COO / Director of Engineering

Location: Springdale, Arkansas

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Director of Engineering to oversee engineering, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, and technical services operations. This role is responsible for managing municipal utility infrastructure, capital construction projects, regulatory compliance, and daily operations while leading engineering and technical teams.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil engineering, municipal water and wastewater systems, project management, and staff supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, and technical services operations.
• Manage capital construction projects and ensure completion according to approved schedules, specifications, and quality standards.
• Review, analyze, and improve engineering processes, wastewater treatment operations, utility systems, and quality control procedures.
• Supervise engineering, technical, and operational staff; assign projects, delegate responsibilities, and evaluate performance.
• Plan and coordinate engineering projects from initial planning and design through execution and completion.
• Conduct engineering research, analyze technical data, and prepare plans, specifications, maps, reports, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing municipal utilities.
• Promote workplace safety and ensure appropriate safety procedures are followed during operations, maintenance, and construction.
• Manage operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate operational challenges and implement improvements to increase efficiency, service quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Respond to emergencies and make timely decisions while considering technical, legal, operational, and financial implications.
• Support executive leadership and assist with organizational responsibilities when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.
• Knowledge of municipal water distribution, sanitary sewer systems, wastewater treatment, and public works operations.
• Experience in engineering project management, construction oversight, and infrastructure planning.
• Strong leadership, staff supervision, delegation, and team management skills.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, hydraulics, hydrology, soils, chemistry, and environmental sciences.
• Familiarity with municipal utility construction methods, standards, and operational technologies.
• Understanding of applicable environmental regulations and municipal utility compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, contractor management, and project cost control.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and engineering-related software.
• Valid Arkansas driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in the State of Arkansas.
• Experience leading municipal water and wastewater utility operations.
• Experience overseeing capital improvement programs and large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies and public-sector stakeholders.

Licensing Requirement

The selected candidate must obtain a Class IV Water Operator’s Distribution License from the Arkansas Department of Health within one year of assuming the position.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work, with regular visits to wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, water storage facilities, construction sites, and other utility locations.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours when operational needs or emergencies arise.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and around construction equipment, traffic, chemicals, confined spaces, slippery surfaces, and other field-related hazards.
• Ability to walk construction sites, climb stairs and ladders, and enter and exit excavations when required.
• Ability to perform extended computer-based work and communicate effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 40 pounds, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
• Willingness to travel locally for site visits, meetings, and inspections.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Additional Information

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. Work outside regular business hours may be required to support utility operations, emergencies, and critical projects.