Job Information
The City of Rochester, MN Director of Water in Rochester, Minnesota
Director of Water
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rochester/jobs/newprint/4611048)
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Director of Water
Salary
$131,110.00 - $187,299.00 Annually
Location
Rochester MN 55906, MN
Job Type
Regular FT
Job Number
20240116
Department
Rochester Public Utilities
Opening Date
08/12/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester invites applications for:
Director of Water
RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 41,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.
Vision- "We Will Set the Standard for Service"
www.rpu.org
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together
Nature of Work
The Director of Water is an executive-level supervisory role which contributes to the daily and long-term operation and goals of the utility. This individual has the responsibilities of strategic leadership and management of the division which includes forecasting service requirements. To meet these requirements, the Director plans, organizes, and directs assigned resources of the water utility section within the division. Work includes developing and administering the divisional budget as well as overseeing the daily engineering, operation, construction, maintenance and improvement of all water transmission and distribution infrastructure.
As a Director, this individual serves on the RPU Executive Team and is accountable for not only operating results which are consistent with established policies and objectives, but also for operating procedures which ensure compliance with regulations intended to protect human life, the natural environment, and the utilities' investment in plant property.
This position reports to the General Manager of Rochester Public Utilities and requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in carrying out the responsibilities of the utility and organization's short- and long-term vision and goals, objectives and plans.
Pay
The 2024 starting salary range is 131,110 to $154,240, with advancement to $187,299.
Work Environment
This position is primarily in-person, with limited opportunity for occasional remote work. RPU currently has Tuesday and Friday as optional remote days depending on the requirements of the role.
To have your application considered for the first review of applications, please submit your application before September 16th, 2024.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification.
*Strategic Leadership and Direction
Provide executive level strategic direction, guidance, management and coordination to the Utility as a member of the leadership team to fulfill the utility’s strategic plans and objectives.
Participate in the organizational strategic planning process including development and implementation of short- and long-term goals and communication of the plan.
Apply organizational and leadership practices to the periodic analysis and evaluation of work programs, procedures, policies, and operational needs of Department functions.
Provide general guidance to assist section managers in carrying out and coordinating their assigned responsibilities.
Provide cross functional collaboration with other RPU Divisions Directors to ensure fulfillment of RPU strategic objective, mission, and priorities.
*Division Management
Establish documented practices, procedures and standards for the division, as well as set the priorities within the Division, to accomplish the objectives and implement the policies established by the General Manager and the Utility Board.
Prepare annual personnel, capital and operating budgets; exercise effective management control to adhere to adopted budgets and recommend budget adjustments when required.
Recommend changes where needed to improve the performance of existing areas and/or to accomplish additional objectives.
Design and implement programs, initiatives, and policies that promote RPU culture.
*Exercise a leadership style that fosters teamwork, promotes team initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for Department employees.
Foster a collaborative leadership style that encourages teamwork, promotes staff initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for all departmental employees.
Develop and implement effective employee coaching and performance management strategies to ensure the achievement of organizational priorities and to create an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, employee engagement, fiscal responsibility, and high-quality work.
Create expectations and outcomes for employees to work collaboratively with other City department staff, public agencies, customers, and the community.
Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and orientation processes for new employees and ensure strategies are implemented to obtain and maintain a diverse workforce.
Partner with the Human Resources professionals to resolve employment/labor relations issues and participate in collective bargaining agreement negotiations when requested.
Encourage and inspire employees to do their best work while demonstrating positive leadership, positive communication, and a commitment to our Foundational Principles.
*RPU Representation
Represent the General Manager when required, with such authority and responsibility as may be assigned, to develop strategic relationships with a broad spectrum of external organizations, including other City departments, state and federal regulatory agencies, trade and professional associations, neighboring utilities, consumers and public interest groups as directed.
Represent RPU on external committees or groups related to state rulemaking or other regulatory activities related to water supply or water resources.
Future Needs Assessment/Action
Identify information requirements of the division and develop reports, which clearly identify key indicators of performance. Analyze potential problem areas and implement or recommend corrective measures, where needed, to achieve performance objectives.
Assist in the preparation and negotiation of contracts and agreements with Employee Bargaining Units and parties external to the utility. Establish guideline provisions to be included in contracts entered into.
Review periodically the adequacy of the organizational structure, staffing, and succession plan of the Water division to effectively discharge department responsibilities essential to fulfillment of the total utility business purpose.
Develop forecasts of future commodity requirements and develop coordinated plans for the operation, expansion and upgrading of facilities to ensure reliable and economic delivery of services to customers.
Ensure that employee job training and safety programs are developed and carried out. Provide a working environment, which promotes safety, high levels of productivity and individual commitment to the objectives of RPU.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration or closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university AND 10 years of progressively responsible full-time employment experience in water system planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, with at least three (3) years of supervisory/management experience.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Minnesota Class D driver's license
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.
Desirable Qualifications
Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) from the state of Minnesota
Currently hold or willing to obtain a Class A or B Water Supply System Operator certification.
Municipal water utility experience
POSITION COMPETENCIES
Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies
Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
Builds Networks: Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization
Drives Vision and Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action
Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: the utility industry; operations, services, and activities of a municipal engineering program; the construction, operation and maintenance of a utility infrastructure; five-year capital improvement budget preparation and monitoring policies and procedures; principles and practices of complex project management and administration; methods and techniques of complex contract negotiations and administration; methods, materials, and techniques used in utility infrastructure projects; vertical turbine pump and motor design, operation, and maintenance; the Minnesota Department of Health rules and regulations relating to potable water systems; elevated storage tanks and coatings; methods and techniques of engineering plan review and analysis; engineering maps and records; recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to innovations and trends in utility infrastructure design and development; principles and practices of business correspondence and technical report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; graphic software; principles of training; occupational health and safety standards; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations..
