DC WATER
Director, Water Operations - (25-WS-813000-353)
DC WATER, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
General
Job Title: Director, Water Operations Department: Water Operations-Central Administration, Operations | Salary Schedule: Executive Grade | Cost Center Code: 813000 | Grade: ESSB | Reports To: Vice-President, Water & Sewer Operations | Supervises Directly: Yes | New or Revised: New | Regular or At-Will: At-Will | Date Last Revised: 5/13/2025 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt | Essential Position: Yes | Work Format: Hybrid | Union/Non-Union: Non-Union Who We Are & What We Do: At DC Water, we provide essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services to residents and visitors and wholesale wastewater services to surrounding counties. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our workforce and communities. We commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner. Role Description
The Director, Water Operations is a senior-level leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the water distribution system. This position directs field operations, maintenance, emergency response, and capital planning related to potable water infrastructure. The Director ensures safe, reliable and compliant delivery of potable water to the community while promoting workforce development, asset stewardship, and interdepartmental collaboration. Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Oversees the development and implementation of repair and maintenance and asset management programs specific to potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure (e.g., water mains, valves, hydrants) to ensure public health and safety in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements related to potable water operations and system rehabilitation. Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure assets. Leads comprehensive asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity. Oversees operational and process analysis for potable water systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technological advancements. Directs the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring systems) to improve operational resilience, performance, and sustainability. Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including oversight of expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources. Tracks emerging regulations, industry practices, and policy changes to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and operational strategy. Manages the operational execution of emergency contractors and construction teams during system failures, infrastructure repairs, or planned interventions. Oversees long-term planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and program goal setting for water operations. Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure planning and operational integration. Leads and implements operational improvements that enhance system reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies and innovative practices to strengthen system performance and resilience. Monitors regulatory changes and industry developments to ensure proactive compliance and inform operational planning. Participates in executive-level planning and decision-making to align water initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy. Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining continuity of service. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations. Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the department. Responsible for the success of the department and monitors and evaluates progress toward meeting goals, adjusting objectives, work plans, schedules, and resources as needed. Key Working Relationships
Interacts with high-ranking Authority and Board officials; attends meetings with Federal and private agencies and DC Government departments; represents the Authority at community meetings and resolves issues presented by the public. Required Skills & Qualifications
Note:
This section is presented in text for clarity; the content mirrors the original requirements. Required Experience
Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience leading water utility operations with five (5) years in a senior and/or executive management role. Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary field operations teams. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, foster team culture, and implement accountability frameworks. Minimum Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering, water resources management, environmental science, public administration, business management, or a related field, with substantial professional experience in water transmission and distribution system operations and management OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as stated below. Master's degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (pumping, distribution, or treatment programs), or High school diploma or GED equivalency and 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (pumping, distribution, or treatment programs). Required Skills
Thorough understanding of water distribution systems including valve and hydrant programs, leak detection, main repairs, meter maintenance, and system pressure management. Experience overseeing regulatory compliance and achieving water quality targets. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS asset management platforms and CMMS tools. Development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs. Background in long-range capital planning and asset lifecycle management. Oversight of multi-million-dollar operation budgets, procurement and vendor management. Experience managing labor relations including union negotiations and performance management. Demonstrated ability to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to organizational priorities. Led or participated in the deployment of smart water technologies, AMI systems or digital twins. Familiarity with innovation strategies in the water sector, such as non-revenue water reduction and resilience planning. Required Licenses & Certifications
N/A Required Languages
English Physical Requirements
General office conditions. Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Note: N/A for preferred sections in the original content. Your Experience at DC Water
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital. Take pride in your work.
We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an opportunity to help improve the environment and the community. Connect to a strong culture.
Our values are accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing. Be your true self.
We are an inclusive organization that celebrates diversity and individual contributions. Build your skills and career path.
