Director for Distribution and Engineering Operations

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION:

The Cambridge Water Department (CWD) is a municipally owned and operated utility that is responsible for watershed management, treatment plant operations, and the delivery of high quality, safe drinking water.  

The Distribution and Engineering Divisions are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing the piping networks which convey the city's water supply from reservoirs in Waltham to the farthest flowing tap at the other end of the city. These piping networks and appurtenances are made up of over 200 miles of pipeline ranging from 4 inches -63 inches, over 15,000 service connections, approximately 1,800 fire hydrants, and 4,500 valves.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:       

Under the supervision of the Managing Director, the Director for Distribution and Engineering Operations is responsible for:

 

Water Transmission and Distribution

• Develop, implement and monitor both internal and contracted programs to maintain, repair or replace valves, hydrants, services, curb boxes, mains and other appurtenant facilities – including MWRA connections and conduit from reservoirs.
• Manage oversite and implementation of the city-wide Cross Connection and Backflow testing program.
• Prioritize uninterrupted water supply associated with fire protection.
• Oversee the purchase, maintenance and deployment of the department’s vehicle and heavy equipment fleet. 

Engineering

• Develop and implement long-range capital improvement plans and associated budgets
• Manage the preparation of specifications and plans.  Build industry best practices into standard specifications.
• Coordinate with administrative staff and the City’s Purchasing Department on procurement of goods and services under Massachusetts public bidding laws.
• Maintain and improve engineering record-keeping
• Reviews permits and plans submitted by consultants and contractors

Personnel Management

• Manages approximately 30 employees working in both unionized operations roles and engineering positions.
• Ensures a robust safety program, ongoing training, and employee development.

 

Emergency Response

• Ability to respond on a 24-hour basis to emergencies as needed.           
• Manages CWD’s response to emergencies including, but not limited to, water main or service breaks, potential cross connections, and dirty water complaints
• Manages CWD’s role in snow operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 

• Undergraduate degree in environmental, civil, or mechanical engineering, at least five years of full-time responsible experience in utility construction management, and at least 5 years of supervisory experience – preferably related to water system operation; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Current Massachusetts Grade 4 Distribution operator license or the ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Current Class D driver’s license.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten (10) years of experience in utility construction management and employee supervision
• Master's degree environmental, civil, or mechanical engineering
• Professional Engineering Certification

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, Access PowerPoint etc.   General knowledge of GIS Mapping, Auto-CAD and hydraulic modeling computer programs
• Self-motivated, positive attitude, initiative taker with the ability to lead, be a team player, build consensus and strive for the best.
• The ability to interact professionally with outside consultants, contractors, City employees and the public.
  

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work involves frequent site visits, requiring