Deputy Commissioner, Engineering

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Water Department is a municipal department of approximately 2500 employees working in all facets to provide water/wastewater treatment services to the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.

The Department's primary mission is to plan for, operate, and maintain both the infrastructure and the organization necessary to purvey high quality drinking water, to provide an adequate and reliable water supply for all household, commercial, and community needs, and to sustain and enhance the region's watersheds and quality of life by managing wastewater and storm water effectively.

In fulfilling its mission, the Department seeks to be customer-focused, delivering services in a fair, equitable, and cost-effective manner, with a commitment to public involvement. Having already served the City and region for nearly two centuries, the Department's commitment for the future includes an active role in the economic development of Greater Philadelphia and a legacy of environmental stewardship.

Position Summary

This is Deputy Commissioner level administrative and engineering work directing the activities of the Water Department’s Engineering Division. The Engineering Division consists of 340+ engineers, engineering technicians, and administrative support staff. The Deputy Commissioner of Water Engineering is responsible for strategic leadership and direction overseeing the department’s $800 million annual capital program through engineering design, construction, and related technical and administrative services.

The role involves developing and implementing the Department’s capital improvement program strategies that ensure the City's water and wastewater infrastructure is designed, renewed/rehabilitated, and improved to meet regulatory requirements, environmental sustainability goals, and operational efficiency.

The position requires frequent collaboration with other divisions, City departments, external governmental agencies, contractors, and consultants to coordinate large-scale water engineering initiatives. The employee in this class reports directly to the Water First Deputy Commissioner and provides high-level leadership in guiding the division’s objectives and projects. Reporting to this position are multiple Water Engineering Assistant Managers.

Essential Functions

Executive Presence

• Oversee and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams through subordinate engineering managers, ensuring efficiency, compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for large-scale water infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, pipelines, and wastewater and stormwater control initiatives.
• Confidently and competently represent PWD’s Division of Engineering in public forums and working groups.
• Support a collaborative relationship with Department divisions.
• Sophistication in maintaining an effective team that develops mentorships and motivates staff members.
• Develop and implement divisional goals and objectives, aligning them with department-wide priorities and environmental sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with other City departments, governmental agencies, and utility providers to coordinate division activities and resolve engineering challenges.

Monitor Program Execution and Performance

• Develop and manage divisional operating and capital budgets, reviewing financial proposals and justifying funding requests.
• Establish, review, and revise divisional policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness and compliance with evolving regulations.
• Track project delivery through design and construction to ensure timely and on-budget execution.
• Direct the organizational structure and workflow of the division, defining key responsibility areas for managers and staff.
• Analyze and evaluate the performance of division operations, identifying areas for process improvement and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with First Deputy, Assistant Deputies and Deputy Commissioner of Finance to link daily operations to strategic regulatory goals and capital needs.

Implement Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals

• Provide high-level administrative guidance for complex engineering projects, ensuring proper resource allocation and adherence to project timelines.
• Participate in the formulation of regional policies that impact water and wastewater systems.
• Operate an effective, responsible and accountable Division that can attract and retain top talent.
• Work to innovate and implement best practices that service the evolving needs of the Department/Division.

Engineering Design & Construction Management

• Manage a team of engineers and construction inspectors to plan, design and build distributed and facility-based water and sewer infrastructure.
• Oversee in-house and consultant led planning, design and construction projects.
• Develop and implement a process for monitoring and adjusting project prioritization.
• Develop a robust performance management program that aligns with the mission, vision and strategic goals of the department.
• Implement best management practices for all facets of project management.
• Identify and develop reports that facilitate communication with executive staff.

Projects Control

• Develop and implement letting schedules in coordination with project managers and the Finance Division.
• Manage the public works bidding process in accordance with all City, State and Federal requirements.
• Transition projects from Final Design to Construction Start in a timely and effective manner.
• Provide guidance for Utility Records and Infrastructure Protection, including PA OneCall, Act 537, Sewer Connection, Water Records and Geographic Information Systems.

All other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of civil, environmental, and water resources engineering principles, including water treatment plants, pipelines, and pollution control systems.
• Administrative and management methods, techniques and principles and practices pertaining to the operation of a large utility.
• In-depth understanding of municipal, state, and federal regulations related to water quality, environmental impact, and wastewater treatment.
• Environmental and Civil Engineering principles and practies.
• Familiarity with capital project development, funding mechanisms, and budgetary constraints in public sector infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of organizational policy development, governance structures, and best practices for operational effectiveness.
• Understanding of municipal government operations, procurement, and labor relations in a unionized environment.
• Current federal and state rules, regulations, and standards applicable to the operations of a large water utility.
• Engineering principles and practices used in the preparation and review of design projects and the management of construction projects for a large water utility
• Knowledge of budget preparation, expenditure oversight, and contract negotiation for engineering projects.

Skills

• Strong skills in managing large-scale engineering projects, including workflow organization, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring.
• Skill in representing the department in regulatory hearings, testifying before agencies, and engaging with commissions on water policy.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills to coordinate efforts with other city departments, governmental agencies, and external partners.
• Competence in managing divisional operating budgets, reviewing financial proposals, and justifying funding requests.
• Skill in handling labor negotiations, addressing personnel issues, and fostering a fair and productive work environment.

Abilities

• Ability to provide executive leadership, set strategic direction, and align division objectives with broader departmental goals.
• Ability to oversee and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams through subordinate managers, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Ability to analyze operational data, evaluate project performance, and identify areas for process improvement.
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies, procedures, and technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Capability to make high-level decisions related to infrastructure planning, personnel management, and budget allocations.
• Ability to initiate and oversee research projects that advance best practices and innovative solutions in water management.
• Ability to direct organizational structure, define staff responsibilities, and implement efficiency measures.
• Competence in testifying before regulatory agencies and representing the department in regional planning and regulatory commissions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining compliance and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to develop and implement departmental and divisional policy.

Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Engineering.  Bachelor’s degree in Water Resource Engineering is preferred or a Master’s Degree in Water Engineering, Engineering, or Public Administration.

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) as issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers or the ability to attain one via reciprocity prior to appointment to the position.

At least nine years of engineering experience, with at least two years of administrative and engineering work in:

• Directing complex utility or public works organizations or departments.
• Design engineering, construction management, capital program administration.
• Planning and research, development services, green stormwater infrastructure, watersheds management and/or laboratory services.
• Treatment of water for consumption and fire protection, the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant, or a pollution control plant.
• Delivery of water for consumption and fire protection, the operation and maintenance of a water conveyance system.

Preferred experience:

At least 5 years of experience working for a public sector Water or Wastewater Utility in an engineering capacity, with at least 2 years of administrative experience managing engineering design or construction management and/or inspection.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and CV.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx