Vice President - Engineering & Distribution Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The VP of Operations/Chief Engineer has oversight of planning and directing the design and construction of all facilities including treatment plants, distribution system improvements, booster pumping stations, storage, as well as the maintenance and distribution of safe drinking water to customers. This includes managing regulatory compliance, water treatment, maintenance of equipment, operation of treatment, storage, and delivery systems.

Additional responsibilities include lab, facilities, water quality, water quality research, tracking regulations, development of the capital improvement plan, planning functions (survey, easement acquisition, GIS)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Oversees the preparation and final approval of project and capital plans.

Confirms total adherence to regulatory compliance in various areas including water treatment, equipment maintenance/operations, water quality/treatment, laboratory standards, OSHA, etc.

Responsible for operating the business units of engineering, water quality and water production operations.

Prepare and manage capital budgets ranging between $75 million - $150 million to properly maintain over 4,300 miles of water distribution mains, 25,000 fire hydrants and 327,000 service connections. Prepare and administer an Operations and Maintenance budget of $35- million.

Interact with union and non-union employees exercising effective labor management skills and well versed in CBA rules and provisions and overall company policies and procedures.

Provide the Board of Water Works (BOWW) with updates and presentations regarding operational projects and initiatives.

Provide insight and advice to the President/CEO and collaborate with peers in strategic and operational planning to meet customer needs and organizational functions.

Collaborate with the company's executive leadership team (ELT) to develop and meet organizational goals while supplying expertise and guidance on projects, operations, and systems.

Participate in the department's structure design including staffing, training and development of personnel including succession planning to help meet the Company's productivity and organizational goals.

Support and drive performance to meet or exceed the priorities, measures, and strategies of the company's Strategic Business Plan.

Perform other related duties as assigned by the President.

Prepare RFP invitations and conduct post submittal review from third parties to recommend final course of action with the BOWW to initiate project work and completion.

Negotiate cost-effective contracts for the organization; coordinate and implement contractors work that include third party labor, work scheduling/oversight, invoice payment, etc.

Responsible for the maintenance, repair and operation of the Company's Facilities and Assets which total over $1 billion in value.

Maintain technical specifications for the organization.

Manage the execution of capital work including design, easement acquisition, and construction.

Manage the installation of all new developments and new service installations as requested from developers, customers, and industrial and commercial businesses using in-house and contractor personnel.

Maintain record locations of all the Company's assets used in the production and delivery of water. (AM/FM/GIS system). Keep records to describe the Company's production facilities (Plant Record Drawing System) and its structures, and to delineate the boundaries of its property.

Develop a short term and long-term capital improvement plan that addresses water demands as well as all identified needs for the Company.

Maintain an all-pipes hydraulic computer model for engineering, planning water quality management and operational use.

Plan and direct efficient, cost-effective repairs in the distribution system to ensure uninterrupted water service with high quality customer service and value. Respond to distribution system emergencies within regulatory requirements in a manner that restores water service quickly while minimizing inconvenience and risk to customers.

Oversee the water quality and research department to assure compliance with all current and future U.S. EPA regulations. This department is also responsible for the evaluation of Advanced Treatment Technologies (ATT) and the day-to-day process engineering and technical support concerning water treatment.

Responsible to meet all U.S. EPA Regulatory requirements for the Distribution System including distribution water quality response programs to reduce cross-contamination.

Keep abreast of new developments in drinking water research to comply with both current and future regulations.

Maintain Phase IV Partnership for Safe Water status for both BEP and CHFP as well as the Phase IV status for Distribution WQ program.

Manage the operation of the water quality laboratory and maintain necessary certifications.

Responsible for production of an adequate quantity and quality of water to customers that meets all federal and state water quality and safety regulations. Direct the operation and maintenance of water treatment and delivery personnel, equipment, and facilities to ensure efficient and reliable water production and supply.

Responsible for the operations and maintenance of the water production system, including source water protection, raw water intake facilities, reservoirs, chemical mixing systems, filtration systems, disinfection systems, pumping stations, and storage facilities.

Direct the operation and maintenance of water treatment and delivery personnel, equipment, and facilities to ensure efficient and reliable water production and supply.

Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering; and

Professional Engineering License (Licensed in Kentucky); and

Fifteen years (15) engineering experience preferably in water utilities; and

ten (10) years of management level experience in engineering or operations; and

Valid driver's license