Director of Operations

Position Summary

Mustang Special Utility District (“Mustang”) is a local governmental entity providing water and water reclamation utility service in Denton, Collin, and Grayson Counties of North Texas. We are the largest Special Utility District in Texas and in one of the fastest-growing areas of the country. Comprising over 38,000 connections over 220 sq. miles. Our motto is Second to None Providing Life’s Most Precious Resource. We’re looking for a key person to join our team as Director of Operations.

The Director of Operations at Mustang Special Utility District is responsible for providing high-level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the district’s water and wastewater services. This role involves managing water distribution, wastewater collection, and related infrastructure to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service for all district customers. The Director of Operations collaborates closely with the Assistant General Manager to implement policies, oversee capital projects, manage budgetary allocations, and maintain regulatory compliance. This position also plays a key role in long-term planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement to support Mustang's mission and goals.

Essential Functions:

• Leadership and Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Assistant General Manager to develop and execute strategic goals and initiatives that align with the district's mission. Lead the development of short-term and long-term plans to ensure water and wastewater systems meet current and future needs.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily operations of water distribution and wastewater collection services. Ensure that all operations comply with state and federal regulatory standards and that infrastructure is maintained to guarantee consistent service delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all district activities meet TCEQ, EPA, and other regulatory requirements. Lead risk management initiatives and emergency preparedness programs to protect district assets, employees, and the community.
• Project Management and Capital Improvement: Supervise and direct all major capital projects, including infrastructure improvements, system upgrades, and new facility development. Ensure projects meet quality standards, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Financial Oversight and Budgeting: Develop and manage the operating and capital budgets in alignment with district goals. Monitor expenditures, provide financial analysis, and implement cost-saving measures where appropriate to optimize resource allocation.
• Team Development and Management: Lead the recruitment, training, and development of department leaders and staff. Foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Policy Development and Implementation: Collaborate with district leadership to develop and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards. Ensure policies align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Act as a liaison between the district and various stakeholders, including customers, regulatory agencies, local governments, and community organizations. Represent the district at public meetings, regulatory hearings, and professional conferences.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Oversee the collection and analysis of operational data to assess performance identify improvement areas and make data-driven decisions. Prepare and present reports to the Board of Directors, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies as required.
• Emergency Response and Crisis Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for crisis situations, coordinating response efforts and ensuring that all teams are prepared to address emergencies affecting water and wastewater systems.

Position Specifications:

This position is classified as Exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not subject to the organization’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours.

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or a Related Field: An advanced degree may substitute for some experience requirements.
• Certification: Texas Professional Engineer (PE) License or TCEQ Class A Water License (or willingness to obtain within one year) is preferred.

Experience:

Required:

• 10+ Years of Progressive Experience in Water Utilities or Related Field: At least 6 years in a senior management or supervisory role within a public utility, overseeing water and wastewater services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Water Utility Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including regulatory compliance, safety standards, and operational procedures.
• Leadership and Management: Proven ability to lead large teams, develop talent, and manage senior-level staff effectively.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align operational goals with the district’s mission and adapt to changing industry and regulatory landscapes.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation within a public utility.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with TCEQ and EPA regulations governing water utilities, as well as experience in preparing for and managing regulatory audits.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, Board of Directors, public officials, and the community.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills for evaluating operational data, identifying trends, and implementing improvements.
• Emergency Preparedness: Knowledge of emergency response protocols and crisis management within a utility context.

Training/Professional Development Requirements:

• Ongoing Regulatory Training: Participate in continuous training on TCEQ and EPA regulations, as well as updates in industry standards and best practices.
• Leadership Development: Engage in leadership workshops, professional development seminars, and certification courses to enhance management capabilities.
• Technical Skills Development: Attend training on the latest water and wastewater technologies, SCADA systems, and infrastructure advancements relevant to the district’s operations.

Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking, Manual Dexterity:

• Visual Acuity: Ability to read and interpret technical documents, engineering plans, and regulatory guidelines.
• Hearing: Ability to comprehend information and respond effectively in team meetings and public forums.
• Speaking: Strong verbal skills to communicate policies, plans, and updates to stakeholders, employees, and board members.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, and manage detailed reporting tasks.

Mental Demand:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to evaluate complex operational issues, identify solutions, and make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy and attention to detail when developing policies, reviewing regulatory requirements, and managing budgets.
• Multitasking: Capability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder requests simultaneously.
• Stress Management: Resilience and composure in high-pressure situations, including emergencies and public meetings.

Environment/Working Conditions:

• Office and Field Work: This role requires work both in an office setting and on-site at district facilities, occasionally in varying weather conditions.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, as well as occasional lifting of light materials (up to 25 pounds).
• Extended Hours and On-Call Availability: Must be available outside of regular working hours to respond to emergencies, system failures, or critical meetings.
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required to attend professional conferences, regulatory hearings, and other relevant events.

Conditions Of Employment:

• Must have a valid Class "C" Driver's License before employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license within 30 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Mustang SUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to any characteristics protected by law. These general guidelines do not constitute an exhaustive list of qualifications or essential functions of the position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), citizenship, veteran’s status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.