ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 475,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a WATER QUALITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING MANAGER, to join our WATER QUALITY Department.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs the activities of water quality and environmental permitting within the Operations Department; manages all water quality, environmental permitting, and other regulatory compliance activities. Areas of responsibilities include microbiology, chemistry, and interpretation of water quality regulations and functions. Provides highly responsible technical support to the Director of Operations and Water Quality.

Serves as the Laboratory Director for the state certified laboratory and provides direct supervision to the water quality staff for the analysis of both treated drinking water and raw water to maintain a fully certified water quality laboratory. Maintains permanent environmental and operational permits, including but not limited to air quality, fire marshal, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), permits to operate, solid waste, boiler, Nevada Department of Transportation (DOT), City of Reno Environmental Control and hazardous waste.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Establishes and maintains work standards for quality and quantity of work within area of responsibility with an emphasis on providing exceptional customer service, enhancing inter and intradepartmental teamwork; develops and recommends improvements to workflow and internal procedures; recommends and implements improvements to laboratory systems including technology enhancements.
• Interviews, hires, plans, organizes, supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination to address performance deficiencies in accordance with TMWA’s administrative instructions; provide leadership to staff to meet prescribed goals and objectives.
• Supervises and conducts simple and complex water quality analyses (bacteriological and protozoological) and water sampling in a timely manner using EPA-approved methodology and acceptable quality assurance procedures which assure all applicable microbiological certification requirements are met for both drinking water and pollution control samples.
• Serves as the Senior Microbiologist and as such is responsible for ensuring the requirements of an EPA/State certified water quality laboratory in Microbiology are met. Reports to local/State/EPA regulators to ensure compliance.
• Performs research and provides input on new and improved microbiological methodology and laboratory testing new concepts that could improve water quality, monitoring capability and/or reduce departmental expenses.
• Performs complex microbiological analysis using advanced techniques and state of the art microscopy.
• Handles loss of pressure events in compliance with the regulatory standards.
• Supervises and performs complex microbiological analyses using advanced techniques and state of the art microscopy.
• Supports and participates in research on new and improved microbiological methodology and laboratory test new concepts that could improve water quality, monitoring capability and/or reduce operating expense.
• Maintains the microbiology laboratory certifications with the EPA/State by assuring that all applicable certification requirements are met for all microbiology laboratory operations.
• Oversees Proficiency Testing (PT) for water supply and water pollution laboratory certification.
• Supervises/oversees other microbiology staff responsible for accurate and timely reporting and compliance related activities. Plan and assign work tasks as needed.
• Completes laboratory O&M manuals, SOP’s, microbiological certification programs, and general and special report writing and presentations. Troubleshoots water quality contamination problems, expeditiously, using sound scientific judgment.
• Participates in the department’s training programs relative to laboratory microbiological methods, procedures and scientific problem solving. Supply scientific guidance to laboratory staff.
• Works closely with all water quality staff in performing routine microbiological and chemical sampling and analyses.
• Follows approved laboratory safety policies set forth in chemical hygiene plan, OSHA regulations and other applicable sources of information. Participate in problem solving and safety audit programs.
• Handles customer complaints in a professional manner assuring both customers health and satisfaction.
• Participates in the Water Treatment “on-call” rotation (7 days “on-call” every 7 weeks) which requires 24-hour availability to handle all water operations issues.
• Keeps microbiology laboratory supplies in stock for use as needed by staff.
• Collects samples from distribution mains, tanks, pump stations and other facilities as necessary for compliance.
• Performs all annual Quality Control for microbiology group.
• Coordinates/participates in projects with other groups within the company.
• Maintains current environmental permits, including but not limited to, Fire Marshal, NPDES, Air Quality, Boiler, Permits to Operate, NV DOT, Solid Waste, City of Reno, Hazardous Waste. This includes notice of intent submissions, renewal write-ups and applications, sample collection, scheduling, participation in inspections of facilities, audit responses, handling of any fees associated with such permits and any communication with the regulating agency or other agency which may be involved in the permit process.
• Acts as principal company person for permitting and helps resolve permitting issues; apply for new and maintain current permanent permits; manage feels for all permits, new or current.
• Works with regulatory agencies (local, state, federal) on permitting issues; assist with inspections of company facilities relative to permitting.
• Submits written responses, plans of action, management plans, etc as required.
• Gathers pertinent information from other groups within the company for collective reporting; Conducts required reporting (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.).

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Lead in a manner that inspires team members to strengthen their commitment to TMWA’s mission, standards, and community service.
• Support and accelerate the professional growth of staff through coaching, meaningful performance feedback, and opportunities to lead projects that build both technical expertise and leadership readiness.
• Demonstrate active listening and professional collaboration when engaging with staff, consultants, developers, regulators, and internal departments.
• Lead by example by consistently modeling TMWA’s Core values and key leadership attributes (humility, drive, resilience, adaptability, ownership, team-first mindset) in decisions, communication, and daily interactions.
• Build and maintain trust by acting with integrity, clearly communicating the “why” behind decisions, and ensuring alignment with TMWA’s strategic objectives and long-term priorities.
• Exhibit situational awareness and demonstrate optimism, sincerity, and sound judgment when managing competing priorities, regulatory requirements, and diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Commit to continuous leadership growth by participating in TMWA leadership training, seeking 360‑degree feedback, and maintaining an intentional self-development plan.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: Seven to ten (7-10) years of increasingly responsible experience in a certified laboratory completing water quality analysis and laboratory duties. Supervisory experience is required.

Education & Training: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or engineering along with comprehensive knowledge of bacteriology and protozoology.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• State of Nevada Grade IV Water Distribution Operator certification (D4) is required and must be obtained within a predetermined period.
• State of Nevada Grade IV Water Treatment Operator certification (T4) is required and must be obtained within a predetermined period.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license from the State of Nevada or, for applicants who reside in another state within a commutable distance (including students), a valid driver’s license issued by their state of residence.
• Must also meet and maintain eligibility to be covered under TMWA’s vehicle insurance requirements.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. During hire by TMWA and periodically during employment, background investigations may be conducted.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of water utility operations, management and organization, including treatment processes; principles and practices, techniques and laboratory equipment common to the operation of water utility operations; current and advanced methods for detection of microorganisms and chemicals in sources and treated waters; environmental, health and safety practices; current and advanced water treatment practices; general practices associated with storage, conveyance, and distribution of source and treated waters; general practices associated with quality assurance regulations; pertinent Company, Federal, State and Local laws, statutes, codes, regulations and ordinances; OSHA standards and safety precautions; local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of a potable water system including the Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA regulations; principles and practices of effective communication, management, and supervision; standard office practices and procedures, including computer applications related to the work.

Skilled in/Ability to:

Resolve difficult and complex treatment and water quality challenges and issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective courses of action; develop and implement goals, objectives, policies procedures, work standards and management controls; exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, staff, contractors, consultants, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work; use tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned people and customers to both internal and external; collaborate and cooperate with other departments on company-wide projects and initiatives; understand, interpret, explain, and adhere to federal, state and local laws, regulations, and codes and TMWA policies, procedures, and rules; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, model and encourage an organizational culture of inclusion and empower staff at all levels to take a solutions-focused approach to resolve problems and implement appropriate conflict management strategies; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team and departmental and organizational goals, objectives and activities; encourage an organizational culture of inclusion and empower staff at all levels to take a solutions-focused approach to resolve problems and implement appropriate conflict management strategies.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8207.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.