Water and Wastewater Division Manager in Telluride, Colorado at Town of Telluride

Department: Public Works Department- Water and Wastewater Division
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Public Works Director
Grade: 85
The application period for this position closes at 8:00 AM MT on Monday August 24th, 2026.

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for overseeing the overall management and operations of the Town’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants and leading regional collaboration to advance long-term wastewater treatment solutions for the Telluride region, while ensuring compliance with Federal and State environmental regulations and standards and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Town’s citizens and visitors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Water and Wastewater Utilities Management
Develop, implement, evaluate, and update division-wide infrastructure and service plans to meet the Town’s ongoing water and wastewater utility needs
Lead regional planning for a long-term wastewater treatment solution, including evaluating current and projected system demands, assessing site and treatment alternatives, and advancing appropriate treatment technologies
Oversee pretreatment, backflow, water meter exchange and fleet programs
Administer, prepare and complete permit reports such as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Sanitary Survey audits, permit renewals, Nutrient reports, and other required reporting
Optimize SCADA and process control systems to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making
Monitor plant performance to ensure operations comply with codes, regulations, and requirements
Plan and manage capital improvement projects, including preparing technical specifications, cost estimates, and bid documents
Contract for services and monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with standards and expectations
Ensure tools, facilities and equipment are properly maintained to support reliable operations
Troubleshoot and perform or coordinate repairs to Town’s treatment plant assets
Ensure the Division responds promptly, efficiently, and effectively to emergencies and after-hour/on-call situations
Utilize asset management software to document, track, and manage preventive maintenance, work orders, asset data, and equipment lifecycle information
Establish and implement repair schedules in alignment with asset management standards
Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies, community representatives, and internal departments; lead public outreach and education efforts related to water and wastewater operations
Stay current with regulatory requirements, lead compliance audits, and ensure all operations practices meet applicable standards
Perform Operator duties as needed

Supervision
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Treatment Plant staff
Ensure employees are properly trained in the use, maintenance, repair, and storage of tools and equipment
Prepare staff work schedules and manage the Division’s overall calendar
Assign and oversee work, provide direction and assistance, and adjust assignments as needed
Set performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct annual performance evaluations

Administration
Develop and implement plans to achieve annual Division goals and prepare budget recommendations
Monitor revenues and expenditures and implement cost-control measures
Research, procure, and manage tools, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the Town’s Procurement Code
Establish and maintain efficient recordkeeping systems
Engage staff to identify and implement technologies, processes, and operational improvements that enhance Division and Town operations
Coordinate with Town staff, clients, stakeholders, and customers to identify and meet service expectations
Respond to public, elected official, and media inquiries regarding utility policies, procedures, and operations
Administer grants, including applicable reporting and compliance requirements

Safety
Develop and enforce safety policies, standards, and regulations
Oversee safety training; work safely to prevent accidents
Recognize and correct unsafe conditions while promoting a culture of safety and appropriate reporting
Perform supervisory responsibilities of Town’s Substance Abuse Prevention Policy for Employees Subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Public Administration, or Water/Wastewater Technology or equivalent experience required; 5 years relevant experience in water and wastewater treatment, including 2 years staff supervision required; Valid Driver’s License; Class A Wastewater and Water Plant Operator certifications preferred; Water Distribution System Class I certification; Wastewater Collection System Class I certification; Project Management experience preferred; Working knowledge of equipment operation and repair preferred, familiarity with complex Colorado regulatory compliance and reporting requirements (CDPHE).; 5 years relevant experience in water and wastewater treatment, including 2 years staff supervision; Driver’s License; Class A Wastewater and Water Plant Operator certifications preferred; Water Distribution System Class I certification; Wastewater Collection System Class I certification; Project Management experience preferred; Working knowledge of equipment operation and repair preferred, familiarity with complex Colorado regulatory compliance and reporting requirements (CDPHE).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: Working knowledge of electricity, chemistry, and mechanics; team building and leadership; thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and equipment applicable to water and wastewater utility management; knowledge of laboratory practices. Strong understanding of safety practices and PPE related to operations of plants.

Skill in: Ability to organize, assign, and monitor work, supervise employees, and manage outcomes; ability to effectively convey oral and written directions; organizational skills, regulation management.

Environmental Factors:
While performing the duties of this job, the work location varies and is indoors and outdoors. Work performed outdoors is performed in adverse weather conditions; and is performed with high UV rays in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. Indoor work is performed in confined spaces and at heights; noxious odors; environmental and mechanical hazards.

Physical Factors:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to lift 50 pounds; on-call requirements.