Chief Operations Officer - Water

This position is open until filled, with a first review of applications on December 14th. Please attach a resume and cover letter to your application outlining your qualifications and interest. You are not required to complete the work history section of the application.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking executive to serve as our next Chief Operations Officer – Water (Water COO). This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and collaborative leader to help shape the future of water service, guide significant infrastructure investments, and ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable drinking water to our community.

As a public utility, EWEB is committed to serving the community through responsible stewardship of public and environmental resources, operational excellence, and long-term resiliency planning. We are seeking a strategic thinker and practical problem-solver who combines industry expertise with sound business judgment, integrity, and a commitment to public service.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Manager and serving as a key member of EWEB's Executive Team, the Water COO will provide strategic leadership for the Water Division, guiding operational excellence, major infrastructure investments, and long-term planning to ensure safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable water service for the community.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

Shape the Future of Water Service. Develop and execute long-range strategies that strengthen infrastructure reliability, protect water quality, and ensure sustainable water supplies for future generations. Collaborate with executive colleagues and the Board of Commissioners to align operational priorities with EWEB's mission and strategic goals.

Lead a Transformational Infrastructure Investment. Provide executive leadership for EWEB's new second source Willamette Water Treatment Plant, overseeing planning, engineering, permitting, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness. Guide major capital investments and infrastructure improvements while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

Drive Operational Excellence. Oversee water treatment, distribution, engineering, environmental services, and operational support functions. Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making to strengthen system reliability, improve efficiency, and advance proactive asset management practices.

Build and Empower High-Performing Teams. Lead and develop managers and professionals while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion. Guide workforce development, succession planning, and productive labor relations to ensure organizational readiness for future challenges.

Strengthen Resilience and Emergency Preparedness. Guide efforts to protect water quality, manage operational risks, and strengthen emergency response capabilities. Collaborate with regional partners to enhance water supply resilience and continuity of essential services.

Build Trust and Strengthen Partnerships. Represent EWEB with government agencies, neighboring utilities, industry organizations, and community stakeholders. Navigate complex challenges, build consensus, and foster collaborative relationships that advance EWEB's mission and deliver lasting value to the community.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will be an experienced executive or senior leader with the strategic perspective, technical understanding, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a complex public utility operation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of water utility operations, infrastructure management, water quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational change management capabilities.
• Experience overseeing major capital projects, financial planning, and long-term infrastructure investments.
• Strong financial and operational judgment, with a commitment to responsible resource stewardship.
• Demonstrated success developing leaders, building effective teams, and fostering an inclusive, accountable workplace.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of public accountability and a commitment to serving customers and the community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The annual salary range for this position is $202,500 - $270,000.

The starting pay offered will be established based on multiple factors, including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, and relevant experience, as well as internal equity. Consistent with EWEB’s compensation philosophy, it is not customary to place individuals at the high end of the salary range at the time of hire. Compensation decisions are made holistically to support fair, consistent, and equitable pay practices, considering the specific circumstances of each position and candidate.

EWEB values total worker health both at work and at home and provides a robust compensation & benefits package – Read more about our benefits. Executives accrue 20 days of vacation per year in addition to sick leave, holidays, and flexible leave.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Equivalency: EWEB will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience when reviewing applications. Candidates who do not meet all of the minimum qualifications, but whose application materials demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in the position are encouraged to apply. We understand that valuable experience can be gained through various avenues, and we value diverse experiences and unique perspectives.

Experience: Ten (10) years of progressive experience in water/wastewater utility management or public works; direct management of large-scale capital projects ($300M+) may substitute for this experience on a year-for-year basis. Experience must include at least five (5) years in executive or senior-level management within a water utility or a comparable complex service organization. Experience overseeing large-scale capital projects, long-term master planning, and the development and management of multi-year financial plans and operating budgets. Demonstrated ability to apply contemporary leadership and organizational management principles, including business planning, continuous process improvement, supervision, and policy development

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Water Utility Operations Management, Environmental Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Recommended Experience and Education: Advanced degree in a relevant area. Experience within a water utility. Familiarity with the Northwest water region and relevant environmental issues, regulations, and challenges. Experience working with Boards. Knowledge and experience in labor relations and collective bargaining. Experience in leading larger infrastructure projects ($300M+) from design through deployment.

Oregon driver license required: Yes, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Post offer background check required: Yes

Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. EWEB is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

LOCATION
This position is based in Eugene, Oregon.

WHY CHOOSE EWEB?
EWEB offers employees a progressive work culture devoted to providing excellent public service. Our employees work in a fast-paced environment where creativity, innovation, involvement, teamwork, and professional development are supported and encouraged. EWEB is committed to providing a work environment conducive to the safety, health, and well-being of its workforce and offers great benefits, including health care, vacation and sick leave, pension, holidays, wellness programs, an employee credit union, and more.

As a public utility, we do not operate to earn a profit or to serve the investment needs of stockholders. Instead, EWEB is chartered by the City of Eugene to serve the interests of its citizens. We are owned by the people of Eugene and it's our job to provide reliable, affordable water and electricity for our customers.

WHY CHOOSE EUGENE?
It’s a city big enough to boast excellent restaurants, arts, and events, but small enough to still feel like a community. It’s also easy to get out of town, making it an ideal place for lovers of outdoor activities, with world-class opportunities for fishing, rafting, bicycling, hiking, and camping.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
EWEB takes pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion among our employees. We embrace and value differences of culture, education, experience, physical ability and unique perspectives in our workplace. Attracting, retaining and advancing talent from all sources strengthens our bond with the multifaceted community we serve.

TOBACCO, SMOKE AND VAPOR-FREE CAMPUS POLICY
EWEB fosters an environment promoting good health for both employees and the public. We want to enhance the quality of air, appearance, and employee health in and around EWEB facilities and equipment. Employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors may not use, distribute, or sell tobacco.

Note: This job posting is intended to represent key areas of responsibility. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned.