Description
Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking leader with a strong background in utility operations and a passion for environmental stewardship? The City of Tallahassee is seeking an experienced Manager of Wastewater Operations to lead critical infrastructure operations and services that protect public health, preserve natural resources, and support our growing community. This role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee a dedicated team and a wide range of essential systems, including wastewater treatment, pumping stations, reclaimed water, and biosolids management, while ensuring safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
$37.65 - $102.17
What You’ll Do
As the Manager of Wastewater Operations, you’ll be responsible for overseeing a broad portfolio of municipal utility services with a focus on reliability, sustainability, and innovation. You will:
- Lead Daily Operations: Manage the City's wastewater treatment plants, pumping systems, effluent disposal, reclaimed water reuse, and biosolids treatment programs.
- Maintain System Integrity: Oversee SCADA network, electrical, and mechanical systems while ensuring preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, and effective inventory management.
- Drive Improvement: Develop and implement new technologies, capital improvements, operational procedures, and system enhancements to improve efficiency and prolong infrastructure life.
- Manage Resources and Budgets: Prepare, monitor, and manage annual operating and capital budgets in coordination with Administrative Services, while focusing on long-term value and operational performance.
- Develop and Support Staff: Recruit, train, and mentor a skilled team. Provide ongoing coaching, conduct evaluations, and foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.
- Coordinate Across Departments: Work closely with internal divisions (Engineering, Water Operations, and more) and external stakeholders to align goals and deliver integrated solutions.
- Engage with the Community: Address public inquiries, respond to system-related concerns, and represent the division in meetings, forums, and communications with residents and agencies.
- Emergency Operations: Serve in a leadership role during emergency events and disasters, guiding emergency response and recovery activities to promptly restore level of service, and coordinating mutual aid assistance.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with consultants, department heads, and city, state, and federal officials on strategic initiatives.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, agenda items, and memoranda related to operational matters and departmental activities.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and City policies, including EEO and safety standards.
- Lead or support special projects, cross-functional teams, and research initiatives aimed at improving services or introducing innovation.
- Oversee all personnel matters, including hiring, disciplinary actions, training, drug testing compliance, and grievance resolution.
- Maintain thorough documentation and ensure accurate and timely reporting across all functional areas.
Benefits Information:
The City of Tallahassee offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and catastrophic illness leave
- Defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans
- Paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and long-term disability insurance
- Pre-paid legal, critical illness, and auto insurance plans
How to Apply:
Visit Talgov.com/Employment click on the ‘Apply Today’ button, then navigate to ‘My Job Applications’ icon, and create an account. Only online applications will be accepted for this vacancy. Remember, you must complete all sections of the application, including the education and work history section, even if this information is included on your resume.
If you have any questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact the City’s Human Resources and Workforce Development Department at 850-891-8214.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Tallahassee is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting equity and celebrating diversity. The City of Tallahassee invites applications without regard to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Veterans’ Preference:
Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses of the service members and veterans, will receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. For information on who may be eligible for Veterans' Preference, go to http://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/, or call Human Resources & Workforce Development at (850) 891-8214. To claim Veterans' Preference, applicants must upload a DD-214 (and other documentation, as applicable) with their online application prior to the closing date of the job opening.
Accommodation for Persons with a Disability:
If you require an accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, at 850-891-8950 or at TLHADA@talgov.com Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or TDD 711, at least 48 hours, (excluding weekends and holidays), prior to the application deadline.
Requirements
Minimum Training & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related scientific field.
- Five years of progressive experience in wastewater operations, including at least three years in a supervisory role.
- An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
- Valid State of Florida Class E driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep understanding of wastewater treatment, biosolids processing, water reuse, and pumping systems.
- Strong knowledge of chemical, biological, and physical wastewater treatment processes.
- Familiarity with SCADA and related infrastructure management technologies.
- Proven leadership and team development skills.
- Solid grasp of environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
- Proficiency in operational software, reporting tools, and technology applications used in utility management.
Preference may be given to those who hold a valid Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Plant Operator Class A License or a State of Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
Flexible work hours are available to support collaboration between day and evening shift employees, if desired.
Necessary Special Requirements:
An incumbent in this job classification is considered essential staff during emergency situations and is required to be available to work extended hours, including being required to remain at the work locations away from their family overnight.