We're seeking an experienced Utilities Program Manager to oversee the critical water and wastewater systems that support the Devens community. As MassDevelopment's internal subject-matter expert, you will lead contractor oversight, regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and utility projects while taking meaningful ownership of these essential operations.
What You'll Do
- Lead the oversight of the Devens water and wastewater systems by managing operations and maintenance contractors, monitoring performance, and ensuring contract compliance to maintain safe, reliable utility operations.
- Ensure compliance with MassDEP, EPA, and other regulatory requirements by managing permits, inspections, reporting, and environmental compliance programs while maintaining accurate and timely regulatory submissions.
- Develop a strong understanding of the Devens utility infrastructure, operating requirements, and regulatory calendar to effectively manage system operations and compliance.
- Provide owner's oversight for water and wastewater capital improvement projects, including design review, contractor coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and project delivery to support long-term infrastructure reliability.
- Oversee the Cross Connection Control and Industrial Pretreatment Programs while monitoring system performance, infrastructure conditions, and operational data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Review engineering studies, vendor recommendations, construction plans, and system capacity to support informed operational decisions and future infrastructure planning.
- Prepare and manage procurement documents, including requests for proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, technical specifications, and contractor deliverables.
- Analyze operational, financial, customer billing, and utility performance data to improve regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, system reliability, cost management, and utility revenue.
- Establish effective processes to manage permits, inspections, projects, budgets, contractor performance, and regulatory deadlines while ensuring accountability and timely execution.
- Build strong partnerships with contractors, consulting engineers, regulators, customers, and internal teams, including Engineering, Real Estate, and Finance, to deliver exceptional customer service and advance strategic utility initiatives.
- Evaluate infrastructure priorities and provide recommendations that strengthen system reliability, support long-term capital planning, and ensure the continued sustainability of the Devens water and wastewater systems.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of directly related experience in water and/or wastewater operations, utility engineering, environmental compliance, infrastructure management, or utility construction, with experience supporting complex water and wastewater systems.
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, public health, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Massachusetts water and/or wastewater operator license (Grade 2 or higher preferred), with advanced operator certification valued.
- Massachusetts Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain preferred.
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater operations, treatment and distribution systems, infrastructure maintenance, construction practices, and system troubleshooting.
- Experience ensuring compliance with MassDEP, EPA, and other regulatory requirements, including environmental permits, regulatory reporting, compliance documentation, Annual Statistical Reports, Consumer Confidence Reports, and related submissions.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors, consultants, technical projects, or utility service providers, with the ability to manage schedules, budgets, deliverables, and multiple priorities.
- Ability to review and interpret technical reports, construction plans, engineering recommendations, operational data, regulatory requirements, and system performance information to support informed decision-making.
- Strong analytical and financial skills, including experience supporting utility budgets, billing review, flow monitoring, product accounting, capital planning, and operational performance analysis.
- Excellent project management, communication, presentation, and customer service skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, regulators, consultants, customers, and internal stakeholders.
- Strong judgment, attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to work independently and proactively identify and address operational, compliance, or infrastructure concerns.
- Proficiency with business productivity, data management, project tracking, reporting, and technical software, including spreadsheet and database applications.
- Experience operating, managing, or supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities preferred.
- Familiarity with Massachusetts environmental regulations and experience with utility mapping, modeling, and data management platforms, including Bentley GIS, Hydro water-utility modeling, or similar systems preferred.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to support you and your family.
- Retirement Readiness: Robust 401(a) and 457(b) plans with agency match.
- Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
- Work-Life Support: Flexibility that supports balance while meeting the position's operational and on-site responsibilities.
- Investment in You: Tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, and opportunities for continued learning.
- Wellness Support: Resources and programs to help you thrive personally and professionally.
- Meaningful Public Impact: The opportunity to oversee essential infrastructure that supports businesses, residents, and continued economic development at Devens.
