Salary: $6,487.07 - $7,039.04 Biweekly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Executive Level
Job Number: 38448
Department: Houston Public Works
Opening Date: 03/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION OVERVIEWAPPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: HOUSTON WATER
SECTION: WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 4545 GROVEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77087*
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*
*
Subject to changeDESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSHouston Water employs approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including engineers, scientists, and operations and maintenance staff. As a regulated public health agency, the City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility operates under federal and state laws, with personnel holding professional licenses issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and other regulatory agencies. The Wastewater Operations Branch manages 465
facilities, including 38 wastewater treatment plants, 374 lift stations, and nearly 6,200 miles of collection systems serving the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Houston Water is seeking an innovative, results-driven leader who leads by example, solves complex challenges, and strengthens organizational performance by building high-performing teams, integrating technology, applying industry best practices, and fostering strong professional relationships.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Wastewater Operations, the Senior Assistant Director leads and manages all employees and activities within Houston Water's Wastewater Operations Branch. This role oversees compliance with the EPA/DOJ Consent Decree and all mandated federal and state regulatory requirements for the wastewater collection system, while directing the Planning, Construction, Design, and Engineering teams to ensure full regulatory adherence. The Senior Assistant Director is responsible for the overall operation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system; developing, analyzing, and monitoring key performance indicators; managing budgets; balancing resources; and driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
The Senior Assistant Director administers operational policies and procedures, leads training and implementation efforts, establishes operational objectives aligned with City of Houston, TCEQ, and EPA reporting requirements, and ensures all technical and operational functions comply with applicable regulations and permits. The role also responds to inquiries from the public, City Council, and executive leadership, leads cross-functional program development and evaluation, and implements initiatives to enhance operational and financial performance.
WORKING CONDITIONSThe position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSRequires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSMore than ten years of experience is required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTSValid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).
PREFERENCES Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Over 10 years of management experience
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** GENERAL INFORMATION SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIREDDepartment may administer skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATIONFactors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE 34 APPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period.
Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.govTo view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call (832-393-0453).
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
02
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma / GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
- None of the Above
03
If you answered that you have a college degree what was your field of study?
- Engineering
- Construction Management
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Non-related field of study
- I do not have a degree
04
Which best describes your years of experience that relates to the duties of this position?
- I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.
- Less than 8 years
- 8 - 9 years
- 10 - 11 years
- 12 - 13 years
- 14 years or more
05
Please describe your related experience. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
06
How many years of experience in a managerial capacity do you have?
- I have no managerial experience
- Less than 3 years
- 3 - 6 years
- 7 - 9 years
- 10 years or more
07
Are you a licensed Professional Engineer?
08
Please describe how any professional credentials or licenses you currently maintain relate to the position. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
09
Please describe your experience managing the allocation and/or prioritization of capital project funding. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
10
Please describe your experience developing reporting and monitoring systems that summarize business performance for decision-makers on a frequent/real-time basis. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
11
Do you have a current/ valid Driver's License?
Required Question
