Senior Program Manager, Reservoir Operations

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Manages and oversees the Reservoir Operations Program including the Invasive Species Control Program and the care of MWRA controlled dams. Also, responsible for representing MWRA interests and coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on watershed protection issues.

Posting Period: 06/16/2026 - 6/30/2026
Location: Southborough, MA
Salary: $118,923.84 - $165,499.82 annually $2,287.00 - $3,201.92 weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for flood control of MWRA controlled reservoirs.
• Evaluates reservoir and river levels daily and makes decisions on reservoir release, transfer, and diversion rates.
• Works with the DCR to monitor watershed protection progress and develops recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborates with DCR in joint preparation annual DEP Filtration Avoidance Inspections, review of watershed Annual Work Plan and MWRA-DCR Memorandum of Understanding updates,
• Represents MWRA interests on the DCR watershed Land Acquisition Panel (LAP).
• Supports MWRA Real Property & Outreach Department concerning land acquisition including materials for MWRA Board meetings.
• Coordinates and facilitates DCR/MWRA Reservoir Operations Group meetings.
• Manages the planning, direction, and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated invasive species prevention and management program.
• Manages the inspection of regulated Dams and appurtenant structures.
• Coordinates with in-house Maintenance staff and MWRA Engineering and Construction Department to ensure all deficiencies on Dams are corrected and documented.
• Oversees MWRA component of joint Hazardous Chemical Spill/Release Containment and Response preparedness and participates in Railroad Response team.
• Coordinates projects with communities, government agencies and other MWRA departments. Provides technical information and assistance to outside organizations as needed. May address professional and community groups and initiate outreach projects.
• Represents the MWRA on the State Drought Management Task Force.
• Coordinates with MWRA maintenance staff, Finance Department, DCR and Wastewater Operations on the operation and maintenance and invoicing for the Rutland Holden Sewer (RHS).
• Responsible for the Reservoir Operations Program Budget.
• Operates and supervises aerial drone survey operations for the Western Operations and Maintenance Department.
• Assists the recruiting, professional development, training, and performance evaluation of staff for assigned unit
• Coordinates with local and state authorities as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, planning, or related field. Master's degree in related field preferred; and
• At least eight (8) years' experience in water supply planning, policy analysis or development, watershed protection planning, or resource conservation,
• Of which at least four (4) years should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Driver's License or driver's license from another state.
• Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
• D1 Massachusetts Drinking Water Systems Distribution License within 1 year working towards a D4 license.
• FAA Part 107 sUAS (Drone) Operator pilot license within one year.
• May be eligible to telework up to 50% after initial waiting period.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering, dams, reservoir operations or invasive species control preferred.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations and laws relating to dams.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office. Experience with database computer programs, and hydraulic modeling software, data visualization tools and cloud-based data storage.
• Demonstrated abilities to work as part of a project team and to develop and maintain productive working relationships with external parties.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, email, videoconferencing, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment.
The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Director, Western Operations.
Exercises general supervision of Reservoir Operations Staff.

Other Position Information
PCR: 3391101
Division: Operations
Department: Reservoir Operations, Western Operations
Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 30

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.