Assistant Director of Public Utilities (Water Division)

City of Fresno•Fresno, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities is seeking an Assistant Director of Public Utilities – Water. This unclassified position serves at the will of the Department Director and provides leadership and management for the City’s Water Utility. The role works closely with the Director of Public Utilities, Water Managers, Utilities Planning and Engineering, and Utilities Billing and Collection to deliver reliable drinking water to the City’s 144,000 water customers. The incumbent oversees approximately 200 full-time employees across various functions including treatment plant operations, pipeline maintenance, mechanical and electrical services, water conservation programs, and field operations. Responsibilities include developing the Water Utility’s annual budget and financial reports, contributing to cost-of-service studies, rate revenue requirements, and rate setting analysis for the Water Utility’s rate report and Proposition 218 process. The role also involves reviewing and developing department policies, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and leading Water Utility’s emergency preparedness and continuity of operations planning. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional managerial and leadership skills, strong communication abilities, customer service orientation, and the capacity to remain focused and proactive in a fast-paced, politically dynamic environment. A levelheaded individual with strong crisis management skills, a collaborative approach, and an appreciation for diversity is desired. Sensitivity to labor-related matters and demonstrated experience working effectively with labor organizations are also important. The Assistant Director exercises considerable judgment and discretion, acts as a technical advisor to the Director of Public Utilities and City Manager, and attends relevant City Council, board, commission, and committee meetings. The position participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets and coordinates activities with other City departments, operating utilities, and outside agencies.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in civil, environmental, mechanical, or water resources engineering, public administration, sciences, or a closely related field.
Eight (8) years' experience of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large public utility providing water, sewer, solid waste, or utility planning services.
Possession, at time of appointment and continued maintenance, of a valid California Driver License.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a CA Drinking Water Treatment or Distribution Operator certification.
Possession of a Utility Management Certification (UMC).
Registration in California as a Professional Engineer.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and management for the City’s Water Utility.
Oversees approximately 200 full-time employees across functions including treatment plant operations, pipeline maintenance, mechanical and electrical services, water conservation programs, and field operations.
Develops the Water Utility’s annual budget and routine financial reports.
Contributes to cost-of-service studies, rate revenue requirements, and rate setting analysis to support Water Utility’s rate report development and the Proposition 218 process.
Reviews and develops new and updated department policies.
Coordinates with regulatory agencies.
Leads Water Utility’s emergency preparedness activities and continuity of operations planning.
Acts as technical advisor to the Director of Public Utilities and City Manager.
Attends meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees relevant to public utilities and related services.
Participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Coordinates activities with other City of Fresno departments, the operating utilities, and outside agencies.

Benefits

Retirement: Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems.
Health Insurance: PPO plan through the City of Fresno Health and Welfare Trust. The City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, prescription, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.
Flexible Spending Account Program: IRS Section 125 Plan that includes spending accounts for health care and dependent care.
Auto Allowance: Dependent upon provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2-2.
Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available which allows tax contribution up to IRS determined limits.
Management Leave: 80 hours (pro-rated) per fiscal year with an annual cash out provision.
Supplemental Management Leave: Up to 32 hours at the discretion of the City Manager. This leave may be placed in a retiree Heath Reimbursement Arrangement account.
Annual Leave: Accrue 15.50 hours per month, with cash out provisions.
Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.
Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.
Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): Optional, voluntary program that allows for retirement benefits deposited in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno. To participate, must be at least age 50 with 5 years of service.