Utilities Director

Utilities Director

Under general direction, manages and coordinates activities of the City's three utility divisions (Water Distribution, Sewer Collection, and Wastewater Treatment) including the installation, maintenance, repair, expansion, and/or relocation of water distribution, sewage collection, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. Manages and coordinates activities of the wastewater treatment plant to treat, process, and dispose of wastewater, bio solids, and related waste material. Provides oversight and guidance to utility team leaders to effectively organize, plan and direct daily and long term work crew activities in each division.

With the assistance of the utility team leaders, prepares budget and master plans for future needs of the community. Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations, and with all City safety standards. Responds to citizen inquiries related to any of the three utility divisions in an appropriate, professional and timely manner. Requires a strong understanding of hydraulic principles, budget management, and personnel management.

The Utilities Director is expected to work collaboratively with all divisions within the City organization and Public Works Department, ensuring the effective and efficient use of vehicles, equipment, facilities, and personnel. This position also requires flexibility and a team-oriented approach—Directors are expected to be available and willing to assist with projects, tasks, or events outside their primary areas of responsibility as needed to support overall departmental goals.

Essential functions include managing utility operations and overseeing the installation and repair of water and sewer infrastructure, wastewater treatment plant operations and overseeing the industrial pretreatment program, the treatment, processing, and disposal of wastewater, biosolids, and related waste material. Ensure City of Montrose compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and requirements for the proper operation of systems related to water distribution, sewer collection and wastewater treatment.

Identify and address problems associated with maintaining existing and installing new utility infrastructure by consulting plan specifications and conferring with various consultants, engineers and vendors. Develop and implement Citywide, Public Works, and division policies, procedures, goals, objectives, SOPs, field guides, service levels, and annual work plans for the three utility divisions (Water Distribution, Sewer Collection, and Waste Water Treatment). Analyze trends of the area being served, such as population and industrial growth, usage demands or other impacts to the system to determine adequacy of current facilities and to forecast future facility needs.

Evaluates materials, tools, equipment, technology, work methods, and operational processes. Recommends and implements improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, service delivery, standardization, and long-term cost effectiveness. Responds to and engages with residents, contractors, developers, and internal customers regarding service requests, Utilities concerns, permits, inquiries, and complaints in a professional and positive manner. Coordinates public notifications and supports community engagement related to maintenance activities, construction impacts, and division programs.

Ensure that records, reports, etc. for regulatory agencies regarding plans and operations are properly prepared, submitted, and maintained in accordance with standards to ensure City compliance at all times. Provides leadership in project management, budget administration, personnel supervision, team development, morale, safety, accountability, and succession planning. Supports Team Leaders and staff by setting clear expectations, developing achievable goals, providing feedback, and building a positive and capable division culture.

Manages the division's annual budget, including developing, monitoring, projecting the annual budget as well as forecasting future operational and capital needs.

Department Head Additional Essential Functions include Business Acumen, Change…