Assistant Director of Public Utilities (Water Division

Assistant Director Of Public Utilities – Water

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The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities is currently recruiting for an Assistant Director of Public Utilities – Water. This is an unclassified position in which the incumbent serves at the will of the Department Director.

This Assistant Director of Public Utilities – Water provides leadership and management for the City's Water Utility. This position works closely with the Director of Public Utilities, Water Managers, Utilities Planning and Engineering, and Utilities Billing and Collection to advance the mission of delivering reliable drinking water to the City's 144,000 water customers. The incumbent oversees approximately 200 full-time employees across a wide range of functions, including treatment plant operations, pipeline maintenance, mechanical and electrical services, water conservation programs, and field operations.

The role is responsible for developing the Water Utility's annual budget and routine financial reports, as well as contributing to the cost-of-service studies, rate revenue requirements, c5 and rate setting analysis to support Water Utility's rate report development and the Proposition 218 process. Additional responsibilities include review and development of new and updated department policies, coordination with regulatory agencies, and leading Water Utility's emergency preparedness activities and continuity of operations planning.

The Department seeks an individual with exceptional managerial and leadership skills to serve as the Assistant Director of Public Utilities – Water. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong communications skills with staff at all organizational levels, be customer service oriented, and be able to remain focused, proactive, and steady in a fast-paced, politically dynamic environment. A levelheaded individual with strong crisis management skills and a collaborative approach to management is desired.

An appreciation of diversity and the strength that diversity brings to the workplace is essential. The selected Assistant Director should also be sensitive to labor-related matters and have demonstrated experience working effectively with labor organizations.

The Assistant Director exercises considerable judgment and discretion in directing and administering the Department and its operations. In addition, the Assistant Director acts as technical advisor to the Director of Public Utilities and City Manager, and attends meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees relevant to public utilities and related services. The Assistant Director participates in the preparation and administration of the Department's annual operating and capital budgets and is expected to coordinate activities with other City of Fresno departments, the operating utilities, and outside agencies.

The Department of Public Utilities City of Fresno Public Utilities provides reliable, efficient, low-cost water, wastewater, and solid waste services to City of Fresno Public Utilities customers. Public Utilities strives to provide the highest level of service through innovative technologies, extensive planning efforts, ongoing process improvement, employee development, and collaborative teamwork. To accomplish these goals, the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget includes funding for 633 full-time equivalent positions and appropriates $490 million for all department activities.

The proposed Water Utility budget appropriates approximately $209 million for operating expenses, capital improvements, debt service, and development-related expenses.

Public Utilities is organized into four divisions:

• Administration
  - Coordinates all Public Utilities' services, providing oversight and support for each operating division. This includes Utilities Planning and Engineering which is responsible for master planning, capital program budget development and management, and development…