SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - WWO
Salary $168,663.82 - $183,015.04 Annually
Location Houston, TX
Job Type Executive Level
Job Number 38448
Department Houston Public Works
Opening Date 03/16/2026
Description Benefits Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: HOUSTON WATER
SECTION: WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 4545 GROVEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77087*
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM
**Subject to change
ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the Citys public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Water employs approximately 1,500 drinking water and wastewater professionals, including engineers, scientists, and operations and maintenance staff. As a regulated public health agency, the City of Houston Water and Wastewater Utility operates under federal and state laws, with personnel holding professional licenses issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and other regulatory agencies. The Wastewater Operations Branch manages 465 facilities, including 38 wastewater treatment plants, 374 lift stations, and nearly 6,200 miles of collection systems serving the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Houston Water is seeking an innovative, results-driven leader who leads by example, solves complex challenges, and strengthens organizational performance by building high-performing teams, integrating technology, applying industry best practices, and fostering strong professional relationships.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Wastewater Operations, the Senior Assistant Director leads and manages all employees and activities within Houston Water's Wastewater Operations Branch. This role oversees compliance with the EPA/DOJ Consent Decree and all mandated federal and state regulatory requirements for the wastewater collection system, while directing the Planning, Construction, Design, and Engineering teams to ensure full regulatory adherence. The Senior Assistant Director is responsible for the overall operation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system; developing, analyzing, and monitoring key performance indicators; managing budgets; balancing resources; and driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
The Senior Assistant Director administers operational policies and procedures, leads training and implementation efforts, establishes operational objectives aligned with City of Houston, TCEQ, and EPA reporting requirements, and ensures all technical and operational functions comply with applicable regulations and permits. The role also responds to inquiries from the public, City Council, and executive leadership, leads cross-functional program development and evaluation, and implements initiatives to enhance operational and financial performance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
More than ten years of experience is required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid drivers license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Over 10 years of management experience
Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION
Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE 34
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation/parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01 Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions? Yes No
02 Which best describes your highest level of education? High School Diploma / GED Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree or higher None of the Above
03 If you answered that you have a college degree what was your field of study? Engineering Construction Management Business Administration Public Administration Non-related field of study I do not have a degree
04 Which best describes your years of experience that relates to the duties of this position? I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position. Less than 8 years 8 - 9 years 10 - 11 years 12 - 13 years 14 years or more
05 Please describe your related experience. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
06 How many years of experience in a managerial capacity do you have? I have no managerial experience Less than 3 years 3 - 6 years 7 - 9 years 10 years or more
07 Are you a licensed Professional Engineer? Yes No
08 Please describe how any professional credentials or licenses you currently maintain relate to the position. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
09 Please describe your experience managing the allocation and/or prioritization of capital project funding. If none use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
10 Please describe your experience developing reporting and monitoring systems that summarize business performance for decision-makers on a frequent/real-time basis. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)
11 Do you have a current/ valid Drivers License? Yes No
Required Question
Employer City of Houston
Address 901 Bagby St Houston, Texas, 77002
Website https://www.houstontx.gov/