Deputy Wastewater Reclamation Authority Director

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Provides administrative and management oversight of the operations and activities of the Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA).

The principal function of an employee in this class is to oversee all operations and activities of the WRA Department. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the WRA Director, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of all employees within the WRA Department. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with the WRA Board, member communities, other City Departments, business and community groups, outside contractors, state and federal officials, representatives of the media and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Public Administration or related field; and
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in public works operations with at least three (3) years including wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance systems with a management role.

Please note: College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment background check, physical examination, and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid driver’s License.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of WRA managers in implementing the expressed goals, policies and directives of the department.
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations and address WRA infrastructure needs within the service area.
• Reviews, analyzes and summarizes WRA communications, procedural guidelines and related reports.
• Conducts studies and investigations of operations and resident complaints.
• Participates in the development and administration of the budget and monitors all expenditures.
• Schedules, supervises and monitors the work of a staff of operational employees.
• Recommends performance evaluation ratings and disciplinary action and provides grievance and administration.
• Coordinates an input communications system for WRA Board Members.
• Investigates and processes complaints from the public and WRA Board on behalf of the public relating to WRA services.
• Confers with WRA management team to track implementation of policies and receive specific recommendations and suggestions on Departmental operations.
• Oversees and monitors facility plans, budgets, and forecasts for the WRA.
• Prepares resolutions, staff summaries, fact sheets, and maps for the WRA Board Meetings.
• Identifies, evaluates, and plans for short and long-range WRA needs.
• Provides operational management of emergency activities associated with rainstorms, flood protection, windstorms and snow and ice removal.
• Collaborates with City of Des Moines Departments as detailed in WRA operating agreement and/or side letters.
• Develops and coordinates action plans with other local jurisdictions, authorities and state agencies.
• Responds to residents’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Develops and coordinates action plans with other local jurisdictions, authorities and state agencies.
• Performs special projects for the WRA Director as requested.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to residents’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

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Closing Date/Time: 2/9/2026 4:00 PM Central

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• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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