Robert Simpkins
Innovative Water And Wastewater Engineering Professional
Brunswick,MD
Summary
Dynamic servant leader with extensive experience in water and wastewater services, community engagement, and strategic leadership. Recognized for exceptional communication and presentation skills, adept at delivering clear, accessible messaging to diverse audiences and senior leadership. Proven ability to resolve complex, time-sensitive challenges to ensure operational excellence, safety, and business continuity. Highly skilled in mentoring and leading high-performing teams while maintaining adherence to local, state, and federal regulatory standards. Expert in emergency incident management and disaster recovery planning, with a strong commitment to continuous process improvement and fostering positive employee and community relationships. Demonstrated success in building partnerships with diverse stakeholders and spearheading impactful initiatives that bolster community trust, public health, and safety. Seeking to leverage these strengths as Senior Program Manager of Community Affairs at DC Water, serving as a vital liaison to impacted communities, championing strategic partnerships, and leading responsive outreach efforts that align with DC Water’s mission and vision.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Senior Manager, Pumping Operations
DC Water
Washington, District of Columbia
04.2025 - Current
- Conducted regular performance appraisals for direct reports, providing constructive feedback on work performance.
- Directed cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges.
- Mentored junior staff on business processes, customer service standards, and quality assurance protocols.
- Developed and implemented strategies that improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and increased productivity.
- Participated in recruitment initiatives, interviewing candidates and selecting suitable hires.
- Managed a team of 10+ employees by providing guidance, setting objectives, and monitoring performance.
- Ensured compliance with laws, regulations, and policies across all business units.
- Established long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies.
Water Distribution and Sewer Systems Supervisor
DC Water
Washington, DC
06.2017 - 03.2025
- Operational Excellence & Accountability: Directs and supervises the daily operations of complex water utility system in the District of Columbia encompassing (5) water distribution pump stations, (9) water distribution pressure zones, (10) water storage reservoirs, (9) sanitary and combined sewer pump stations, (16) storm water pump stations, (9) combined sewer overflow facilities; to ensure critical services availability under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Energy and Environment, and NPDES permit regulations. Establishes high standards and cultivates a culture of accountability through operator-driven reliability processes, comprehensive training, and frequent inspections. Ensures adherence to asset management programs to maintain the quality and efficiency of pumping operations at DC Water.
- Community Engagement & Relationship Building: Dedicated to building and nurturing strong, trust-based relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. Skilled in expanding DC Water’s community partnerships and collaborating effectively with regional, federal, and District agencies, as well as community organizations. Committed to fostering open communication, addressing community concerns, and promoting public awareness through targeted educational outreach and engagement initiatives. Proven ability to cultivate partnerships that drive collective action, strengthen community trust, and enhance public understanding of water services. Focused on creating sustainable relationships that support DC Water’s mission and contribute to the well-being of the communities served.
- Community Mentorship & Professional Development: Demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities by coaching and mentoring (5) direct report apprentices through the DC Water TAPS (Training Apprentices-for-Talent-Pipeline Sustainability) program. Supports career development and promotes community engagement by fostering a professional learning environment that aligns with DC Water’s mission and vision.
- Strategic Problem-Solving: Approaches challenges with a strategic mindset, analyzing situations comprehensively, and involving team members to facilitate discussions that lead to effective solutions. Prioritizes decisions that positively impact public health and safety, and increase community trust in DC Water’s services.
- Crisis Management & Community Impact: Maintains focus and utilizes available resources to support impacted communities during significant service disruptions. Played a pivotal role in coordinating DC Water pumping operations during the September 26th regional source water oil incident to ensure the continuity of essential water storage, fire protection, and delivery services.
- Regulatory Compliance & Procedural Expertise: Ensures operations comply with DC Water standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements set by local, state, and federal guidelines for critical water delivery services.
- Emergency Preparedness & Coordination: Led operational resilience efforts during the July 3-4 Boil Water Advisory (BWA), coordinating the source water supply with Washington Aqueduct Division, water storage for fire protection, and distribution systems to maintain service and minimize community impact. Conducts risk assessments with internal and external stakeholders, local and federal partners, to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, and develop effective business continuity plans in the event of disaster or emergency incident.
- Public Representation & Professional Communication: Attends public meetings as requested, delivering well-prepared and professional responses to complex community concerns and issues. Enhances public trust through transparent communication, and proactive engagement.
- Collaboration & Cross Functional Management: Skilled at coordinating across departments within DC Water to ensure smooth operations and consistent messaging. Promotes an environment of safety in the workplace and community for all staff members. Quick to respond, investigate, and escalate matters to appropriate stakeholders for resolution. Works closely with the engineering and finance departments on design recommendations, equipment modifications, construction plans, shut down requests, and start-up of new facilities.
Resource Recovery Technician II
DC Water
Washington, DC
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Technical Support & Reporting: Analyzed data related to wastewater environmental management, preparing comprehensive reports for senior leadership. Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, enhancing transparency and community confidence in operational standards and end product resources.
- Safety and Compliance: Conducted safety audit inspections and vulnerability assessments to identify potential hazards, reinforcing DC Water's commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
- Cross Functional Coordination: Collaborated regularly with various stakeholders internal and external to DC Water to maintain business continuity and effective responsiveness to public inquiries surrounding end product resource management.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator
Avon Park Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant
Avon Park, FL
02.2011 - 01.2016
- Training & Development: Trained and mentored staff in safe operational procedures and process improvements, reinforcing a culture of safety and excellence that benefited both team performance and delivery of critical community services.
