The Director of Engineering provides strategic vision and leadership for all engineering functions supporting water supply, treatment, pumping, distribution systems, storage, and facilities. This role drives the delivery of high-quality innovative solutions through project delivery and technical services while maintaining operations, maintenance, and community relationships to ensure the reliability of the water system.  The Director collaborates with leaders across divisions on organizational goals and initiatives. The Director of Engineering reports to the General Manager and is responsible for managing the performance of the employees within the Division.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Director of Engineering Essential Functions

         Leads the development and implementation of the 40-Year Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and Asset Management Plan, forecasting future needs related to water system growth, rehabilitation, replacement, and regulatory changes. Assesses risks, prioritizes improvements, and identifies opportunities to enhance the reliability and efficiency of water treatment and distribution systems.

         Oversees project planning, design, and construction, ensuring sound engineering principles and alignment with operational goals for the organization.

         Collaborates with Divisions to implement projects and deliver technical services that support overall operations, strategic initiatives, and goals.

         Advises the General Manager, WaterOne Board, and senior staff on engineering matters that impact strategic objectives.

         Ensures project quality by evaluating proposals, contracts, scopes of work, schedules, budgets, contractor and vendor performance.

         Oversees complex engineering analysis and programs, including water modeling and SCADA. Leverages enterprise data to assess capacity, identify deficiencies, and develop solutions, using insights to drive improvements and plan future projects.

         Oversees public engagement efforts on projects, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to address project impacts, benefits, and requirements.

         Oversees the development and review of policies, procedures, and engineering standards for project management, design, and construction.

         Leads disaster recovery efforts in the event of a catastrophic occurrence.

Standard Essential Functions for Director Positions:

         Ensures alignment and consistency with organizational and team policies; contributes to the development of organization-wide policies and approves or endorses team-level policies.

         Provides guidance or addresses inquiries and complaints from customers or stakeholders that cannot be resolved by managers, or those requiring a high degree of urgency or severity.

         Researches new strategies, brainstorms possible solutions, communicates and ensures implementation of process changes, and ensures consistency across the organization.

         Supports the exploration, development and implementation of new and innovative technologies, systems, and methods to increase efficiency, cost savings, enhanced security, and improved customer experiences.

         Plans, coordinates, oversees and evaluates the organization, functions and activities of the Division to ensure effective and efficient operations and quality service to all customers and stakeholders.

         Develops and maintains internal relationships within WaterOne, as well as stakeholder relationships within the community, and various governmental entities. 

         Oversees the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of both operating and capital budgets. Evaluates historical spending and assesses future resource needs to ensure alignment with Division goals and WaterOne’s overall financial framework. Authorizes Division expenditures in accordance with WaterOne policies.

         Develops and maintains industry relationships with vendors, other utilities and professional organizations like the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Participates and encourages staff to participate in water industry research and activities providing awareness to WaterOne on leading edge technologies and practices.

         Attends Board and Committee meetings as well as other public or staff meetings. Delivers presentations to the Board, employees, public, and other stakeholders.

         Contracts with vendors to ensure compliance with project or service requirements and WaterOne business practices.

         Available during specific emergency situations as outlined in the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or when operational decisions require input from the Director.

Standard Supervisory/People Leader Responsibilities for Director Positions:

         Provides vision, direction and goal setting for the Division in alignment with WaterOne’s mission, vision, values and strategic plan, and in coordination with organization-wide and cross-divisional priorities. 

         Provides guidance to Managers on departmental tactical strategies, metrics, and key performance indicators, while taking ownership of achieving Division goals and aligning with the organization’s mission. Regularly reviews and interprets performance data to ensure strategic adjustments are made as needed.

         Drives work performance of the Division, and provides appropriate training, mentoring and coaching to Managers to enhance the overall operations of the Division.  Provides consultation to Managers for the application of employee corrective actions.

         Conducts annual performance evaluations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and employee development plans. Cultivates leadership skills in direct reports at intermediate to advanced levels and mentors high-potential employees to support their leadership growth.

         Conducts interviews and evaluates talent for hire in accordance with WaterOne interview standards. Makes hiring decisions for the Division.

         Performs or oversees other leadership and administrative duties such as timesheet approvals, time off requests, training authorizations, and other recordkeeping tasks.

         Provides strategic vision and leadership in the development and management of the Division’s budget, business plans, financial forecasts, and long-term staffing needs.

         Fosters strong relationships with employees, inspiring and motivating them to achieve success. Champions a positive, inclusive workplace culture that promotes belonging and engagement.

         Monitors and reviews work assignments to identify and solve operating difficulties, personnel or customer problems, and to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, regulations, etc. and to provide supervision and technical advice.  Responsible for working with Division managers and staff to determine the most economical method for utilization of the workforce, equipment, and materials.

         Actively engages in senior leadership activities, providing executive direction to advance WaterOne’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Goals. Plays a key role in the development and coordination of strategic planning and goal-setting efforts.

         Leads and guides efforts to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.

Other Duties

         Performs other job duties as assigned.

