Boston Water & Sewer Commission

Chief Of Operations

Employees must be Boston residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their

employment subject to BWSC policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Position Purpose

Directs, oversees, and manages all departmental initiatives that improve cost effectiveness, service quality, staff productivity, and communications; participates as an integral and active member in the strategic planning of the Commission’s business initiatives.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

  • Provides overall direction and supervision to the Division and associated equipment.
  • Develops and maintains an effective Department organization.
  • Develops policy for the Operations Department and provides input and recommendations for Commission approved policies.
  • Oversees development of departmental/divisional goals and objectives and prioritizes manpower needs based upon goals.
  • Develops and assesses performance measurements and institutes appropriate actions to improve department’s efficiency and services.
  • Establishes overall plans in collaboration with division managers to implement approved programs which reflect the Commission’s priorities and goals.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of the annual departmental operating and capital budgets.
  • Develops appropriate control procedures based on analysis of performance against budget.
  • Recommends the award of contracts for services and procurement of supplies and equipment to the Executive
  • Director and Board of Commissioners.
  • Participates in the development of in-house and outside training programs for the department’s workforces and
  • recommends training where required.
  • Appears before city, state and federal officials, and public and private groups to explain aspects of present and/or planned projects and ensures that public participation concerns and participation are carried out.
  • Coordinates work activities with other Commission departments or outside agencies to prevent delays in actions required to improve services to the public.
  • Ensures adherence to collective bargaining agreements and other Commission policies and initiates staff actions such as promotions, transfers, discharges, and disciplinary measures.
  • Maintains involvement in the resolution of all grievances.
  • Monitors attendance, ensures department coverage, performs employee evaluations, enforces policies and procedures, and initiates disciplinary action, if necessary, in accordance with union contracts or BWSC Policy.
  • May participate in the employment process by interviewing candidates and making recommendations for hire or promotion.
  • May testify in court on behalf of the Commission.
  • Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
  • Required to work any emergency as directed by the Commission or designee.


Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering required; Master’s Degree in Engineering or Business Administration or advanced degree in a related field is preferred. Professional Engineer’s License for Massachusetts is preferred. A Grade IV Water Operator’s License is required. Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License. At least ten (10) years of experience in a water, wastewater or construction industry with at least seven (7) years of high-level supervisory experience, preferably in the public sector working with local government. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge Advanced working knowledge of Operations principles and procedures, as well as departmental policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of managing budgets; advanced knowledge of project management of construction projects; knowledge of supervising supervisors; working knowledge of field operations procedures; experience in the use of radio dispatch and computerized work management systems; knowledge of all safety procedures and proper use of all required safety equipment; knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and other Commission employment policies.

Ability Think tactically and analytically; communicate effectively and tactfully with staff and the public; read and interpret blueprints and plans; compose correspondence; prioritize and complete multiple tasks at one time with frequent interruptions; operate a computer with intermediate MS Office skills; manage staff; create spreadsheets and maintain records; use telephone system.

Skill Superior project management skills; excellent communications skills; superior math, technical, and problem-solving skills; excellent customer service skills; strong organizational skills.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to work in the field and is regularly required to convey information to employees and the public. This position is required to sit, talk, hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, and controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects and meter reading equipment. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

Supervision

Supervision Scope Performs various duties of a routine to complex nature following acceptable standards of quality and performance; requires independent judgment in determining methods of completion and carrying out assignments.

Supervision Received Works under the direction of the Executive Director and in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws, city policies and relevant state, federal, and local regulations and standards. Follows established work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards; issues are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Given Department Staff including Operations Managers.

Job Environment

  • Work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment is moderately noisy.
  • Operates computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment.
  • Contacts are by phone, through correspondence, and in person; they generally consist of an information exchange dialogue, discussing routine and semi-complex issues.
  • Has access to confidential information including personnel records, which requires discretion and professional office protocols.
  • Errors could result in delay of department services and have legal and/or financial.


Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
  • Seniority level

    Executive
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Management and Manufacturing
  • Industries

    Utilities

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