Water and Hydroelectric Services Director
Apply NowCompany: City of Spokane, WA
Location: Spokane, WA 99208
Description:
Salary: $118,389.60 - $166,288.32 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2025-00216
Department: Water Division
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
CLASS SUMMARY
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
Provide safe and reliable drinking water services for the health and safety of the community by maintaining the water system infrastructure and ensuring adequate water for fire protection.
POSITION PURPOSE
Responsible leadership of the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department by setting policy and directing various functional units of the department. Facilitates collaboration with other Public Works and City departments to support infrastructure, operations and services provided to the citizens of Spokane. Expected oversight includes but is not limited to maintenance and construction, operations of reservoirs, wells and booster stations, taps and meter systems, project planning, coordination and management. This position also manages the operation of the City's Upriver Dam, a FERC regulated hydroelectric project and all associated hydroelectric facilities.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Has complete responsibility for guidance, training, mentoring, development and direction of all employees in the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department. Provide leadership and cohesive team building strategies to direct and indirect reports in professional, administrative, and technical positions.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
The following responsibilities and requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally this will include:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field such as Engineering, Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred. Advanced degree in business or public administration is desirable.
Experience
Licenses and Certifications:
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is conducted primarily in an office setting. It involves frequent attendance at meetings to include some irregular hours and potentially out-of-town travel. Incumbents in this classification are expected to communicate verbally, in person, and by telephone. A computer terminal is used and requires the use of repetitive arm movements.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS
As an exempt employee of the City of Spokane, the Water & Hydroelectric Services Director is subject to the City's Code of Ethics set forth in Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code. As such, "it is the policy of the City of Spokane to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees who shall maintain the utmost standards of responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as a public servant including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their City position, authority or resources for personal gain.
EEO STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.
Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.
Medical
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
Vision
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.
Dental
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents.
Life Insurance - Employee Only
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.
LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.
Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
Continued Medical/Dental Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Spokane Employees' Retirement System
The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.
Deferred Compensation
Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $200/month.
PAID TIME OFF
Official Holidays
The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Personal Leave
Employees hired by January 15th receive forty (40) hours of personal leave, between January 16th and March 31st receive thirty (30) hours, between April 1st and June 30th receive twenty (20) hours, and employees hired between July 1st and September 30th receive ten (10) hours. If hired after September 30th no personal leave is received. Personal Leave may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Floating Holidays
48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.
Other Leaves
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.
Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides employees a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01
Do you possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in a field such as Engineering, Business Administration or Public Administration or a related field? Please specify below.
02
Do you possess eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in operational positions related to public utilities? Do not refer reviewer to your resume.
03
Please describe your experience working with and in public works entities by proving details such as years you were employed, titles held, facility name and duties performed. Do not refer the reviewer to your resume or application.
04
Do you possess four (4) years' experience in a supervisory capacity? Please specify below by listing applicable job titles,years held and number of employees supervised. Do not refer reviewer to your resume.
05
Do you possess a valid driver's license or can you demonstrate the ability to get to and from multiple work locations as required?
06
Have you uploaded your resume and cover letter to this specific job posting?
Required Question
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2025-00216
Department: Water Division
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
CLASS SUMMARY
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
Provide safe and reliable drinking water services for the health and safety of the community by maintaining the water system infrastructure and ensuring adequate water for fire protection.
POSITION PURPOSE
Responsible leadership of the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department by setting policy and directing various functional units of the department. Facilitates collaboration with other Public Works and City departments to support infrastructure, operations and services provided to the citizens of Spokane. Expected oversight includes but is not limited to maintenance and construction, operations of reservoirs, wells and booster stations, taps and meter systems, project planning, coordination and management. This position also manages the operation of the City's Upriver Dam, a FERC regulated hydroelectric project and all associated hydroelectric facilities.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Has complete responsibility for guidance, training, mentoring, development and direction of all employees in the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department. Provide leadership and cohesive team building strategies to direct and indirect reports in professional, administrative, and technical positions.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
The following responsibilities and requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure compliance with Public Potable Water Regulations set forth by federal, state, and local government including pending legislation;
- Stay current with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Washington Industrial Safety & Health Administration (WISHA) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations and provide compliant supervision, direction and control for the employees and the public;
- Direct, supervise and control the operation of the City's water distribution system, municipal water and hydroelectric facilities;
- Works in conjunction with internal and external partners on the preparation of extensive studies related to current capacity planning, rate setting, programming and development. Analyze their affect and develop plans for the present and future;
- Attend applicable meetings and hearings regarding various public utilities functions. Work with local, regional, state and federal agencies and organizations regarding drinking water standards, aquifer protection, water conservation, and regulatory compliance;
- Works in cooperation with the Communications Department to provide timely and proactive communications regarding department operations and their impact to the community.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of:
- Operations, personnel management, and fiscal management of municipal water systems;
- Water quality and public health protection requirements of a public water system and legal requirements for its operation;
- City regulatory codes, ordinances and safety-related regulations;
- Cross connection control;
- Fiscal budgeting and funding process
Ability to:
- Meet deadlines and work under pressure;
- Work cooperatively with others and maintain positive relationships;
- Adapt to other duties as assigned and prioritize, organize, and plan work as needed to meet objectives;
- Analyze planning studies and formulate substantive recommendations;
- Proficiently engage in public speaking to a diverse audience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally this will include:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a field such as Engineering, Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred. Advanced degree in business or public administration is desirable.
Experience
- Eight (8) years' experience in progressively responsible operational positions related to public utilities.
- Four (4) years supervisory experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Cross Connection Control and Water Distribution Manager IV Certifications or the ability to obtain both certifications within one year.
- A valid driver's license or otherwise demonstrated ability to get to and from multiple work location as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is conducted primarily in an office setting. It involves frequent attendance at meetings to include some irregular hours and potentially out-of-town travel. Incumbents in this classification are expected to communicate verbally, in person, and by telephone. A computer terminal is used and requires the use of repetitive arm movements.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS
As an exempt employee of the City of Spokane, the Water & Hydroelectric Services Director is subject to the City's Code of Ethics set forth in Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code. As such, "it is the policy of the City of Spokane to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees who shall maintain the utmost standards of responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as a public servant including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their City position, authority or resources for personal gain.
EEO STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.
Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.
Medical
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
Vision
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.
Dental
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents.
Life Insurance - Employee Only
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.
LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.
Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
Continued Medical/Dental Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Spokane Employees' Retirement System
The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.
Deferred Compensation
Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $200/month.
PAID TIME OFF
Official Holidays
The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Personal Leave
Employees hired by January 15th receive forty (40) hours of personal leave, between January 16th and March 31st receive thirty (30) hours, between April 1st and June 30th receive twenty (20) hours, and employees hired between July 1st and September 30th receive ten (10) hours. If hired after September 30th no personal leave is received. Personal Leave may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Floating Holidays
48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.
Other Leaves
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.
Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides employees a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01
Do you possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in a field such as Engineering, Business Administration or Public Administration or a related field? Please specify below.
02
Do you possess eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in operational positions related to public utilities? Do not refer reviewer to your resume.
03
Please describe your experience working with and in public works entities by proving details such as years you were employed, titles held, facility name and duties performed. Do not refer the reviewer to your resume or application.
04
Do you possess four (4) years' experience in a supervisory capacity? Please specify below by listing applicable job titles,years held and number of employees supervised. Do not refer reviewer to your resume.
05
Do you possess a valid driver's license or can you demonstrate the ability to get to and from multiple work locations as required?
06
Have you uploaded your resume and cover letter to this specific job posting?
- Yes
- No
Required Question