- Procedural Expertise: Assisted in developing and updating operational standards to enhance safety, efficiency, and ensure compliance with advanced wastewater regulatory guidelines.
- Regulatory Compliance: Conducted regular audit inspections for operations quality assurance program to identify potential vulnerabilities and effectively mitigate, while overseeing staff schedules, and assign tasks according to priority and work load requirements. Collaborated closely with engineering to ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations, contributing to environmental sustainability and public trust.
Education
Asset Management Certified Reliability Leader - Reliability Centered Maintenance
Association of Asset Management Professionals
Fort Lauderdale, FL12-2019
Advanced Wastewater Treatment And Enhanced Nutrient Removal - Environmental Science And Engineering
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, MD11-2019
Advanced Water Distribution And Hydraulics - Environmental Science And Engineering
American Water Works Association
Chesapeake City, MD06-2019
Advanced Operations of Water And Wastewater Treatment Plants - Environmental Science And Engineering
California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Water Quality Management
Red Rocks Community College
Denver, COSkills
- Emergency response management
- Public speaking and presentations
- Customer service and relations
- Technical comprehension and data analysis
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Active listening and empathy
- Written and verbal communication
- Community engagement and relationship building
- Risk assessment and management
- Regulatory compliance and development
- Event coordination and outreach planning
- Conflict resolution and adaptability
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic problem solving
- Performance appraisal
- Stakeholder management
- Team building
- Cross-functional coordination
- Crisis management
- Effective communication
- Partnership development
- Strategic planning
- Organizational improvement
- Budget oversight
- Talent development
- Business performance management
Accomplishments
- DC Water 2019 Supervisor of the Year award recipient for outstanding performance and team contribution.
- DC Water 2021 Employee of the Year award recipient for outstanding performance and team contribution.
- National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) 2024 Strategic Leadership Region 3 EPA Graduate
Affiliations
- Has partnered with DC Water and the District of Columbia to develop and manage high wage opportunities for local community residents to gain professional knowledge and expertise through apprenticeship, mentoring, technical instruction, and on-the-job-training in the water and wastewater industry.
- Guest Speaker for DC Water Lead & Learn Series with over 100+ virtual and in person attendees on the topic of Department of Pumping and Sewer Operations strategy and performance in alignment with Organizational Blue Print 2.0, hosted by DC Water's Strategy & Performance Department Vice President.
- Implementing the strategic direction of the Operations and Engineering cluster for DC Water's award winning 5-year apprenticeship program-Training Apprentices (for talent) Pipeline Sustainability (TAPS).
- Trained, mentored, and supervise (4) local community residents to achieve professional licensure (nationally recognized) as a WPI Level (1) Professional Wastewater Collections Operator for DC Water.
- Represented DC Water as a community ambassador at Kimball Elementary STEM Career Day, in Ward 7 of the District of Columbia, fostering positive relationships between DC Water and local educational institutions to enhance public trust and outreach awareness. Shared knowledge about the importance of environmental water conservation and STEM education to inspire and educate young minds about future career paths in public service and environmental stewardship.
- Represented DC Water on Apprentice Awareness Day as a Community Ambassador hosting a group of twenty plus local District of Columbia students and parents from IDEA Public Carter School, in Ward 7 0f the District of Columbia, fostering positive relationships between DC Water and local educational institutions to enhance public trust and outreach awareness. Shared knowledge about the importance of STEM education to inspire and educate young minds about future career paths in public service and environmental stewardship. Performed educational and community outreach on the critical role DC Water plays daily in fulfilling public health and safety for all residents in Washington DC.
- DC Water ambassador representative for local community Homeschooled Summer Field Trip to DC Water. Hosted tour group of twenty plus young students (ages 3-17) with parents, fostering positive relationships between community and DC Water, highlighting pivotal role of DC Water and it's service to the local community.
Certification
- Virginia DPOR Class II Wastewater Operator
- Virginia DPOR Class III Water Treatment Operator
- Asset Management Professional Certified Reliability Leader
- WPI Wastewater Collection Class II Professional Operator
- WPI Water Distribution Class II Professional Operator
- NASSCO Certified Pipeline, Lateral, and Manhole Assessment Professional Licensure
References
- Amber Jackson, VP, Employment and Labor Relations, DC Water; Professional Colleague; amber.jackson@dcwater.com; (202)-316-4198
- Antron Sutton, Bureau Chief, Arlington Water Pollution Control Bureau; Professional Colleague and Mentor; acsutton@arlingtonva.us; (202)-817-5715
- Toymeika Dingle, Sr. Manager Business Analysis, DC Water; Professional Colleague; toymeika.dingle@dcwater.com; (202)-368-3165
- Barbara Mitchell, Director, Government & Legal Affairs, DC Water; Professional Colleague; barbara.mitchell@dcwater.com; (202)-320-5299
Timeline
Acting Senior Manager, Pumping Operations
DC Water
04.2025 - Current
Water Distribution and Sewer Systems Supervisor
DC Water
06.2017 - 03.2025
Resource Recovery Technician II
DC Water
06.2016 - 06.2017
Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator
Avon Park Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant
02.2011 - 01.2016
Asset Management Certified Reliability Leader - Reliability Centered Maintenance
Association of Asset Management Professionals
Advanced Wastewater Treatment And Enhanced Nutrient Removal - Environmental Science And Engineering
College of Southern Maryland
Advanced Water Distribution And Hydraulics - Environmental Science And Engineering
American Water Works Association
Advanced Operations of Water And Wastewater Treatment Plants - Environmental Science And Engineering
California State University Sacramento
Associate of Applied Science - Water Quality Management
Red Rocks Community College