SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - WWO

Posting number: 38448

Department: Houston Public Works

Job classification: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-PUBLIC WORKS (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Public Works, Water Treatment, Management, Executive Management, Wastewater, Construction Maintenance, Construction Trades

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
                     
DIVISION: HOUSTON WATER 
SECTION: WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 4545 GROVEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77087*                      
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Water employs approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including engineers, scientists, and operations and maintenance staff. As a regulated public health agency, the City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility operates under federal and state laws, with personnel holding professional licenses issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and other regulatory agencies. The Wastewater Operations Branch manages 465
facilities, including 38 wastewater treatment plants, 374 lift stations, and nearly 6,200 miles of collection systems serving the greater Houston metropolitan area.

Houston Water is seeking an innovative, results-driven leader who leads by example, solves complex challenges, and strengthens organizational performance by building high-performing teams, integrating technology, applying industry best practices, and fostering strong professional relationships.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Wastewater Operations, the Senior Assistant Director leads and manages all employees and activities within Houston Water’s Wastewater Operations Branch. This role oversees compliance with the EPA/DOJ Consent Decree and all mandated federal and state regulatory requirements for the wastewater collection system, while directing the Planning, Construction, Design, and Engineering teams to ensure full regulatory adherence. The Senior Assistant Director is responsible for the overall operation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system; developing, analyzing, and monitoring key performance indicators; managing budgets; balancing resources; and driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

The Senior Assistant Director administers operational policies and procedures, leads training and implementation efforts, establishes operational objectives aligned with City of Houston, TCEQ, and EPA reporting requirements, and ensures all technical and operational functions comply with applicable regulations and permits. The role also responds to inquiries from the public, City Council, and executive leadership, leads cross-functional program development and evaluation, and implements initiatives to enhance operational and financial performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

Examples of duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline.  Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required. 
 
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
More than ten years of experience is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).

Qualifications

Prefere