decision-making.

Requirements

Education

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

Experience

• 9 or more years of experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks
• 7+ years of managerial experience

Desired Attributes

• Experience leading a water, wastewater, or stormwater utility within a municipal setting
• Familiarity with the One Water or integrated water management approach
• Experience working in a high-growth or climate-sensitive region
• Professional engineering license or advanced degree

Benefits

The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents, including:

• Health and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• A robust paid leave program

Pay

Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity.