Deputy Director Of Water Production

The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) is seeking a Deputy Director of Water Production to assume responsibility for the performance, operation, and maintenance of PWSA’s

Water Treatment Plant, membrane filtration plant, and pumping stations.

THE ORGANIZATION

The PWSA is entering a new era – one with a renewed emphasis on public health, the environment, and our responsibility to serve as steadfast stewards of the vital water services the region relies on each day. PWSA provides service to more than 465,000 customers throughout the City of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, and is the largest combined water, sewer, and stormwater authority in Pennsylvania.

The PWSA embarked on a 2021-2022 Strategic Planning Project to redefine the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the organization. The newly defined mission is to support the Pittsburgh region by protecting public health and the environment through the delivery of safe and reliable water services with a commitment to future generations.

There are two categories of water projects in PWSA’s capital program. The first is the replacement of water mains and the ongoing replacement of lead service lines throughout the distribution system. These projects, happening in numerous Pittsburgh neighborhoods and Millvale, are a major investment to improve water quality and reliability for thousands of residents throughout PWSA’s distribution system. The second category – a series of once-in- a-generation projects to renew key components of PWSA’s water production and distribution system, called the Water Reliability Plan – is preparing PWSA for the next 80-100 years of service to the Pittsburgh community.

THE POSITION

Under limited supervision of the Director of Operations, the Deputy Director of Water Production is responsible and accountable for the performance, operation and maintenance of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority’s Water Treatment Plant, membrane filtration plant, and pumping stations, ensuring that produced water and water distribution system quality meets or exceeds applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations, as well as expectations of the consumers.

Responsibilities

In alignment with the requirements of the position, the Deputy Director of Water Production will:

• Develop and recommend changes to water treatment plant processes and approach, and minor equipment changes as necessary, in collaboration with the Laboratory, Operator of Record, and Environmental Compliance functions.
• Direct the evaluation of new chemicals and treatment processes and procedures to maintain consistent water quality.
• Partner with leadership on matters of policy and short and long-term planning.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, maintenance, and repair of a complex system of reservoirs and storage tanks, settling basins, treatment and filter plants, and pumping stations.
• Develop, manage, and report on Key Performance Indicators to measure work performance, operations and maintenance requirements.
• Supervise, evaluate, coach, mentor, train, discipline and motivate staff and contractors.
• Documentation related to all safety issues.
• Approve timecards and overtime and benefit usage requests, ensuring accuracy.
• Ensure the safety of all operations; Conduct safety meetings and inspections and provide
• Plan, direct, organize and control the materials, equipment and procedures toward the effective, efficient and economical attainment of relative program goals, including maximum convenience to the public and safety of employees.
• Prepare technical specifications, review, and approve chemical purchases, repair contracts, new equipment, and materials; monitor contract performance.
• Identify, recommend and manage major improvements in plant, equipment, and facilities, including design or construction projects that involve outside consultant and contractors.
• Direct the analysis of all plant operations phases and methods to develop more efficient, cost effective, and technologically advanced methods of water treatment.
• Direct, schedule, and inspect general plant operations, maintenance, and plant shutdowns; direct plant operations in emergency situations, including coordination with the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
• Assume accountability for the protection of the environment and public through compliance with water quality requirements, permit parameters, other federal, state and local regulations, and for accurate field laboratory data, and an effectively managed asset management program.
• Develop departmental budget including personnel, equipment, and capital planning.

The Deputy Director of Water Production will directly supervise the following positions: Office Manager, Senior Group Manager of Water Quality & Treatment, Senior Project Manager, and Senior Manager of Maintenance. The Deputy Director of Water Production will receive supervision directly from the Director of Operations.

Qualifications

The minimum requirements for the Deputy Director of Water Production position include a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, business administration or related field from an accredited college or university along with 10 years of related experience in the operation and management of a large-capacity water treatment plant (50 mgd minimum). 5 years management experience is also required. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted. A Master’s degree and registration as a Professional Engineer are preferred.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to work independently, use time wisely, and complete assignments in a timely manner as well
• Operations department.
• Reports.
• Extensive ability to develop and implement best practices to promote continuous improvement, operational efficiencies, innovation and excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing potable water
• Strong management skills (planning, organizing, analysis, problem solving, team working, employee development).
• Ability to prepare and understand complex technical documents, specifications, drawings, and
• Supply.
• Extensive knowledge of water treatment and process design and operations, water treatment and process engineering, laboratory sampling and analysis, process and distribution system hydraulic principles, pneumatics, mechanics, electronics, construction and maintenance related to potable water facilities operations.
• Skilled in a variety of technology and media platforms with proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Extensive knowledge of unit process design and operations, process chemistry, and chemical reactions related to potable water treatment.
• Strong analytical, planning and organization skills.
• Proven ability to make decisions based on sound business judgements and to set targets for the field
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and empower employees.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Associates, outside agencies and the general public.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all departments,
• As take both verbal and written directions.

Special requirements

• Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) PA Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment.
• A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
• Applicant must have permanent residency within one of the following Pennsylvania counties at the
• Time of appointment and remain a resident within one of the noted counties throughout employment with the PWSA: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Indiana, Washington, or Westmoreland.
• Applicant must possess a Pennsylvania Class A Water Plant Operators Certificate or obtain within two years after date of hire.

Employment may be contingent on the results of the following assessments:

Medical examination. Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by PWSA’s examining physician.

Drug testing. Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to randomized drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and for reasonable suspicion.

Pre-employment background investigation. Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.

TO APPLY

The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority is partnering with POLIHIRE to find its next Deputy Director of Water Production. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter outlining your qualifications and your resume to [email protected]. Please include only your name (Last, First) in the subject line when submitting these materials.