We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits, please email complianceada@dcwater.com
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Job Title: Director, Water Operations Department: Water Operations-Central Administration, Operations | Salary Schedule: Executive Grade | Cost Center Code: 813000 | Grade: ESSB | Reports To: Vice-President, Water & Sewer Operations | Supervises Directly: Yes | New or Revised: New | Regular or At-Will: At-Will | Date Last Revised: 5/13/2025 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt | Essential Position: Yes | Work Format: Hybrid | Union/Non-Union: Non-Union Who We Are & What We Do: At DC Water, we provide essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services to residents and visitors and wholesale wastewater services to surrounding counties. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our workforce and communities. We commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner. Role Description
The Director, Water Operations is a senior-level leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the water distribution system. This position directs field operations, maintenance, emergency response, and capital planning related to potable water infrastructure. The Director ensures safe, reliable and compliant delivery of potable water to the community while promoting workforce development, asset stewardship, and interdepartmental collaboration. Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Oversees the development and implementation of repair and maintenance and asset management programs specific to potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure (e.g., water mains, valves, hydrants) to ensure public health and safety in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Oversees and supports execution of high-value, complex contractual agreements related to potable water operations and system rehabilitation. Directs the review, development, and implementation of design documents, technical plans, and specifications for potable water transmission and distribution infrastructure assets. Leads comprehensive asset management programs, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and system longevity. Oversees operational and process analysis for potable water systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technological advancements. Directs the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, smart monitoring systems) to improve operational resilience, performance, and sustainability. Develops and manages annual operating budgets, including oversight of expenditures for contractors, vendors, and departmental resources. Tracks emerging regulations, industry practices, and policy changes to inform capital planning, staffing, equipment procurement, and operational strategy. Manages the operational execution of emergency contractors and construction teams during system failures, infrastructure repairs, or planned interventions. Oversees long-term planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and program goal setting for water operations. Collaborates with internal departments and stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure planning and operational integration. Leads and implements operational improvements that enhance system reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Evaluates and integrates emerging technologies and innovative practices to strengthen system performance and resilience. Monitors regulatory changes and industry developments to ensure proactive compliance and inform operational planning. Participates in executive-level planning and decision-making to align water initiatives with capital programs and enterprise strategy. Responds to operational challenges and emergencies while maintaining continuity of service. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Water and Sewer Operations. Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the department. Responsible for the success of the department and monitors and evaluates progress toward meeting goals, adjusting objectives, work plans, schedules, and resources as needed. Key Working Relationships
Interacts with high-ranking Authority and Board officials; attends meetings with Federal and private agencies and DC Government departments; represents the Authority at community meetings and resolves issues presented by the public. Required Skills & Qualifications
Note:
This section is presented in text for clarity; the content mirrors the original requirements. Required Experience
Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience leading water utility operations with five (5) years in a senior and/or executive management role. Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary field operations teams. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, foster team culture, and implement accountability frameworks. Minimum Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering, water resources management, environmental science, public administration, business management, or a related field, with substantial professional experience in water transmission and distribution system operations and management OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as stated below. Master's degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (pumping, distribution, or treatment programs), or High school diploma or GED equivalency and 14 years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations (pumping, distribution, or treatment programs). Required Skills
Thorough understanding of water distribution systems including valve and hydrant programs, leak detection, main repairs, meter maintenance, and system pressure management. Experience overseeing regulatory compliance and achieving water quality targets. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS asset management platforms and CMMS tools. Development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs. Background in long-range capital planning and asset lifecycle management. Oversight of multi-million-dollar operation budgets, procurement and vendor management. Experience managing labor relations including union negotiations and performance management. Demonstrated ability to improve cost efficiency, manage overtime, and align resources to organizational priorities. Led or participated in the deployment of smart water technologies, AMI systems or digital twins. Familiarity with innovation strategies in the water sector, such as non-revenue water reduction and resilience planning. Required Licenses & Certifications
N/A Required Languages
English Physical Requirements
General office conditions. Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Note: N/A for preferred sections in the original content. Your Experience at DC Water
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital. Take pride in your work.
We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an opportunity to help improve the environment and the community. Connect to a strong culture.
Our values are accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing. Be your true self.
We are an inclusive organization that celebrates diversity and individual contributions. Build your skills and career path.
We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits, please email complianceada@dcwater.com
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