We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Executive Director – Plant Operations & Mechanical Systems to lead the operational performance, mechanical systems reliability, and strategic advancement of water and wastewater treatment facilities. This executive role oversees plant operations, maintenance strategy, mechanical engineering integrity, and long-term asset management to ensure efficient, compliant, and resilient water infrastructure.
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Lead the strategic planning and execution of plant operations and mechanical systems across all water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Develop and implement operational policies, performance targets, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize system reliability, efficiency, and compliance.
Partner with senior leadership, engineering, and capital planning teams to align plant performance goals with organizational mission and regulatory requirements.
Operations Oversight & Optimization
Oversee daily operations of treatment plants, pumping stations, and related facilities, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and high-quality water.
Direct the development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs for mechanical systems, including pumps, blowers, compressors, and rotating equipment.
Monitor KPIs, operational metrics, and compliance data to drive performance improvements.
Mechanical Systems Management
Provide executive oversight of all mechanical assets and infrastructure, including lifecycle planning, risk mitigation, and capital reinvestment strategies.
Ensure mechanical systems are designed, maintained, and upgraded to meet current and future process demands.
Champion the integration of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable mechanical practices.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of plant managers, mechanical engineers, maintenance supervisors, and technical staff.
Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, safety, and professional development.
Build succession plans and workforce strategies to support long-term organizational growth.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure all operations and mechanical activities comply with federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA).
Lead emergency response planning and system redundancy strategies to minimize risk and ensure service continuity.
Oversee audits, inspections, and incident investigations, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Strategic leadership of water treatment plant operations
Reliability and performance of mechanical systems and infrastructure
Maintenance planning and asset lifecycle management
Regulatory compliance and operational risk mitigation
Cross-functional collaboration and team development
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Operations, or related field (required)
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, or Business Administration (preferred)
Certifications (Preferred):
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
OSHA 30-hour, Six Sigma, or other operations/maintenance certifications a plus
Experience:
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in water/wastewater treatment operations and mechanical systems
Demonstrated success managing complex plant systems, large teams, and multi-site infrastructure
Strong track record of improving plant performance, reducing downtime, and optimizing asset utilization
Skills:
Deep understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical system design, and plant operations
Strategic mindset with ability to translate vision into executable plans
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and decision-making skills
Expertise in CMMS, SCADA, asset management, and data-driven operational optimization