Assistant Director of Environmental Services

Job Title: Assistant Director of Environmental Services

Location: Sussex County, Delaware

Salary: $95,000 - $145,000

Position Overview:

A municipal environmental services department is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Environmental Services to support the operation, maintenance, permitting, and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater treatment facilities. This leadership role combines technical expertise, staff supervision, operational oversight, regulatory coordination, budgeting, and capital project support. The position serves as a key resource in ensuring reliable utility operations, permit compliance, and effective management of environmental services programs throughout the county.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and schedule technical and non-technical staff, including performance management, employee development, and disciplinary actions.
• Assist with the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater treatment facilities and associated infrastructure.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies regarding permits, inspections, compliance issues, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and renew NPDES permits, Land Treatment System permits, Air Pollution Control permits, and related regulatory documentation.
• Review monitoring reports, maintain compliance records, and assist in responding to permit violations and inspections.
• Support asset management, GIS-based tracking programs, procurement activities, and work order management systems.
• Assist with operational decision-making involving process controls, maintenance priorities, staffing, scheduling, and facility performance.
• Participate in the planning, review, and coordination of water and wastewater facility expansion, design, and construction projects.
• Assist with the development and administration of operating and capital budgets, including expenditure monitoring and forecasting.
• Oversee compliance with safety regulations and environmental requirements related to industrial and hazardous material operations.
• Represent the department at meetings with stakeholders, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in emergency response activities and a 24-hour rotating on-call schedule as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-8 years of experience in water and wastewater treatment operations, environmental services, or related infrastructure systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, transmission systems, pump stations, sludge handling, and disposal practices.
• Experience with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, including NPDES permits and air permitting programs.
• Supervisory experience, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating staff performance.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing water and wastewater facilities.
• Experience with municipal budgeting, operational planning, and capital project support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with regulatory agencies, elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ESRI GIS platforms.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments, including access to confined spaces as necessary.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Level IV Wastewater Operator Certification.
• Experience operating and maintaining SCADA systems and biological process modeling software.
• Knowledge of odor control systems and air scrubbing technologies.
• Experience working within a unionized workforce environment.
• Familiarity with GIS-based asset management systems and utility infrastructure management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills.

Experience supporting large-scale water and wastewater capital improvement projects.