Customer Service Commitment

WaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers.  Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day.  Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Core Competencies

These key core competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee at WaterOne:

         Communicates Effectively – Demonstrates ability to listen and express oneself effectively and shares information as appropriate for the position needed to perform the job effectively.

         Conscientiousness – Expresses the motivation to perform one's job in a careful, thorough way that adheres to the standards of honesty and integrity.

         Customer Focus – Demonstrates a concern for satisfying both internal and external customers and builds collaborative relationships with customers and stakeholders.

         Interpersonal Savvy – Demonstrates the ability to effectively coordinate with others to achieve goals and solve problems by maintaining flexibility and open mindedness.

         Problem Solving/Drive for Results – Demonstrates the ability to find solutions to complex problems and consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.

Position Competencies

In addition to the core competencies, these key competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee in this position:

         Safety and Security Focus – Adheres to all workplace safety and security policies, standards, and practices.

         Creating a Positive Work Environment – Treats people with respect, encourages teamwork, and expresses confidence in people's ability to master their roles.

         Decision Making and Judgement – – Makes timely, informed decisions that consider the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.

         Ethics and Integrity – Earns others’ trust and respect through honesty and professionalism by adhering to a set of core values.

         Planning and Organizing – Coordinates ideas and resources to achieve goals in daily tasks.

         Engineering Skills - Demonstrates expertise in engineering principles and knowledge of construction techniques.

Supervisor Competencies

In addition to the core and position competencies, these supervisor competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee in this position:

         Ensures Accountability and Manages People’s Performance – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments, complete tasks, manage performance, and provide timely feedback to meet expectations.

         Strategic Mindset – Understands the business by using a strategic and global perspective to make complex decisions, explore innovative solutions, and build networks to make the big picture attainable.

         Developing Others - Develops people to meet both their career and the organization's goals while creating trust and a positive work environment.

Supervisory Responsibility

Manager-Distribution Engineering

Manager-Facilities Engineering

Manager-Process Engineering

Administrative Assistant – Engineering (2)

Required Education & Experience

         Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or related field). 

         Registration to practice as a Professional Engineer in the state of Kansas is required.  Licensing from another state will be accepted if comity exists with the State of Kansas.  If so, a license in Kansas must be acquired within one year of employment. 

         Twelve years of increasingly responsible experience in the water utility industry relating to potable water production, distribution operations, and maintenance, with an emphasis on engineering design and construction contracts, leveraging both internal and external teams.

         Seven years of progressive leadership responsibilities that included experience with employee performance reviews and coaching and managerial administrative tasks like timekeeping approvals.

         Experience designing, permitting, constructing, and commissioning water utility infrastructure.

         Experience negotiating and managing contracts for products and services.

         Experience managing vendors who provide both products and services.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

         High standards for quality and quantity of work produced, including the ability to provide technical support, correct and timely forecasting, progress, and procedural reports

         Ability to effectively communicate with the WaterOne Leadership Team and all other levels of employees, as well as the ability to deliver high quality communications to the WaterOne Board.  This includes the ability to present ideas in business-specific language appropriate for the target audience.

         Ability to function effectively as an internal consultant for all parts of the business.

         Ability to make critical decisions and apply good problem-solving skills.

         Ability to plan, evaluate, motivate and manage the performance of teams, and to provide appropriate leadership and oversight of their continued professional development.

         Ability to collaborate with senior management to achieve WaterOne goals and objectives.

         Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.

         Exceptional service orientation.

         Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

         Ability to effectively communicate with the WaterOne Leadership Team and all other levels of employees, customers, political, governmental and business leaders, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders.

         Cooperative attitude and ability to exhibit diplomacy and judgment when working with government agencies and the public.

         Knowledge of safety issues in underground work including open trench and trenchless operations, traffic control and confined spaces, as well as water treatment facilities, while exercising good judgment and concern for workers and workplace safety.

         Knowledge of working in right-of-way and easements.

         Ability to effectively plan, schedule, and direct multiple projects/activities through project and asset management.

         Knowledge of the principles, methods, and standard practices applied in water treatment, water distribution systems, and asset management. 

         Knowledge of State and Federal drinking water regulations.

         Knowledge of water facilities design, construction, operations, and maintenance.

         Knowledge of security issues that affect water utilities and ability to recognize hazards to water quality, personnel, and facilities.

         Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of software with emphasis in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  Knowledge of SCADA and computer control systems. Ability to learn and use WaterOne software programs.

Preferred Qualifications

         Postgraduate degree in Management, Business Administration, or Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Environmental or Mechanical) or related field.

         Seventeen years of progressive leadership responsibilities that included experience with employee performance reviews and coaching and managerial administrative tasks like timekeeping approvals.

         Demonstrated senior leadership experience and the ability to effectively work with the other senior leadership team members, internal and external stakeholders, consultants, and boards or governing bodies.

         Experience with enterprise software, including SAP S4/HANA, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), ESRI Geographic Information System (GIS), and Automated Information Mapping System (AIMS).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.