Public Utilities Director

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a variety of public utilities activities including: water and sewer system construction, maintenance and operation.

An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of municipal operations and services to insure that projects are completed in a safe effective and efficient manner by both municipal work crews and contract labor. The employee provides technical advice and assistance working closely with the City Manager, City Engineer and other members of the Management Team.

Work also includes: contract management, handling citizen issues, and budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the City to a wide variety of citizens. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the City Manager and other City officials. The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments. The employee is also subject to various hazards such as working in close proximity to heavy equipment, loud noises, electrical current, oils, and working in narrow or enclosed spaces.

The employee also may be subject to the final standards of the OSHA blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and is evaluated by review of reports, conference and acceptance of the community.

• Plans, organizes, and directs either staff or contracted operations of wastewater collection and water distribution system and other public infrastructure as required.
• Represents the City to a wide variety of citizens and is expected to reply promptly and in a manner that embodies the City’s Core Values in response to citizen requests.
• Manages and plans the activities of all public utilities department staff; ensures coordination of activities with other departments.
• Reports to and advises City Manager and officials on public utilities projects and activities.
• Researches and recommends operational changes to the City Manager to increase departmental effectiveness and enhance customer service.
• Performs selection, promotion, training, counseling and evaluation of department personnel in consultation with HR Director and/or City Manager; meets with subordinate supervisors to solve complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction.
• Reviews and processes documents such as required state reports, construction plans and specifications, inspection reports, budget reports, invoice and purchase requisitions, various agreements, contracts request for information, personnel forms, daily work reports, laboratory reports, technical studies, etc.
• Participates in the long-range planning for infrastructure and service needs of the City for public utilities; works with the City Manager on regional utilities issues; conducts or supervises various studies and advises City Manager and Board on related issues; writes, reviews, interprets and administers policies for the department.
• Prepares departmental operating budget; monitors and approves expenditures; participates in preparation of capital improvement budget.
• Monitors and adapts to changes in regulations regarding water, wastewater, safety and other related issues.
• Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers and contractors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public utilities, and engineering administration, planning and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of related public utilities City policies, state and federal laws…