Skill in: computer based accounting systems; MS Office; SAP; managing diverse projects and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to: lead, organize, and review the work of staff; interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures; prepare engineering computations; prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, and estimates for projects; perform highly complex technical research and solve engineering problems; conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports and recommendations; coordinate and monitor the work of contractors performing utility infrastructure maintenance and construction activities; serve as the project manager on one or more complex projects; prepare and manage complex project budgets; maintain detailed project management records and documentation; interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; manage the work of outside consultants; respond to questions and inquiries from a variety of sources regarding engineering and development projects; coordinate activities with internal and external agencies and committees; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems; prepare and present clear, concise and accurate oral and written technical and narrative reports; deal tactfully and effectively with the general public; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
However, there are times when this position will need to lift plans and/or construction documents and navigate the terrain of a construction site.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: Standing, Sitting, Walking, Fine Dexterity
Frequent demands: Lifting, Handling, Reaching, Carrying
Occasional demands: Pushing/Pulling, Kneeling, Crouching, Bending
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing and touch.
*Environmental conditions
*Work is primarily performed in an office setting, however inspections of construction sites are occasionally required.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=36371&t=637988555643816877)
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Yes
No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
03
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
Less than 2 years post-secondary training including certifications in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration or closely related field.
Completion of an accredited 2 year program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration or closely related field.
Completion of 4 year degree, or higher, in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration or closely related field.
Completion of master's degree or higher, or higher, in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration or closely related field.
None of the above
04
Which of the following best describes your experience in water system planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance?
Less than 2 years
More than 2 years, but less than 5
More than 5 years, but less than 10
More than 10 years, but less than 15
More than 15 years, but less than 20
20 or more years
05
Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.
06
Are you currently registered as a Professional Engineer?
Yes - I am currently registered as a Professional Engineer
No - I am NOT registered as a Professional Engineer
07
Select all of the following water system or utility tasks you have experience in.
Administer/direct the construction, operation, and maintenance of water distribution facilities, water wells, and water towers
Prioritize both capital and maintenance work in order to meet system needs and maintenance goals
Prepare and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for materials, equipment, and personnel
Determine section safety requirements and implement necessary safety training programs. Conduct audits to ensure compliance to safety rules/procedures
Participate at a management level in organizational discussions/decisions on strategic planning, organizational benchmarks, core values/behaviors, process improvements, and other organization initiatives
N/A - None of the above
08
Which of the following best describes your overall employment experience with budgeting?
No experience
Limited - my budget experience is limited to my personal finances
Moderate - I have worked in positions where I have made purchases within a prescribed budget and/or made budget recommendations
Extensive - I have been employed in a supervisory/managerial position where I have been responsible for establishing and maintaining compliance with a budget
09
Which of the following best describes the total amount of the operating budgets that you have been directly responsible for administrating?
No experience
Less than $100,000
More than $100,000, but less than $250,000
More than $250,000, but less than $500,000
More than $500,000, but less than $750,000
More than $750,000, but less than $100,000,000
More than $100,000,000
10
Which of the following best describes your overall employment experience managing or leading water projects?
N/A - I have no experience in this area
Limited - I have been responsible for managing simple project(s) with a predetermined scope and timeline, involving a single process or functional area.
Moderate - I have been responsible for managing complex project(s) with a broader scope and undefined timeline, providing work direction to internal resources, and involving multiple functional areas.
Extensive - I have been responsible for initiating, designing and executing project plans; defining the scope and establishing the timeline; monitoring the project budget; providing work direction to internal and external resources; and involving multiple functional areas and/or entities.
11
Which of the following best describes your experience appearing before and providing information to elected boards and councils, public agencies, business and civic groups?
Limited - I have attended public meetings and/or hearings
Moderate - I have presented information at public meetings and/or hearings
Extensive - I regularly appear before and provide information to elected boards or councils and provide electrical project related information to various groups as a regular part of my job
N/A - I have no experience in this area
12
Describe your experience appearing before and providing information to elected boards and councils, public agencies, business and civic groups.
13
Which of the following best describes your experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff:
Less than 3 years
More than 3 years, but less than 5
More than 5 years, but less than 7
More than 7 years, but less than 10
More than 10 years, but less than 15
15 or more years
14
Did your experience overseeing and directing the activities performed by other staff include any of the following? (select all that apply)
Hiring, selecting or promoting employees
Conducting performance appraisals
Disciplining or reprimanding employees
Adjusting employee grievances
Scheduling employees
Approving timecards and/or time off requests
Employee development and/or training
N/A - I have no formal supervisory experience
15
Which of the following best describes your employment experience working for a utility company as an employee, subcontractor, independent contractor or consultant:
N/A - I have no experience in this area
I have worked for a communications utility company
I have worked for a natural gas utility company
I have worked for a water utility company
I have worked for an electric utility company
16
Describe your employment experience with a utility company as an employee, subcontractor, independent contractor or consultant. Please include the utility type, name, size of the utility (ie. number of customers and/or meter units), duration of employment and description of actual duties performed. Do not type "See Resume". If no experience, type "N/A".
17
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Rochester
Address
201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904
Phone
(507) 328-2555
Website
https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment
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