South Platte Renew - Deputy Director Engineering

The Deputy Director Engineering at South Platte Renew (SPR) presents an exciting leadership opportunity for a visionary engineering professional. This role is central to shaping the future of SPR by driving the strategic direction and operational success of a dynamic engineering team. Reporting to the Executive Director the Deputy Director oversees critical engineering functions including the capital improvement plan (CIP) electrical instrumentation & controls (EI&C) construction management asset management renewable natural gas (RNG) programs and much more. This position offers the chance to lead research and development through SPRs Pilot and Research Center (PARC) optimize resources and champion SPRs mission to deliver sustainable cuttingedge solutions to the communities it serves. The Deputy Directors contributions will directly influence the organizations success making a lasting impact on the environment and inspiring innovation across the water industry.

As a key member of SPRs executive leadership team the Deputy Director collaborates to develop align and execute forwardthinking organizational strategy and present compelling business cases to the Supervisory Committee and City Councils to secure support for key initiatives. Preparing the annual budget forecasting costs and ensuring compliance with SPRs procurement policies and best practices will be essential to maximizing fiscal responsibility. Additionally the Deputy Director builds and maintains strong partnerships with the Cities of Englewood and Littleton consultants contractors vendors universities and other utilities.

This role directs the diverse functions of the Engineering division ensuring alignment with the vision and mission of SPR and both the Cities of Englewood and Littleton. The Deputy Director leads largescale capital projects for wastewater services from planning to construction coordinating with consultants contractors and external agencies. They are responsible for the development and implementation of essential organizational programs including PARC asset management and RNG. The oversight of these engineering and construction projects and programs ensure that all engineering initiatives align with and accomplish SPRs strategic priorities.

Mentorship and guidance of the Engineering team are key aspects of the role as the Deputy Director fosters growth collaboration and effective communication across all levels of the organization while also driving the development implementation and administration of engineering projects and programs. Supervision of assigned staff includes coaching and mentorship goal setting teambuilding training and development resource allocations and ensuring accountability. Demonstrating respect for diversity and adapting communication styles to accommodate different perspectives is essential.

SPR is committed to fostering growth and success offering a collaborative environment that values innovation integrity and impact. The Deputy Director Engineering leads transformative projects shapes sustainable solutions and builds meaningful connections within the water industry and the communities it serves.

Priorities

• Collaborate with the team to realize the current projects identified in the CIP and Master Plan. In preparation for future initiatives collaborate with the City of Englewood and the City of Littleton to identify funding. Develop budgets forecast and track expenditures and allocate resources efficiently to ensure successful project implementation.
• Partner effectively with colleagues to develop and implement innovative strategies and creative solutions that support SPRs mission and achieve sustainable safe and efficient water renewal operations.
• Foster a highperformance culture that empowers individuals cultivates organizational excellence develops leaders and prepares the next generation of water professionals.
• Serve as the Executive sponsor for several projects including a threeyear project to improve the electrical and instrumentation infrastructure installation of electrical equipment design for sidestream anammox treatment and design and construction of the Pilot and Research Center Solids Site among others.
• Lead the continued success of the Pilot and Research Center Program. Ensure the program remains an innovative and collaborative hub for developing sustainable solutions in the renewal industry through partnerships with vendors manufacturers educational institutions and other utilities and research facilities.
• Actively champion innovation within the wastewater industry. Create new opportunities to integrate and interface with industry leaders sharing successes from innovative efforts and pilot projects that lead to industrywide advancements.
• Build effective relationships with the City of Englewood Utilities by educating consulting partnering and recognizing the connections that facilitate greater efficiencies and improved outcomes.

The Successful Candidate

The Deputy Director Engineering is a strategic forwardthinking leader who is passionate about renewing water and is excited by the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across SPR to ensure its longterm sustainability. The Deputy Director is a realistic change agent with the commitment and confidence to assume a leadership role in an industryleading organization. The successful candidate values transformation and believes in agility and adaptability to support innovation and performance excellence while seamlessly ensuring alignment with organizational strategic plans goals and values.

