Description
The MTAS Municipal Utility Consultant position 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.
This positions 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.
The Municipal Utility Consultant 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.
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.
Requirements
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
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.
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
