Director of Utilities (88206)

Town of Erie•Erie, CO

1d•$162,229 - $227,120•Hybrid

About The Position

The Town of Erie is seeking a Director of Utilities who is ready to step into a pivotal leadership role that shapes the future of the Town of Erie’s growing community. Under the direction of the Deputy Town Manager, the Director of Utilities serves as a department head within one of the Town’s thirteen core departments. This role provides oversight to all activities across assigned utility divisions, including utilities administration, water and wastewater facilities, operations and maintenance, water resource management, fleet, distribution and collections, and utility maintenance operations. As a key leader in the Town, the Director of Utilities inspires with vision and drive, strategic planning for the future, modeling a collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented approach. The successful candidate works collaboratively across Utilities, Public Works, Planning and Development, Finance and the organization to advance shared priorities. This position leads by example by fostering a balanced, high-performing work culture, representing broad organizational interests, and building strong relationships across departments to support the Town’s continued growth. All staff are expected to adhere to the Town’s mission, vision and values of TRUE.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, water resources, watershed science, hydrology, civil engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university
Six years’ progressively responsible experience in management level public works, civil engineering, and utilities operation
Including three years of supervisory/management experience.
A combination of education and experience can be considered.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely to various Town facilities and at times other locations to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to respond to emergency situations during and outside of normal work hours.
Requires attendance at evening Town Council and committee meetings when topics relevant to Utilities are discussed or covered.
This position is eligible to work remotely two days a week and required to work in-office three days a week.
Must be able to adjust based on Town's need.
Pre-employment screenings include: Interview Process, Reference checks, Background checks include: National and County Criminal Scan, Sex-Offender Registry check and Motor Vehicle Report through DMV

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Utilities Management, Business or a related field
Experience in government/municipal sector
Experience working with developers, home builders, commercial developers, understands infrastructure around projects and water allocation
Experience in water resources in Colorado
Strong written and verbal communications skills with the ability to translate complex utilities concepts into understandable, actionable points for community groups, public officials and the public.
Demonstrated experience coaching, training, and mentoring direct reports as well as developing the capabilities of indirect team members through effective guidance and leadership influence.
Proven ability to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively across departments, fostering open communication, shared problem solving, and alignment toward organizational goals
Experience developing, managing, and monitoring a departmental budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, and ensuring resources are allocated effectively and responsibly.
Any combination of Colorado Department of Public Health Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Operator A, Distribution and/or Collection System Operator 4 Certifications preferred.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Colorado preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages and oversees the operations of the Town’s utilities administration, water and wastewater operations and O & M (Fleet, Meters, Stormwater, Distribution & Collections, and Utilities Vulnerability).
Oversees Town water portfolio and provides regular communication to Town Council regarding long-term water needs, planning, and strategic direction.
Meets with consultants to plan and approve construction projects; reviews submitted plans to ensure appropriate charges; inspects, approves and accepts projects upon completion.
Establishes and/or approves specifications for construction and repair of facilities, prepares cost estimates, specifications and plans for purchase of materials.
Coordinates planning and construction of utility facilities with Town consultants, Town personnel, developers and contractors.
Works closely with consulting engineers on designs and specifications and administers requests for bids and assignment of contracts for utility projects; controls project program planning, contracting and construction supervision.
Ensures facilities and equipment are maintained properly, coordinates and administers an effective preventative maintenance and repair program.
Collaborates with the Town Engineer in planning, developing and implementing assigned division activities.
Plans, assigns and directs work; addresses complaints; manages conflict and resolves problems.
Manages and directs the efforts of the Town’s water portfolio relative to water supply acquisition, development, operations and water rights.
Consults with Town’s water attorney and outside agencies.
Manages and complies with local, state and federal regulations as they relate to the Town’s water and wastewater facilities.
Plans and establishes priorities and operating procedures for capital improvements including coordination of raw water requirements, rights and shares with various surveyors.
Plans long term utility related projects, plant expansion, and other capital projects.
Partners with Human Resources for recruitment, interviewing and hiring of employees.
Hires, trains, coaches and evaluates the work of direct staff Water Manager, Wastewater Manager, O & M Manager, Utilities Project Manager, Water Resources Manager, Utilities Management Analyst and other staff as the Town grows.
Reviews, Develops and implements policies and procedures for assigned divisions.
Reviews standards and provides technical direction, oversight and leadership to assigned staff to maintain an efficient and effective operation of all Town utilities and infrastructure.
Maintain harmony among workers and resolve grievances; perform or assist subordinates in performing duties; adjust errors and complaints.
Cultivates and maintains a positive, supportive work environment that encourages teamwork, professionalism and supports team engagement and high performance.
Prepares budget requests to include expenditures for equipment and supply purchases, capital outlay items and personnel costs; exercises fiscal control over the application of allocated resources; prepares requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and materials and bid specifications for high-cost equipment.
Department lead for enterprise funds that must pay for capital and employment needs
Leads water rate settings, clearly communicates rate impacts, and works closely with the Finance Department to conduct periodic rate and fee studies.
Attends Town-related meetings as required to present budget, programs, services and activity reports, studies, analyses and plans for present and future activities.
Prepares a variety of periodic reports for relevant state agencies to reflect departmental activities in support of receipt of state funds.
Responds to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, members of the business community and the general public.
Ensures long-term strategic and regulatory plans are kept up to date, provides high-level oversight for long term utility related projects, plant expansion, line replacement and other capital projects.
Prepares and reviews cost estimates for public projects.
Performs related work as required and assigned.

Benefits

Robust Medical, Dental and Vision plans including spouse, domestic partner and family coverage options
Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Plans
Employer paid Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
Employer paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Supplemental Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) reimbursement up to $750 per year for numerous health/wellness purchases
Employer paid Employee Assistance Program
Robust Extended Sick Leave (ESL) and family sick leave program
48 hours of Colorado Sick Leave preloaded on the 1st of every year; pro-rated at time of hire
3 ½ Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year (increases with years of service)
40 hours of pre-loaded Paid Time Off (PTO)
Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays
Twenty-Four (24) Hours of Paid Volunteer Leave
Up to 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave for bonding with a new child
Option to “sell back” PTO after two years of continuous employment
457 Retirement Plan, with a 5% employer match and immediate 100% vesting in your deferral AND employer contributions
Education reimbursement up to $3,000 per year
Individual free membership to the Erie Community Center and steep discounts on couple or family memberships
Employer sponsored wellness program, including employee-based fitness classes
Childcare benefits which includes 10% discount to any KinderCare location in Colorado
Half-off charging at Town-owned EV charging stations
Pet Insurance
Employee Discount Program through Benefits Hub
Eligible for discount Dell Computer program
Onsite/virtual trainings for growth and development opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-qualified employer!