Mediabistro logo
job logo

Wastewater Operations Officer

City of Casper, Wyoming, MI, United States


CONTRACT REQUIRED

Lead the Future of Casper’s Wastewater and Sewer Utilities
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the City of Casper’s infrastructure and community? We are seeking a dynamic leader to oversee our Wastewater Treatment, Sewer, and Stormwater divisions. With recent rate increases, these divisions are positioned for significant capital projects that will strengthen our systems and benefit residents for years to come.

Class Summary
In this role, you will proactively lead operations, capital improvements, and utility initiatives, while mentoring staff, managing budgets, and collaborating with internal teams, contractors, and the public. You’ll help shape policy, implement innovative practices, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Reporting Structure
Receives general guidance from the Public Services Director.

Typical Class Essential Duties

Exercises supervisory authority over assigned division(s) to include necessary authorizations for time‑off, payroll, hiring, staffing, training, and disciplinary actions while maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

Leads and oversees capital improvement projects for all wastewater, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities including recommendations, securing funding, and budgeting. Works alongside and assists Engineering for project negotiating, bidding, awarding, and administering contracts for design, right‑of‑way acquisition, construction, and material testing.

Leads, actively participates in the development and administration of assigned budget(s). Forecasts additional funding needed for staffing, projects, equipment, materials and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures and directs budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Develops and recommends utility rate and fee structures for adoption for wastewater, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities.

Leads and oversees the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for wastewater, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities. Mentors employees and leadership in assigned divisions through various processes to identify resource needs and implement policies and procedures.

Acts as a liaison to consulting engineers, other professionals, contractors, and the general public to facilitate project implementation, resolve conflicts, and communicate progress.

Researches and recommends technology, procedures and practices to improve operational efficiency; evaluates methods for completing necessary tasks; participates in project review meetings to assess ongoing construction or maintenance activities.

Monitors and communicates legislative and regulatory activities that may impact assigned division(s) to various boards, committees, corporate leadership, the general public, and the media, collaborating with stakeholders as needed to protect City interests.

Recommends and administers utility policies and procedures for the City and the Regional Wastewater Advisory Board.

Assists the Public Services Director by continuously monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement; and implements approved improvements.

Provides supporting data to implement and monitor activities and programs to meet upcoming Federal and State mandates.

Prepares, negotiates, recommends, implements and monitors various service contracts for citizens and other agencies; develops ordinances concerning assigned utilities and assists in developing other agency contracts and agreements.

Coordinates with Public Services to seek grant opportunities and other funding partnerships ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Leads efforts in grant procurement with assistance from support staff.

Represents the City of Casper by responding to the public, citizens, employees, and others promptly and professionally while maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge

Administrative principles and practices including goal and objective development, project management, and strategic planning.

Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.

Working knowledge of other City departments, particularly as their operations may relate to public utilities management.

Current trends and innovations in public utilities.

Applicable Federal, State, Local and City government codes, rules and regulations relating to public utilities management.

Conventional and alternate project delivery methods for design and construction of new public works projects or rehabilitation projects; knowledge of Wyoming state statutes governing design, bidding and construction procedures.

Operational characteristics, services and activities of public utilities management.

Procedures, methods and techniques of public utilities.

Organizational and management practices for analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.

Advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.

Principles of supervision, mentoring, training and evaluating the work of others.

Recordkeeping principles.

Modern office equipment, software, and operating systems/applications.

Abilities

Apply federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to assigned utilities.

Plan and manage compliance with reports, analysis, and regulations regarding assigned utilities.

Assess and prioritize situations under work pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.

Maintain confidentiality.

Set work priorities and work independently.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and recommend solutions in support of goals.

Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports that contain findings, set direction and offer appropriate recommendations to achieve desired goals and end results.

Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

Apply and convey technical expertise.

Comply with municipal budgeting policies and practices.

Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.

Administer and oversee outside consultants and contractors for public works replacement and rehabilitation projects.

Select, supervise, mentor, train and develop staff.

Provide effective leadership and direction.

Coordinate the work of personnel.

Operate modern office equipment, software, and operating systems/applications.

Maintain a neat and professional appearance.

Follow written and verbal instructions and direction.

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Demonstrate City of Casper core values routinely.

Follow all City safety rules and procedures and immediately respond to or investigate unsafe conditions.

Training, Experience & Certifications

Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater and/or sanitary sewer system operations and management or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in stormwater analysis, design, operation, maintenance and management or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience working as a supervisor.

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public or business administration, environmental science, or a closely related field preferred.

Licensing and Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Wyoming Driver’s License preferred.

Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wyoming preferred.

DEQ certifications in Wastewater Treatment or Wastewater Collection preferred.

Supplemental Information & Physical Requirements
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Emergency response/rescue

Handling or working with hazardous materials, including chemicals as well as solid and liquid waste

Operating or maintaining wastewater and stormwater systems

Writing or modifying code, maintaining or modifying City data systems including work on networks, servers, and communication systems

CDL operations and driving

Operating power‑driven machinery or equipment

Creating or modifying health, financial, security and/or risk documents or assessments

Working with or directing minors

Positions in this class typically require stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. May include long periods of sitting, standing or walking.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Incumbents typically work indoors in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork is expected in all weather conditions, and work in confined spaces or at heights may be necessary. Incumbents may be exposed to fumes, loud machinery noise, harmful chemicals, wet conditions and electrical hazards. Work may require the use of personal protective equipment including hard hats, eye protection, hearing protectors, gloves, safety vests and safety shoes. Incumbents may be required to drive to remote work sites to perform work.

The position requires frequent standing and walking, as well as sitting, typing, and customer contact, both by telephone and in person.

#J-18808-Ljbffr