Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection

Description

Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection


Full-Time, Regular Employment Opportunity

The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection to join the Environmental Services Department. The Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection leads a team of 46 staff and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s potable and recycled water distribution and sanitary and storm sewer collection systems; ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations; preparing and administering the division’s operating and capital improvement budgets; overseeing asset management and long-term infrastructure planning; coordinating with regional agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders; and fostering a safe, customer-focused, and high-performing team culture.

Under general direction, participates in the planning, organizing, managing, and providing oversight for all functions and activities of the Water Distribution/ Sewer Collection Division of the Environmental Services Department including water utility, sanitary sewer system, storm drainage, and recycled water distribution programs; completes special projects; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director of Environmental Services in coordinating City-wide departmental activities and operations; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Environmental Services. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a deputy department director classification that oversees and participates in activities of the Environmental Services Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Director of Environmental Services in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating assigned activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Participates in the development and implementation of Environmental Services Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Participates in the selection and evaluation of Environmental Services Department person­nel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Evaluates and monitors service delivery methods, workload, and internal reporting relationships; recommends improvements.
• Assists in the preparation of the Environmental Services Department budget, including forecasting and approving expenditures; assists in making necessary budget adjustments.
• Prioritizes environmental stewardship; ensures Division activities and goals align with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act; initiates programs to protect local ecosystems from runoff or discharge pollutants.
• Oversee policies and regulations that govern water quality standards, wastewater treatment practices, and service delivery procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Develops and implements long range plans for the maintenance of the City’s water and sewer systems; assesses future water and wastewater needs based on demographics and environmental factors; develops strategic plans to ensure sustainable and reliable services for the future.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and oversees major capital projects from initial planning through completion, ensuring projects remain within budget and are completed on schedule.
• Explains and interprets department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controver­sial issues.
• Assists in coordinating and implementing the Environmental Services Department's work plan; meets with designated staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of water distribution and sewer collection operations.
• Assists in coordinating department activities with other City departments and outside agencies and organizations; represents the Environmental Services Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• Ensures the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Environmental Services Director.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

When working in the field , must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related field; AND
• Six (6) years of professional experience directly related to wastewater, water, and sewer maintenance, public works construction experience, or a related field, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an appointed City Council.
• Principles, practices and techniques of effective public works/utilities administration and management.
• Advanced understanding of regulatory requirements including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
• Principles and techniques of capital improvement construction, inspection, funding, and long-term maintenance.
• Practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned department.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Understand rules, regulations, Departmental operations, and City policy to ensure sound recommendations can be made to enhance productivity.
• Manage complex projects, monitor specific project results, and evaluate overall project performance.
• Effectively develop work plans and coordinate and oversee the completion of work assignments/projects.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommenda­tions.
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Monday , October 6, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday , October 16, 2025 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of October 27, 2025 .

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 10/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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