Watershed Management, Deputy Commissioner

Posting expires: October 10, 2025

Salary: $163,000

General Description and Classification Standards

Positions in this class are the top level of technical and operational department direction, reporting to the Commissioner and/or Assistant Commissioner of Watershed Management. This position directs a major aspect of the overall program for the Office of Customer Care and Billing Services (OCCBS) through a staff of seasoned, subordinate directors and other leadership staff. The deputy position implements operating policies and procedures, plans and manages budgets, directs operations, develops leadership and technical talent, develops and implements capital projects, and monitors and measures performance of the operations of the Office to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Supervision Received

Positions are members of senior leadership in very large and critical City Department. As such, guidance received is largely strategic in nature, and feedback is collaborative among the Commissioners and the various Deputy Commissioners.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Provides strategic and operating direction to a major division of the Department of Watershed Management.
• Defines objectives and activities of each division under the Office for the purpose of achieving the goals of the Department and assigns responsibilities to each work group.
• Reviews and approves operating plans and procedures developed by each functional group.
• Operates under the priorities of the Department's Workplace Safety, Customer Service, Environmental Compliance, and Operational Efficiency.
• Develops annual operating plans and collaborates with other senior department leadership to develop and propose budgets for the Office.
• Establishes performance and productivity expectations for each division of the Office; implements reporting systems and processes as necessary to monitor performance in accordance with key performance indicators to map progress against objectives.
• Reviews and verifies technical data.
• May develop presentations individually and in collaboration with other senior department team members.
• Serves as an active member of the senior leadership team for the Department to develop and implement broad strategic initiatives and long-term operating plans.
• Plans for the skill development of the Office to include leadership, technical professional, and skilled workers.
• Collaborates with subordinate directors and managers to plan essential training and development that will build, improve, or maintain appropriate job skills as well as emergency preparedness.
• As needed, presents technical information to the Mayor, Council, business groups, or the public.
• Builds cooperative relationships with other Deputy Commissioners, with other City department staff, with counterparts in other water systems, and with appropriate regulatory officials.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of water resource technology, changes to appropriate state and federal water quality and environmental regulations, and tools of the trade.

Decision Making

High level decision making that impacts the Department and City water customers. Reviews, interprets, and applies departmental policies. Establishes responsibilities, organizational structure, work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc. for an Office of the Department.

Leadership Provided

Provides leadership and guidance to a group of experienced functional directors and managers. Guidance should typically be general in nature and focus on objectives, end results, and coaching.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Overall knowledge of AMI systems for water utilities.
• Detailed knowledge of customer billings services and metering services, including customer relations, and call center operations.
• Basic knowledge of water utility systems such as water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems, general maintenance and repair of large water systems;
• knowledge of regulatory requirements for water supply and water treatment operations (including EPD, EPA, etc.).
• Skill in building cooperative teams of highly skilled personnel; in gaining employee commitment to improved productivity and quality; to instill in employees a sense of obligation to provide the City with a safe and reliable water supply.
• Skill in developing managerial and leadership skills in subordinate technical and operating staff.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with leadership and employees across departmental lines within the City, and across local jurisdictions;
• Ability to present assigned group's operating priorities and plans to internal audiences, budget managers, the Mayor and City Council, and citizens as required.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration/policy, or in civil, mechanical, or chemical engineering, chemistry, hydrology, biology, or in a related field.

• Positions in this class will typically be expected to have academic background that is related to the broad area of responsibility.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of leadership experience at the manager level or above in related fields. Positions in this class will typically be expected to have demonstrated experience and accomplishments specifically related to the broad area of responsibility.

• Occasionally works beyond 40 hours/week.

Preferred Education & Experience

• In addition to the minimum qualifications, a master's degree in a related or complementary area is preferred (for example, a bachelor's degree plus an MBA/MPA).
• Leadership experience in a large urban water system is also preferred.

Licensures and Certifications

• Must obtain a State or Georgia Water Distribution System Certification or equivalent within one year of hiring.

• Preference will be given to candidates that have a State of Georgia Water Distribution System Certification or equivalent.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements:

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

Work Schedule:

This position follows the City's hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.