Focused on highlevel strategic outcomes the Deputy Director understands how to bridge technical expertise with broader organizational goals. Supporting a culture that embraces diverse ideas and new opportunities the Deputy Director Engineering offers confidence grounded in experience to make balanced decisions for the best outcomes. The successful candidate is known for being calm under pressure while balancing excitement and passion with patience and flexibility recognizing when to push forward and when to pull back. They build organic and dynamic relationships both internally and externally fostering a sense of shared purpose. The Deputy Director effectively partners with the executive leadership team to align people resources and programs to better position the organization to deliver on its key strategic outcomes and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

A strategic mindset is essential in anticipating future trends and translating them into actionable strategies that support SPRs longterm goals. The Deputy Director plans and prioritizes work effectively ensuring initiatives align with broader organizational objectives and anticipating the steps needed for success. Skilled in analyzing complex engineering problems the Deputy Director uncovers root causes and evaluates potential solutions. The Deputy Director is also empowered to make independent decisions on design standards permitting issues and technical challenges providing leadership in engineering design construction and operations.

With a proactive growth mindset the Deputy Director provides engineering leadership and is energized by the possibilities of the future. They embrace piloting innovative ideas while steering clear of unnecessary changes ensuring each initiative is thoughtfully aligned with a clear and purposedriven mission. Furthermore the Deputy Director manages their division holistically balancing creative exploration with practical . They do not get bogged down in the weeds but elevate the work of confident and competent team members connecting the dots between diverse work requirements and the broader mission.

The Deputy Director Engineering is a humancentered leader who actively supports a highperforming organization. The successful candidate empowers staff while promoting a forwardthinking impactdriven culture. They delegate effectively trusting their teams knowledge and competence while maintaining clarity on when to step in or elevate issues. An effective communicator the Deputy Director establishes clear expectations holds staff accountable and provides transparent communication across the Engineering Division and its workgroups.

Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in project and program management with knowledge of current or developing technologies in wastewater treatment is required. Prior experience in longrange planning of utility systems and administration of utility services is ideal. At least three years in a management role with direct experience building and maintaining a highfunctioning team is essential as is prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups. A sound financial background with direct experience developing and managing budgets including capital budgets is required.

A bachelors degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related engineering field is required with an advanced degree in engineering business administration or public administration preferred. An equivalent combination of education training and relevant job experience may be substituted. A Colorado Professional Engineer license or the ability to obtain licensure in Colorado is required. Formal Project or Program Management certifications or training is ideal.

Inside South Platte Renew

South Platte Renew (SPR) is coowned by the Cities of Littleton and Englewood and is the thirdlargest water renewal facility in Colorado. SPR renews wastewater from 300000 customers within its 108squaremile service area. The service area is comprised of the Cities and 19 connecting sanitation districts. SPR treats approximately 20 million gallons of water daily and recovers valuable natural resources such as biosolids and renewable natural gas (RNG) through the treatment process. SPR employs 88 fulltime employees who operate the facility 24 hours a day seven days a week 365 days a year.

SPR is a major permitted facility regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Water Quality Control Division. Renewed water is permitted for discharge to Segment 14 of the South Platte River. The renewed water supports recreation agriculture and environmental applications downstream and provides a source of drinking water for other municipalities. In addition to renewing water SPR recovers biosolids that are used as a natural fertilizer to produce dryland wheat and corn on nearly 11000 acres of farmland owned by the Cities. SPR also recovers RNG that is cleaned and injected into Xcel Energys natural gas pipeline. SPRs Pipeline Injection System the first system of its kind in the state generates revenue for the Cities and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

SPRs commitment goes beyond treatment they are transforming water renewal through innovative approaches. The dedicated team at SPR continues to pioneer sustainable water management setting new standards in environmental stewardship.

SPR is structured into four main divisions each responsible for distinct aspects of the facilitys operations:

• Operations and Maintenance: Manages the water renewal process ensures facility maintenance and oversees the transportation and land application of biosolids.
• Engineering: Focuses on capital project planning project management and the oversight of systems like SCADA and asset management.
• Business Solutions: Handles administrative functions such as budgeting accounting communications government relations and IT support.
• Environmental Programs: Ensures regulatory compliance laboratory services data management safety and industrial pretreatment.

Vision

Renewing water for Colorados future.

