Description
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
City of Mankato, MN
Salary Range: $50.87 to $68.56 Hourly / $105,809.60 to $142,604.80
Starting Salary: $50.87 to $55.82 Hourly / $105,809.60 to $116,105.60 with advancement to $142,604.80
NATURE OF WORK:
Under general direction of the Director of Public Works, the Associate Director of Public Utilities plays a critical role in the management and administration of various utility services within the City of Mankato. This position assists with leadership and direction of all divisions including water treatment, water distribution, wastewater conveyance, wastewater treatment, laboratory services, and storm water operations. The role requires a strong understanding of utility operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to ensure efficient and sustainable services to the community. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong leadership to address current challenges and plan for future needs in water, wastewater, and storm water.
View job posting, benefits, and apply online
About Us:
Our employees are committed to working in an environment that fosters the core values of the City of Mankato – positive attitude, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Our work is challenging and has purpose. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make good decisions that align with the public service principles and core values. Our organization is committed to investing and developing each other. We will recognize and celebrate our collective achievements and individual accomplishments.
We take pride in investing in our employees. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages not only success for the community we serve, but for you as well. Come grow your career with us!
PRIMARY ESSENTIAL WORK FUNCTIONS:
Supervises assigned Public Utilities divisional principal supervisory and subordinate staff; including, but not limited to:
Participating in and recommending the selection of new employees.
- Providing the purpose, motivation, and direction on work assignments to personnel in terms of work methods, safety requirements, level of service required, and standards of performance expected with the goal of improving the organization.
- Directing, providing, coordinating, and overseeing principal and subordinate staff training.
- Reviewing the work performance of employees on a continual basis and completing performance evaluations on principal supervisory staff within organizational established timeframes.
- Leading by example to establish and maintain a high level of performance in a work environment where assigned subordinates are effectively engaged and motivated to their fullest potential.
- Maintaining discipline through mentoring, training, and corrective action; assisting in grievances; and recommending discipline for both union and non-union employees within established organizational policies.
Develops priorities for new and existing activities within the division:
- Evaluates services provided by the division and develops options for improving services.
- Assists with presenting information to City Manager, Mayor, City Council and other departments and divisions.
Serves as program and/or project manager as assigned. - Assists in the administrative direction of utility operations programs; recommends operating policies, rules and procedures.
Monitors, advises, and implements federal, state and local regulations and policies as they relate to water, wastewater, and stormwater operations. - Develops and amends policies and ordinances.
Prepares budget submittal packets and assists with grant applications:
- Ensures the division’s financial records and budgets are maintained and that the leadership is properly advised regarding the fiscal position of the department.
- Recommends changes in spending based on changing conditions to balance revenues and expenditures.
- Assists with administering contracts and grant revenue and expenditures and preparation of any required reports or payment claims.
- Assists with purchasing and bid letting to ensure cost efficiency and compliance with law.
- Prepares and recommends appropriate fee schedules for department services.
- Develops long-term plans, such as capital improvement plans.
- Assists with development and update of the financial models and review of industry trends to ensure utility rates are sufficient and sustainable.
Public relations:
- Builds working relationships with partner agencies, elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, county, and regional level to be in a position to advocate for the best interests of the City of Mankato.
- Prepares and assists with presentations to City staff, Council, industry organizations, schools, and public engagement events.
Emergency response:
- When directed, serves as liaison to Emergency Management. Attends numerous planning and operational emergency management functions on behalf of the City.
- Responds on- and off-duty to emergency service needs and assumes an appropriate role with the Incident Management System.
Prepares reports, requests, resolutions, draft ordinances, and other City Council documentation.
OTHER WORK FUNCTIONS:
- Performs physical and mental demands and work environment requirements for this position.
- Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.
- Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and community customers.
- Performs other related work as assigned or apparent.
The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
COMMUNICATES WITH:
Internally – Administrative Services (Administration, Finance, Information Technology, and Public Utilities), Community Development, Human Resources, Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) Event Center, Public Information, Public Safety, Water Treatment Plant, Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), and Infrastructure Superintendents; and other Public Works Staff
Externally – General public, contractors, regulatory agencies, private consultant engineers, vendors, community groups, civic organizations, Blue Earth County, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), and customer communities
SUPERVISION: 6 direct reports/leads 35
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
- Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment assessment, background examination, physical examination, and drug testing.
- Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
- Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, the not public data must be properly stored according to city policy and the Minnesota Statutes.
Safety Sensitive Notice. This is a safety sensitive position which requires cannabis pre-employment drug testing. Safety sensitive position means a job in which an impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis usage would threaten the health and safety of any person.
HOURS OF WORK:
General working hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and outside of regular work hours as necessary. Must have the ability to field calls after hours as needed. Flexibility in work hours is expected.
View job posting, benefits, and apply online
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree / four-year degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, and/or storm water operations; with at least four (4) years of experience supervising a major functional area of public utilities.
OR - Graduation from a technical college with a degree in water/wastewater technology and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience; with at least four (4) years of experience supervising a major functional area of public utilities.
OR - Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may be substituted for the above requirements.
