Description

The Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (NSMJAWA), a governmental organization, has created a new Deputy Director (Engineering) position to oversee the Operations Department. This senior-level management position requires a strong background in civil engineering with expertise in water transmission distribution systems, pump stations, and personnel management. Coordinates cross-functional efforts with IT, maintenance, and administrative personnel. And supports the Executive Director in strategic planning and operational decision-making.

 The position performs a variety of complex supervisory, professional, administrative, and technical functions of the Operations Department. This is a hands-on management position that requires regular field involvement. The successful candidate must possess strong technical skills, utility operations knowledge, and demonstrated operational and management experience. The position requires well-developed leadership and management abilities based on analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Deputy Director (Finance/HR), Operations Manager, and IT Coordinator. The position may also serve as Interim Executive Director in the absence of the Executive Director.

This is an exempt position requiring attendance at management, Executive Committee, and Board meetings, as well as after-hours meetings or emergency calls, as necessary.

WORK HOURS: 

Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM. 

Ability to work any hours, including those outside normal business hours, as required. Must be available for emergencies, as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to perform job duties. The position also requires walking, climbing stairs, reaching with hands and arms, and handling objects, tools, or controls. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is typically an indoor office setting while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the office environment is generally quiet.

Frequent site visits to inspect NSMJAWA infrastructure and off-site facilities, including four Booster Pumping Stations and 21 Delivery Structures, are required. Off-site work may involve travel and working in inclement weather conditions.

The off-site work environment may include exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, high voltage, electrical and radiant energy, chemicals, and work in or around water.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE:

This position requires the use of personal computers, including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software, as well as various IT and OT systems. The position also requires the use of standard office equipment, including telephones, copiers, fax machines, and shredders.

BENEFITS INFORMATION: 

This is a salaried exempt position working 40 hours a week. A successful candidate must comply with all personnel policies and practices of NSMJAWA. As a condition of employment, employee shall be available to work any hours, including those outside normal business hours. Benefits include: 

IMRF Pension Program 

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

Paid Vacation (10), Sick (12), Holidays (12), and Personal (2) Days 

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Flexible Spending Accounts 

457 Deferred Compensation Program 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and five professional references, as one PDF file, via email, to Laura Clementi, Administrative Assistant at lclementi@nsmjawa.com

For inquiries and detailed job description, please contact: 

NSMJAWA Administrative Office 

Attn: Laura Clementi 

901 Wellington Ave 

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 

Ph: 847.981.4083

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• • Manage the Operations Department in coordination with Operations Manager, who manages the day-to-day  operation and 13 employees.
  • Oversee planning, design, operation, and maintenance of NSMJAWA’s water transmission mains, pumping stations, reservoirs, and related infrastructure.
  • Provide technical leadership on large-diameter transmission systems, pump and motor performance, and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • Direct review and approval of engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents for system improvements and capital projects.
  • Manage hydraulic modeling and system analysis to evaluate capacity, redundancy, and operational performance.
  • Coordinate capital improvement projects and long-term asset management planning with consulting engineers, contractors, and Members.
  • Develop and implement the Operations Department’s annual budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Lead emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance efforts, including emergency response planning, reporting to EPA/IEPA, and response to system failures or disruptions.
  • Supervise operations and technology functions, including staff management, IT/OT (SCADA) coordination, cybersecurity oversight, and collaboration with member agencies and external partners and vendors.
  • Additional duties and requirements as necessary.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related engineering field from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree and additional certifications are strongly preferred.

Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is required. State of Illinois license preferred or ability to obtain through reciprocity within a year of employment.

A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience managing professional and/or technical or operational staff is required. In addition, seven (7) to 10 years of progressively responsible engineering, administration or managerial experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience, is desired.  Progressive experience in water transmission and distribution systems, preferably involving large-diameter mains and pumping facilities. 

DRIVER’S LICENSE:

A valid State of Illinois or equivalent driver’s license is required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PROFICIENCIES:

• • • Must have a strong desire to work in a collegial, team-oriented environment.
    • Must be a highly motivated, self-starting, and confident individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
    • Demonstrated leadership ability to assess, develop, and maximize staff talent by encouraging professional growth and new challenges.
    • Excellent communication and listening skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical information to diverse audiences in both written and verbal formats.
    • High integrity and professionalism, consistently demonstrating honesty, ethical conduct, and respect in all interactions.
    • Strong judgment and professional confidence to provide thoughtful counsel to the Executive Director, Executive Committee, and Board, and to implement decisions diplomatically and effectively.
    • Self-motivated and proactive, capable of working independently with limited direction while keeping the Executive Director appropriately informed.
    • Collaborative and approachable leader with strong interpersonal skills who fosters trust, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
    • Committed to public service and organizational success, with the ability to represent NSMJAWA professionally