Utilities Director

The Utilities Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight of the City’s utility systems, including wastewater, sewer, water production, laboratory services, warehouse operation, meters and customer services. This position ensures the delivery of safe, reliable, and compliant utility services to the community while directing and coordinating the activities of subordinate supervisors and staff across multiple divisions. This position also oversees capital project delivery, long‑term infrastructure planning, and coordination with development activities to ensure adequate system capacity and sustainable growth.

This is an at‑will position, classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), without the rights of grievance or appeal.

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all operations within wastewater, water production, laboratory, and meters/services divisions.
• Establishes departmental goals, policies, and procedures aligned with City objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and manages the department budget, including capital improvement planning and long‑term infrastructure investments. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures; prepares division annual budget requests; ensures effective use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
• Advises executive leadership and City Commission on utility‑related issues, policy decisions, and strategic initiatives. Makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public. Attends all regular and special meetings of the City Commission, departments, or administration at which attendance may be required.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short‑ and long‑range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations; coordinates division activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Oversees the development or update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and Comprehensive Water Plan.
• Determines applicable codes, regulations, and requirements for assigned projects.
• Coordinates with developers, engineers, and planning staff to ensure utility capacity, infrastructure timing, and cost participation for new development.
• Oversees delivery of capital improvement projects including design coordination, construction administration, and contractor performance.
• Exercises independent judgment in operational decisions while providing policy recommendations to executive leadership and the City Commission.

• Oversees wastewater collection and treatment operations to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
• Directs water production activities, including sourcing, treatment, storage, and distribution systems.
• Supervises laboratory operations to ensure accurate testing, reporting, and regulatory compliance for water quality standards.
• Manages meters and services operations, including installation, maintenance, billing coordination, and customer service functions.
• Studies and standardizes departmental policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Implements asset management strategies, including system inventory, condition assessment, lifecycle planning, and risk‑based capital prioritization.
• Oversees implementation and use of SCADA systems, metering technologies, and data systems to improve operational efficiency and decision‑making.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state (New Mexico Environmental Department), and local regulations.
• Maintain permits, reporting requirements, and inspections for all utility systems.
• Promote and enforce workplace safety standards and risk management practices.

• Provide leadership, training, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Evaluate performance, enforce policies, and support succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable work environment across all…