ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES

City of Amarillo • Amarillo, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and performance of the City of Amarillo’s water and wastewater operations, including water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collection systems, pump stations, and well fields. The Assistant Director oversees four operational divisions through direct supervision of superintendents and ensures the reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of critical utility infrastructure. This role operates within a complex and high-demand environment, balancing daily operational performance with long-term system sustainability. The Assistant Director provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple facilities, including aging infrastructure requiring ongoing rehabilitation and investment. In addition to operational oversight, this position plays a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of capital improvement programs across all utility divisions. The Assistant Director works closely with internal teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure that infrastructure improvements align with operational needs, regulatory requirements, and long-term system goals. This position serves as a key member of the Utilities leadership team, working in close coordination with the Director of Utilities – Regulatory Compliance and Director of Utilities – Operations. Safety is primary value at the City of Amarillo: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, licensing, and progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater utility operations, maintenance, engineering, or infrastructure management.
• Candidates utilizing equivalent experience in lieu of a degree must demonstrate substantial operational leadership experience and must be actively working toward completion of an approved degree program within a reasonable timeframe as determined by the City.
• Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater utility operations, maintenance, engineering, infrastructure management, or related utility leadership functions, including supervisory or management experience in a complex operational environment.
• Requires a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, and/or Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) water or wastewater operator licensing is preferred.
• Experience with capital improvement planning, infrastructure rehabilitation, asset management, regulatory compliance, and large-scale utility operations is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight of all water and wastewater operations, including treatment plants, distribution systems, collection systems, pump stations, and well fields
• Ensures reliability and performance of infrastructure through proactive maintenance strategies and operational planning
• Oversees and supports superintendents in managing day-to-day operations across all utility divisions
• Drives continuous improvement in operational efficiency, asset utilization, and system performance
• Promotes consistency in operational standards, procedures, and performance expectations across divisions
• Coordinates with engineering teams, consultants, and contractors on capital improvement projects across all utility divisions
• Provides critical operational input into design, constructability, phasing, and implementation of capital projects
• Supports the development and execution of division-specific Capital Improvement Programs (CIP)
• Identifies infrastructure risks and prioritizes rehabilitation, replacement, and expansion needs
• Ensures that new and rehabilitated infrastructure aligns with long-term operational and maintenance requirements
• Directly supervises four superintendents responsible for wastewater treatment, water treatment/production, distribution, and collection systems
• Develops a high-performing leadership team capable of managing complex and evolving operational challenges
• Ensures staff readiness for both current operations and future system expansion
• Promotes a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Supports training, development, and succession planning across all operational divisions
• Assists in development and management of operating and capital budgets across multiple divisions
• Supports procurement, contract management, and resource allocation decisions
• Addresses public concerns, operational issues, and interdepartmental coordination
• Serves as Acting Director of Utilities – Operations during the Director’s absence
• Collaborates with executive leadership to align operational strategies with City priorities
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Benefits

• We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our community, and we believe that starts with our team.
• As a city, we are dedicated to supporting our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development.
• Our mission is to create a safe, prosperous, and thriving community, and we know that starts with attracting and retaining the best talent.
• We are proud of our city and the work we do, and we are excited to welcome you to explore career opportunities with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager