Assistant Director of Water Utilities

CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER UTILITIES

(Starting salary range in the low $100’s, DOE)

THE COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT

Located in the center of the South Plains, Lubbock offers a rich history, dynamic economy, and a unique culture. A thriving City of more than 211,000 people, Lubbock serves as the region’s economic, educational, and health care hub. Lubbock is the heart of West Texas and is located in the center of the Ports-to Plains Corridor. The economic center of a 25-county region that is home to more than 500,000 people, Lubbock boasts a strong, diverse economy that is grounded in agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trades, as well as government, education, and health care. The City’s location provides easy access to the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains Region. The City of Lubbock is governed under the Council-Manager form of government and is served by a Mayor and six Council members.

LUBBOCK WATER UTILITIES

Lubbock Water Utilities operates through 17 cost centers, eleven cost centers in the Water Fund and six in the Sewer Fund. The Utility operates a water treatment plant, a well field with 166 active wells, a wastewater treatment plant, and maintains 1,375 miles of water lines, 4,200 fire hydrants, 960 Miles of sewer lines, 24 lift and pumping stations and 15,000 manholes, and one major reservoir. The utility serves over 73,000 water meters, 80% residential and 20% commercial. 60% of the water consumption is residential and 40% is commercial, primarily small commercial accounts. The 2006-2007 operating budgets for the Utilities Division total $68.8 million including debt service and capital and the five–year capital improvement program is in excess of $100 million. The Utility is staffed by 230 employees.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Director of Water Utilities reports to the Deputy City Manager/Director of Water Utilities and is responsible for assisting the Director with the administration, management and oversight of water and wastewater personnel, programs, activities, services, facilities, engineering and capital projects. He/She will assist with the development and updating of short and long range water supply plans. The Assistant Director will supervise five senior managers including Chief Engineer, Customer Service Supervisor, Water Superintendent, Wastewater Superintendent and Water Programs Coordinator.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requirements for the position include a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or a related field. A Master’s degree in engineering, public or business administration or a related field is preferred. Desired candidates will have a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in water/wastewater engineering, operations, supervision and management. Management responsibility for employees, projects and services is required. Private sector experience will be valued when accompanied by extensive knowledge of public utility management practices and requirements. Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas is preferred. TCEQ water and wastewater certification is highly desirable but not required.

A strong background in the operations of a complex water utility that operates water and wastewater treatment plants as well as a distribution and collection system is desired. Experience with long range water planning will also be a plus. The position requires regular interface/contact with elected officials, regulatory officials, business executives and representatives of the private sector, non-profit and community groups. A working knowledge of the operations of a complex local government organization is desired.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The Assistant Director will occupy a highly visible position within City government and also be required to serve as a spokesperson for Lubbock Water Utilities on numerous critical issues. As a result, the Assistant Director must have superior communications skills both verbally and in writing. He/She should be able to organize and prepare written reports and agenda items for the Commission and the City Council. He/She must be highly ethical and honest with unquestionable integrity. He/she must be able to hold confidences, withstand public pressures and scrutiny when undertaking critical evaluations. He/She must not be reactive when positions or opinions are questioned or challenged.

The Assistant Director must have excellent leadership and teambuilding skills. He/She must possess outstanding organizational and time management skills and be able to prioritize and multi-task while undertaking multiple projects simultaneously. Superior reasoning and analytical skills must be accompanied by a practical approach to problem solving and a desire to advance organizational goals/objectives over personal agendas. The desired individual must be able to balance expectations for taking initiative and thinking independently with an understanding of how others will react to adverse findings or conclusions.

The Assistant Director should demonstrate creativity in problem solving, promote cooperation and collaboration that leads to better results, and be able to establish effective business relationships. The most effective candidate must be willing to take on challenging tasks, plan strategically and explore alternatives before acting. He/She will work toward a sense of organizational accomplishment, be able to share credit with staff members and serve as a mentor for both professional colleagues and staff. Showing concern for others, resolving conflicts constructively, being a good listener and dealing with people in an open, friendly and sincere manner will help to ensure success for the Assistant Director.

The position is open until filled with the first résumé review date approximately on January 15, 2007. To be considered for this position, please submit a statement of interest, résumé & current salary information to:

Chris Hartung

WATERS-OLDANI EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT

A Division of the Waters Consulting Group, Inc.

5050 Quorum Drive, Suite 625

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone: 972.481.1950 Fax: 972.481.1951 Toll free: 877.356.2924

E-mail:

For more information visit: http://www.watersconsulting.com

The City of Lubbock is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.

VISIT THE CITY OF LUBBOCK’S WEBSITE

www.ci.lubbock.tx.us