Logo
City of Sunnyvale

Deputy Director of Environmental Services – Water Distribution/Sewer Collection

City of Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, California, United States, 94087

Save Job

Overview

Deputy Director of Environmental Services – Water Distribution/Sewer Collection Full-Time, Regular Employment Opportunity The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Deputy Director of Environmental Services – Water Distribution/Sewer Collection to join the Environmental Services Department. The Deputy Director leads a team of 46 staff and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s potable and recycled water distribution and sanitary and storm sewer collection systems; ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations; preparing and administering the division’s operating and capital improvement budgets; overseeing asset management and long-term infrastructure planning; coordinating with regional agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders; and fostering a safe, customer-focused, and high-performing team culture.

Under general direction, participates in planning, organizing, managing, and providing oversight for all functions and activities of the Water Distribution/Sewer Collection Division of the Environmental Services Department including water utility, sanitary sewer system, storm drainage, and recycled water distribution programs; completes special projects; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director of Environmental Services in coordinating City-wide departmental activities and operations; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Supervision Received and Exercised Receives general direction from the Director of Environmental Services. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

Distinguishing Characteristics This is a deputy department director classification that oversees and participates in activities of the Environmental Services Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Director of Environmental Services in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. The successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in various areas. Responsibilities include coordinating assigned activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies.

May include, but is not limited to, the following:

Participates in the development and implementation of Environmental Services Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Participates in the selection and evaluation of Environmental Services Department personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.

Evaluates and monitors service delivery methods, workload, and internal reporting relationships; recommends improvements.

Assists in the preparation of the Environmental Services Department budget, including forecasting and approving expenditures; assists in making necessary budget adjustments.

Prioritizes environmental stewardship; ensures Division activities and goals align with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act; initiates programs to protect local ecosystems from runoff or discharge pollutants.

Oversee policies and regulations that govern water quality standards, wastewater treatment practices, and service delivery procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Develops and implements long-range plans for the maintenance of the City’s water and sewer systems; assesses future water and wastewater needs based on demographics and environmental factors; develops strategic plans to ensure sustainable and reliable services for the future.

Identifies, prioritizes, and oversees major capital projects from initial planning through completion, ensuring projects remain within budget and are completed on schedule.

Explains and interprets department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.

Assists in coordinating and implementing the Environmental Services Department's work plan; meets with designated staff to identify and resolve problems.

Participates on boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of water distribution and sewer collection operations.

Assists in coordinating department activities with other City departments and outside agencies and organizations; represents the Environmental Services Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies.

Ensures the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, management updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Environmental Services Director.

Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions Physical Demands:

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

When working in the field, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Education and Experience The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related field; AND

Six (6) years of professional experience directly related to wastewater, water, and sewer maintenance, public works construction experience, or a related field, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of:

Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision principles, leadership, budget development, contract administration, risk management, and strategic planning.

Regulatory requirements including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; capital improvement construction, inspection, funding, and long-term maintenance;

Public works/utilities administration and management; service delivery methods; safety rules and policies; and customer service principles.

English language grammar, report writing, and use of computer systems and software relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Develop and implement goals, policies, and work standards; provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.

Prepare and administer large budgets; allocate resources cost-effectively; interpret and apply policies and laws.

Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate staff; delegate authority; train and evaluate performance.

Research and evaluate new service delivery methods; manage complex projects and contracts; prepare clear reports and correspondence.

Communicate effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff; build positive working relationships.

Use computer systems and software relevant to work; manage records and documentation.

Licenses/Certificates Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Desirable Qualifications Registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California.

Application Process The application period closes on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Exam Process:

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications. Qualifed candidates will be invited to an oral examination process scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025. The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.

Selection Process Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year. Top candidates will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of October 27, 2025.

Additional Information Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch a video: How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute a contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, and other protected characteristics. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

#J-18808-Ljbffr