Provides professional advice, technical assistance, and training on a wide range of water and wastewater utility management issues including regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act to city officials (elected and appointed), and their staff in all cities in the state of Tennessee. These positions consult and train on public health issues regarding the Federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Provides industrial pretreatment, water or wastewater operations, and utility management assistance to Tennessee professional organizations and agencies such as the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association, Tennessee City Managers Association, Tennessee Municipal League, Public Entity Partners, and Clean Water Professionals. Provides technical assistance to Tennessee municipal customers in water and wastewater issues. This assistance can be industrial pretreatment, plant optimization and troubleshooting, biosolids land application, assistance with mandatory reports to the Environmental Protection Agency and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; training of municipal staff in water and wastewater operations and regulations, safety, interpretation and implementation of utility laws both Federal and State; develop publications regarding water or wastewater issues, develop and teach training programs for water or wastewater applications. Utility consultants serve as in-house experts to MTAS staff and will provide support to the Finance & Accounting consultants in rate reviews. Performs other special project work as assigned by the Technical Consulting Program Manager or the Executive Director. Assists other consultants in the performance of projects and participates in team projects.

This position provides technical assistance, training, and professional consulting to Tennessee municipalities and partner organizations on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance. Serves as a subject-matter expert to MTAS staff and municipal officials on issues related to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and utility operations. Develops training programs, publications, and technical resources to support municipal water and wastewater systems across the state.

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Provides professional advice, technical assistance, and training on a wide range of water and wastewater utility management issues including regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act to city officials (elected and appointed), and their staff in all cities in the state of Tennessee. These positions consult and train on public health issues regarding the Federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Provides industrial pretreatment, water or wastewater operations, and utility management assistance to Tennessee professional

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Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering or related field
• Experience: At least five years of experience with extensive responsible administrative and supervisory experience in the operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities. Individuals who have a comparable license to the TN grade IV in another state should apply to the Tennessee Operators Certification Board to receive a Tennessee Grade IV license. (must obtain within 6 months)
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge and ability to diagnose operational deficiencies/issues in a water or wastewater utility.
  • Ability to read and interpret federal or state regulations related to utility operations and management.
  • Skills to offer proper corrective actions in a situation at a utility's operations and industrial pretreatment.
  • Ability to create informative reports and reviews regarding operational, regulatory, and financial function.
  • Ability to recognize a potentially hazardous condition in either drinking water or wastewater operations.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water or wastewater operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering, or a related field

• Experience: Industrial Pretreatment Certification. Distribution/Collection System Operator Certification. Front-line management and operational experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of industrial pretreatment programs, permitting, enforcement, and best management practices.
  • Skills in electronic regulatory reporting and computer software (MS Word & Excel).
  • Skill in managing multiple complex projects and analyzing data.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to facilitate/teach technical utility information.
  • Knowledge of municipal budget practices and administration.
  • Ability project utility needs and priorities

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Johnson City, TN

The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.

Benefits

• Find more information on UT Benefits here
  

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 3, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References
  

About The College/Department/Division

The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.

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• Provide professional advice, technical assistance, and training to elected and appointed municipal officials and staff on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance.

• Assist municipalities in achieving and maintaining compliance with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and related federal and state regulations.

• Deliver specialized technical support in areas such as industrial pretreatment, treatment plant operations, collection and distribution systems, infiltration and inflow analysis, biosolids management, laboratory practices, and utility rates and finance.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with assigned municipalities through on-site visits, facility assessments, communication, and ongoing consultation.

• Design and deliver training programs and continuing education for municipal officials and utility personnel across Tennessee.

• Research, develop, and maintain publications, guidance materials, and online resources on water and wastewater utility issues.

• Serve as an in-house technical expert to MTAS staff and support interdisciplinary consulting projects, including utility rate reviews with Finance and Accounting consultants.

• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations and agencies, including state agencies, municipal associations, and professional organizations.

• Participate in team projects and perform special assignments as directed by MTAS leadership.

• Maintain professional expertise through ongoing training, professional engagement, and participation in relevant meetings and conferences.