Description

The City is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Resources Manager for the Department of Environmental Services .  You can find the brochure with full details.

Gresham is a dynamic, diverse community rich in history and natural beauty. The fourth largest city in the state of Oregon, Gresham has grown from a rural, farming community to an urban area with a high quality of life for its residents and business community. Our diverse and growing population includes young professionals, growing families, new immigrant communities and long-time residents.

Gresham’s network of public and private schools provide educational opportunities for students of all ages. Gresham also offers many preschools, charter schools, private schools and higher education opportunities, including Mt. Hood Community College.

Enjoy our city’s unparalleled natural beauty in our 23 city parks, 15 miles of trails and 942 acres of open space, as well as a temperate year-round climate. Less than an hour away, the Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge offer fun weekend getaways for skiing, hiking, wind surfing, fishing, camping and more.

Gresham is fortunate to have strong, supportive and stable political and administrative leadership. The City operates as a Council-Manager form of government designed to promote effective management within a transparent, responsive and accountable structure. The Mayor and the six Councilors provide leadership and develop policies to guide the City and adopt the budget and other ordinances. The City Manager is appointed by the Council to oversee operations to ensure policies are carried out and City services are effectively, efficiently and equitably provided.

Rapid growth, ever-changing needs and a prudent budget demand a City government that is resourceful and resilient. The organization has a talented and collaborative management team who provide the highest level of service to the community. The City management team has a strong commitment to each other that is built upon strong mutual trust, collective responsibility and support. The management team values close collaboration and teamwork, acceptance of change, and public stewardship.

The salary range for the Water Resources Manager is $92,556 – $120,336; placement within the range will be determined by the successful candidate’s qualifications. In addition to this competitive annual salary the City offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes: medical/vision, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, sick leave, employer paid Oregon PERS contributions, employer contribution to an HRA-VEBA account and
voluntary 457(b) Deferred/OPSRP Compensation program. More details on the
benefits package can be viewed at: www.GreshamOregon.gov/Benefits. Relocation assistance may be available for the successful candidate.

Position

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains the community’s various infrastructure systems, including Transportation (roads, traffic signals and streetlights), Water (pipelines, pump stations, wells and storage reservoirs), Wastewater (pipes, pump stations and the wastewater treatment plant), and Stormwater (pipes, culverts, treatment ponds, catch basins and filters, and street-side rain gardens). DES also permits and inspects the public infrastructure built by private development, oversees the City’s natural resources, and administers the City’s solid waste (garbage) and recycling services.

The service areas within DES are split between Water Resources, Transportation, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Development Engineering, and are supported by shared administration, communication, and finance staff. Together, these core services provide a better quality of life for Gresham’s citizens and businesses.

There are four functional areas within the Water Resources Division with nine work teams, and each team has initiatives that will require varying degrees of involvement and guidance from the manager:

ENGINEERING: Potable water engineering ,Wastewater engineering,Stormwater engineering

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE: Potable water operations ,Wastewater operations ,Stormwater operations

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & INSPECTIONS: Watershed sciences, Water sciences

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ENGINEERING: private contract personnel for operations & maintenance

Each team has a skilled working manager, and coordination and communication between the teams is strong. Some overarching initiatives include analyzing and adjusting the organizational structure for effectiveness and efficiencies, implementing asset management systems across the water utilities, planning the capital improvement program (CIP) projects, annual budgeting and rate setting, and system development charge (SDC) updates.

Larger area-specific duties and responsibilities include administering the wholesale water purchase contract with the City of Portland and overseeing the production of the City’s annual Water Quality Report. This position may also participate in the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during catastrophic emergency events.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for Water Resources Manager will have deep-rooted experience in one or more of the municipal water fields. He or she should have demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong network of positive working relationships with municipalities, regulators, customers and environmental groups. The manager will have an appreciation for the “One Water” philosophy and how it can break down traditional silos of thought and management to most efficiently and sustainably supply clean water for our customers and the environment.

The ideal candidate will be a working manager that is capable of producing work products in addition to supervising employees. A team and consensus builder with excellent customer service skills and the ability to lead public meetings and prepare and present technical information to non-technical audiences will thrive in this position. Working knowledge of utility rates and system development charges is essential, and the candidate should have demonstrated experience preparing and analyzing financial data, and working with water quality and environmental regulations. The candidate should be service-oriented, honest, approachable and responsive. A clear communication style with solid writing skills is essential for success.

A collaborative, engaged and facilitative management style will be essential in providing mentorship and in connecting with the staff. Delegation and trust in the performance of subordinates will be a key to success. The Water Resources Manager is an integral part of the City’s management staff and will operate as a progressive, strategic team member who serves as a partner and resource to peers and employees in other City departments. The successful candidate must be able to work closely with a variety of organizations and agencies within and outside the City to form strong relationships.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning, environmental science, landscape architecture, or other related technical field shall accompany at least 10 years of work experience in the field of water, with at least six years of management. Candidate should possess the Oregon Water Distribution Operator Level 4 certification or have the ability to obtain. Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record upon hire.

Selection Process

Interested candidates must submit an online application by clicking APPLY at the top of this job announcement. Candidates will need to attach the following to their online application:

• A letter of interest

• A comprehensive resume.

Deadline for application: October 17, 2016.

The qualified pool of candidates will be invited to take part in a multi-phased selection process to begin in November. The selection process may include written essays, telephone or Skype interviews, panel interviews, leadership assessments and background investigations.

The City of Gresham applies veteran’s preference in accordance with all State laws. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran’s preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application. Please contact Human Resources for more information on Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied throughout the selection process.

References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Please direct confidential inquiries about the position and the department to Amber Autry, Senior Human Resource Analyst, 503-618-2882 or email: Amber.Autry@GreshamOregon.gov.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gresham/jobs/1540103/water-resources-manager