Director of Water Services

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, Department of Water Services is seeking a proven people leader with water utility experience to serve as the Director Water Services. The Water Department is responsible for delivering critical services to our communities that impact public health and the environment. The ideal candidate will have a focus toward collaboration, customer service and long term planning. The Department is responsible for providing water services to nearly 500,000 Kansas Citians, provides drinking water to 33 wholesale water customers outside of Kansas City, Missouri and is a party to 28 interjurisdictional agreements with surrounding communities for wastewater services. The Water Services Department has over 1000 full time employees with an annual budget of approximately $400 million.

This position is a professional, highly complex position responsible for the overall management and daily administration of the municipal utility’s operation, personnel, and financial affairs. This position reports directly to the City Manager and is responsible for responding to various inquiries from the Mayor, City Council, other community organizations and State and Federal representatives.

A successful candidate for this position should have general knowledge of the principles and practices of design, construction, public water/sewer, public finance, project management, fiscal and budgetary principles and practices, and Human resource management and organizational management.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including, City Council, Unions, community members and the business community.
• Present to City Council, City Boards and community groups on proposed projects, water department matters and legislation.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the Department of Water Services.
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve outcomes that are best for the City and its citizens.
• Implement and oversee fiscally responsible policies and procedures.
• Comply with objectives set forth by the City Manager and City Council in City policies, resolution, administrative regulations, ordinances.
• Provide consistent regulatory compliance and risk management mitigation.
• Oversee the professional development for all Water Services employees.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for transformative outcome vital to innovation and growth in water services delivery.
• Analyze and assess the impact of policies, practices and decision making through an equity lens to remove barriers and strengthen workplace culture.
• Foster a high level of morale and engagement among staff and stakeholders.
• Promote a safe and secure working environment.
• Lead and maintain strong communication with divisions within Water Services, to the City Manager and City Council.
• Regional leader in the water industry, staying up to date with changes and improvements in industry standards and best practices.
• Align Water Services goals with the City’s Five Year Business Plan.
• Maintain, update, implement and monitor progress of Water Services Master Plan, capital improvement plan, asset management plan and organizational policies.
• Monitor and communicate the status of key performance indicators.

This position REQUIRES a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with a preference for a master’s degree in public administration. Requires a proven track record in public utility operations, specifically within the realms of water and wastewater and a minimum of 5 years of executive leadership experience. Preferred candidates will also have a background in public service.

Demonstrated proficiency in clear communication (both verbal and written), computer skills, and effective problem-solving are essential for this role. A valid driver's license is necessary, and occasional travel beyond the Kansas City, Missouri area, including job sites, meetings, and community events, may be required.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

QUESTIONS REGARDING AVIATION POSITIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT AT 816-243-3010.

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City’s Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.

Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org.

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans’ points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code § 4211).