Assistant Public Utilities Director

First review of applications begins on August 24, 2026

REPORTS TO:

Public Utilities Director

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt - Executive

CLASSIFICATION:
Regular Non-Merit;
Serves at the discretion of the Public Utilities Director

PAY GRADE: 129

SAFETY SENSITIVE:
No

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to perform administrative, managerial, and technical functions associated with assisting in directing the overall operations of the Public Utilities Department. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in planning, coordinating and directing all aspects of department operations; developing departmental budget and controlling expenditures; instructing and disciplining assigned staff; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; subject to call back as needed.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering, public administration, business administration, management or related discipline with ten years of experience involving water/wastewater planning, design, finance and customer service or operations and maintenance of a similar sized system, to include five years of experience in a leadership role required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Four years of supervisory experience required.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Master's Degree preferred.

Engineering, operations, planning, financial or accounting certification or registration are preferred.

Engineer in Training preferred.

Certification as a Professional Engineer preferred.

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Supervises and evaluates assigned staff and indirect supervision of overall department personnel, handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals.

Assists the Director in managing daily operations of the department.

Assists Director in preparing long- and short-range plans for the department.

Plans work and sets priorities for multiple divisions of the Public Utilities Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, water distribution and wastewater collection, meter management and customer service and billing.

Develops short- and long-term capital budget programs to provide necessary water and wastewater infrastructure to serve the Athens-Clarke County area.

Plans and manages capital improvement and new construction projects.

Manages the annual evaluation rates for water billing, maintains records, collects and manipulates data, and assists consultants. Collects data and prepares reports required for capital financing.

Coordinates flow monitoring program.

Serves on various committees, task forces, etc. as appropriate.

Receives and/or prepares letters, reports, correspondence, forms and other documentation; reviews, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains files and logs.

Performs public relations functions as necessary.

Determines practices and procedures for water billing and bill collection, manages fiscal risk of the billing office, directs and oversees the performance of multiple hardware and software vendors associated with billing, manages the performance of the automated metering infrastructure, and resolves customer water and sewer billing issues,

Provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.

Performs functions of Public Utilities Director in Director's absence.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the operations and functions of the Public Utilities Department.

Knowledge of management, human resource management/personnel and financial practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.

Knowledge of and proficiency with computers and various software packages.

Knowledge of local, state and federal codes, acts and policies concerning water and wastewater conveyance and treatment, water and wastewater operations and maintenance, water and wastewater design and construction. pollution control, water and water…