Water Program Superintendent

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 03-31-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:

1. Please provide a summary of your experience the water industry. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.

2. Please describe your experience in a lead or supervisory role. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.

3. Provide a summary of your experience in environmental management and regulatory compliance. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.

4. Provide a summary of your knowledge with EPA regulations, specifically drinking water regulations. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.

5. List certifications you hold such HAZWOPER, RCRA, DOT, ADEQ Operator, and other related environmental credentials.

6. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years?

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in an in-person panel interview. Due to the sensitive and compliance-focused nature of this role, applicants will be required to provide three (3) professional references from within the past five (5) years. These references will help verify recent experience, reliability, and suitability for this position.

SAVE THE DATE: Interviews will be held April 8, 2026, and April 9, 2026, as needed.

RECRUITER CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions, please contact Roxie Escarcega at roxie.escarcega@tucsonaz.gov or (520) 837-2138.

ABOUT THIS JOB

The Water Program Superintendent in the City of Tucson’s Water Department plans, organizes, allocates resources, and controls the work of staff within the Water Quality & Operations Division. Supervises personnel in coordinating and managing multi-faceted water programs. Interacts with personnel cross-functionally with various City sectors, such as, but not limited to, environmental and regulatory compliance, water quality and pressure concerns, backflow prevention, water quality and operations, treatment/remediation/reclamation, source water, public information, maintenance, environmental services, and security of water facilities.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Administrator. This position exercises supervision over Water Services Supervisors, Inspection Supervisor, Project Manager, Environmental Scientists, Staff Assistant, Contract Worker, and Administrative Assistant.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Supervise personnel in three Water Quality and Operations (WQO) units (1) Environmental and Regulatory Support (ERS), (2) Backflow Prevention (BFP), and (3) Water Quality and Pressure Concerns (WQPC). Ensures regulatory compliance of multiple drinking water programs with Federal, State, and Local agencies. Confirms internal discretionary monitoring programs are on schedule. Addresses water quality matters with respect to potable and reclaimed systems. Supervises permit compliance reporting for water, air, and hazardous waste. Oversees project management of the Lead and Copper Revised Rule (LCRR) Program.  Responds to escalated  customer service requests in a timely manner.  Conducts research and provides solutions/corrective actions to WQO concerns. Organizes and attends meetings for inter-departmental collaboration and meets with agency partners. Reviews and prepares multiple environmental reports, plans, and other submittals to meet Federal, State, and local agency requirements. Supports the Tucson Water Research Oversight Committee. Participates directly with Federal, State, universities, and industry-related water research activities.

• Serves as the Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP) Superfund Site Project Coordinator. Ensures the City of Tucson Water Department is maintaining and operating the effective and efficient performance in removal of TCE, 1,4-dioxane, and PFAS at the TARP Advanced Oxidation Plant (AOP) water treatment facility. Prepares and submits TARP regulatory monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and biannual reports. Confirms weekly, quarterly, and semi-annual sampling events are performed. Manages and tracks TARP operational costs and hazardous waste management. Reviews and approves internal unit labor billings, consultant invoices, and responsible party invoices. Assists with the ordering of operational supplies/parts such as AOP UV lamps and granular activated carbon (GAC).  Coordinates GAC change outs. Conduct TARP tours. Organizes and attends internal and external consultant meetings regarding TARP operational collaboration and construction progress.  Prepares and presents at quarterly Unified Community Advisory Board (UCAB) meetings.  Serve as a Tucson Water liaison to AZ EPA Region 9 TIAA Technical Working Group (TWG) and attends quarterly TWG meetings.

• Administers environmental programs within the department and acts as department liaison for the City of Tucson's Environmental Management Team.

• Assists with the implementation, evaluation, and interpretation of water department policies, projects, and procedures. Bridges technical, political, regulatory, and  community groups on programs and projects within the city and  the community.

• Plans, schedules, and budgets program activities; monitors and  makes necessary adjustments to bring programs to desired goals.

• Communicates and reports to stakeholders regarding program progress and purposes. Serves as liaison to regulatory agencies, City Council, outside organizations, and unified community boards for assigned programs.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Mostly office environment. This position will be expected to operate a city vehicle.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: Five (5) years of relevant experience
Driving Requirement: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver’s License
Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
 
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  
To ensure that the Water Program Superintendent is well-equipped to handle the complexities of this role, from regulatory compliance to community engagement, and environmental policy development, the following are highly preferred:

1. Master’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific/engineering/environmental field
2. Ten (10) years of experience in the water industry
3. Five (5) years of experience in a lead or supervisory role
4. Experience in environmental management and regulatory compliance
5. Knowledge of EPA regulations, specifically drinking water regulations
6. Skills in public speaking and ability to handle confidential information
7. Certifications such HAZWOPER, RCRA, DOT, ADEQ Operator, and related other environmental credentials
 

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J4067 - Water Program Superintendent

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G111

Hourly Range

$38.91 - 58.36 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Water Utility, ZBUDG HIER - Recurring

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Roxie Escarcega (49375)

Recruiter Email

tw_hr@tucsonaz.gov

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.