Mission

Providing the best value to our customers by:

• Recovering resources using sustainable practices
• Engaging our community to build stronger partnerships and
• Advancing the industry through innovative solutions.

Values

• Safety Protecting people our greatest asset
• Passion Immersing ourselves in the work we love to preserve and protect our waters
• Leadership Empowering our employees to achieve greatness by setting high expectations and supporting professional development
• Accountability Demonstrating courage by taking personal responsibility for our actions behaviors and decisions
• Trust Believing in each other to do what is right for the organization and our community
• Teamwork Supporting one another through success and failure
• Excellence Striving for continuous improvement and innovation to stand the test of time

Employee Experience

Attracting and retaining a skilled and motivated workforce by creating a positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth continue to be a key priority. Focusing on professional development leadership training through the HighPerformance Leadership Program recognition programs innovation and industry involvement are priority areas for SPR. Reimagining Values for a Positive Workplace Culture was highlighted as a case study by the EPA Workforce Compendium and in 2023 the facility conducted Stay Interviews with all employees to identify areas for improvement in employee satisfaction career growth and benefits. Insights from these interviews are being used to implement longterm changes aimed at enhancing employee experience engagement and retention.

SPR staff actively contribute to the water renewal industry through conference presentations industry committee involvement and leadership roles in various organizations including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies the Water Quality Control Commission the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association and the Colorado Wastewater Utility Council to name a few. Through these affiliations SPR gains valuable training strengthens its network and reinforces its reputation as an industry leader in water renewal.

Recognition

SPR has garnered numerous accolades for its achievements including the Peak Performance Award for 14 years of compliance with permit requirements and the Water Resources Utility of the Future Award for its innovative safety program and energy management initiatives. Additionally SPR received the Sustainability Award for their development of an Energy Management Master Plan and the continued operation of the Pipeline Injection System. The Chemical Phosphorus and UV Disinfection Project also received the Best Project award from Engineering NewsRecord Mountain States.

Inside the Engineering Division

The Engineering Division plays a key role in supporting SPRs infrastructure and operational goals. The division focuses on planning and executing capital projects asset management and integrating innovative technologies. The Engineering Division has 18 fulltime employees across six workgroups ensuring the efficient operation of critical systems and supporting sustainability efforts.

Planning and Executing Capital Projects

This workgroup develops and implements longterm infrastructure improvements aligning projects with the SPR Master Plan. Responsibilities include managing the capital budget overseeing design and construction processes ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. They also monitor project progress and manage resources effectively.

Organizational Project Management

This workgroup leads crossfunctional projects ensuring alignment with organizational goals. They develop project plans track performance and standardize project management practices across the organization to ensure efficiency and consistency in .

Oversight of the SCADA System

This workgroup ensures the functionality security and efficiency of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system which monitors critical infrastructure. This includes maintaining and updating hardware/software monitoring performance implementing system enhancements and addressing security concerns.

Asset Management Program

This workgroup manages SPRs physical assets maximizing value and minimizing risk. This includes maintaining an asset inventory conducting lifecycle cost analysis and prioritizing investments. The workgroup also develops policies to align asset management strategies with operational needs.

PARC Program (Pilot and Research Center)

The PARC Program supports innovation by testing new technologies and researching methods to improve operational performance and meet future regulations. The workgroup manages pilot projects analyzes results and pursues funding to support ongoing research and innovation efforts.

Managing the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) System

This workgroup oversees the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) system which supports sustainability by converting biogas into energy. Responsibilities include system operation ensuring gas quality compliance optimizing performance and collaborating with external partners to expand RNG capabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the Deputy Director Engineering is $146880 $220320 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. South Platte Renew offers competitive benefits that support employees professional and personal wellbeing including comprehensive health dental and vision insurance retirement planning with generous matching paid time off and wellness programs professional development and training opportunities and meaningful work with direct environmental impact. Additional information can be viewed here.

To Be Considered

Join a team dedicated to renewing water for Colorados future and protecting our environment. At South Platte Renew were more than a utility were innovators committed to sustainability community service and cuttingedge water management. Our collaborative culture empowers employees to grow contribute meaningfully and make a real difference in Colorados future.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on March 5 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at or Robert Colichio at.

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE