Director of Utilities

City of Groveland•Groveland, FL

About The Position

The Director of Utilities is a senior management position administering the Utilities Enterprise programs. The role plans, organizes, and directs the operation, maintenance, administration, and business functions of the City’s water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and related utility systems. The Director provides leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility services; regulatory compliance; responsible budget and rate management; capital improvement planning and delivery; and customer service excellence. The position is responsible for all aspects of operations and maintenance, utilities planning and engineering, fiscal strategies including grants and loans, and administration of the Utilities Enterprise. The Director oversees utility operations, regulatory compliance, budgets and financial planning, utility rates, capital improvement projects, infrastructure planning, performance and capacity analysis, administrative functions, billing coordination, procurement, contracts, and vendor management. The position reviews technical and funding documents, supports grant writing and funding acquisition, and supervises staff and consultants. It coordinates with City departments, external partners, regulatory agencies, and the public, and prepares reports and presentations for City leadership, boards, and councils. The Director responds to operational emergencies and after-hours calls as needed and may assume the Utilities Director’s duties when authorized.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or private utilities, utility operations, public works, finance, or public administration.
At least three years of experience in a supervisory or management role.
Demonstrated experience supporting operating and capital budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, and contract administration in a public-sector or utility environment.
Valid Florida driver’s license.
Thorough knowledge of water and wastewater utility operations and management.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements for water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and related utility systems.
Knowledge of municipal budgeting, public finance principles, utility rate structures, and financial reporting and forecasting.
Working knowledge of procurement processes, contract administration, and vendor performance management.
Familiarity with utility billing processes and systems and ability to coordinate resolution of customer billing and service issues.
Ability to manage large infrastructure projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to analyze complex technical, operational, and financial data and develop effective solutions and recommendations.
Strong leadership, communication, customer-service, and organizational skills, including ability to collaborate in a small, cross-functional team environment.
Proficiency with budget preparation, capital planning, grant support, and contract administration.
Skill in supervising, mentoring, and motivating staff.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Florida.
Florida water and/or wastewater operator certifications.
Utility Management Certification or similar credentials.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience working in a growing municipal utility system.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial and/or utility billing platforms.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water systems, and utility maintenance, whether services are outsourced or provided in-house.
Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and reporting requirements, including coordination of audits and submission of required documentation.
Support the development, administration, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets; track expenditures, revenues, and funding sources; and prepare financial reports, forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
Assist with utility rate studies and rate structure analysis, and monitor revenue data to support capital needs and operational priorities.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee capital improvement projects from planning and design through construction, inspection, and close-out.
Support utility master planning, infrastructure investment strategies, and long-range planning for system capacity, infrastructure replacement, and growth demands.
Maintain and analyze operational and capacity data to identify cost-saving opportunities, performance improvements, and strategic capital and operational needs.
Administer utility functions in coordination with Finance and Procurement, including purchasing coordination, accounts payable support, and adherence to policies and procedures.
Coordinate with Finance and Utility Billing/Customer Service staff to support timely and accurate billing, address customer inquiries, and resolve escalated billing or service issues.
Manage or support procurement, contract administration, and vendor management for utility projects and services; monitor contract performance and coordinate task orders and related financial processes.
Review engineering reports, technical studies, contracts, and grant documents; assist with grant writing and funding acquisition.
Supervise managerial, technical, and administrative personnel, including staff and consultants; evaluate performance and support staff development.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, and fiscal and administrative teams to deliver services with limited resources.
Coordinate with City departments, consultants, developers, regulatory agencies, and the public; prepare reports and presentations for City leadership, boards, and councils; and support public education about utility programs, conservation, and service changes.
Respond to operational emergencies and after-hours calls as needed and, when authorized, assume the Utilities Director’s duties in their absence.