Job Summary:

The Director of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility (RWRF) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all wastewater reclamation operations, including secondary and tertiary treatment facilities, maintenance, and construction. Reporting to the City Administrator, the Director ensures compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations while driving operational efficiency and safety. This role plays a critical part in shaping the future of water reclamation for the City of Clinton, Iowa, by implementing long-term plans, managing our current state-of-the-art facility expansion, and using the project as a model to attract additional economic development opportunities, outside of our dealings with Biogas, residential waste and industrial waste. The Director serves as a key liaison with government agencies, community organizations, and city council to align the water reclamation operations with the City's broader growth and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and administer wastewater operations, including treatment processes, maintenance, construction, collection, pretreatment, and disposal.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and schedules to ensure regulatory compliance, efficiency, and reliability of wastewater treatment systems.
• Oversee operational changes to maintain compliance with NPDES and other environmental permits.
• Evaluate department performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Supervise and provide coaching for managerial and technical staff, ensuring proper training and development.
• Manage the EPA-mandated Industrial Pre-Treatment Program and ensure user compliance with industrial discharge ordinances.
• Prepare and monitor operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
• Control requisition of equipment, supplies, and materials to optimize operational efficiency.
• Represent the wastewater department at public meetings, conferences, and with external agencies, including federal, state, and local authorities.
• Coordinate emergency responses, including sewage collection, sewage separation and treatment malfunctions or natural disasters, with predetermined procedures.
• Review and interpret legislation affecting wastewater operations and advise City Council and City Administrator on necessary adaptations.
• Ensure adherence to city policies regarding safety, cleanliness, and fire prevention standards.
• Work with contractors and other Fortune 500 companies on economic development opportunities, selling and processing of biogas and managing both industrial and residential waste.

Skills and Competencies:

• Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment and reclamation principles, including secondary and tertiary processes.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Financial acumen for budget preparation, monitoring, and resource allocation.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, laws, and policies effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the department in negotiations and public forums.
• Strong decision-making abilities, particularly in high-stress and emergency situations.
• Proficient in standard and specialized software applications, including database and maintenance management systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with City Council, DNR, state government and other Federal agencies and community organizations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, engineering, environmental science, wastewater management or other related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in water reclamation operations assisting with both industrial and residential waste.
• Licenses/Certifications: Grade IV Iowa Wastewater Operator’s License or equivalent, with the ability to obtain a Grade IV certification within one year of hire.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (highly desirable).

Working Conditions:

• Work primarily in office settings and outdoor environments, including exposure to extreme weather, confined spaces, and hazardous materials.
• Frequent need to stand, stoop, climb, and navigate uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Travel within and outside city boundaries for meetings, training, and site visits.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Hearing sufficient to perform job duties in moderate to loud environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time, when necessary

Residency Requirement:

• Must reside within 20 air miles of the RWRF within six (6) months of hire.
• Relocation package available for the right candidate

This job description provides a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the Director of Regional Water Reclamation Facility role, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.