Utilities Director

City of Grand Junction•Grand Junction, CO

5d•$190,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Grand Junction is seeking an experienced utility executive to serve as its next Utilities Director. This role requires strong leadership in complex water and wastewater operations, expertise in long-term financial and capital planning, and the ability to build productive relationships across the organization and region. The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical knowledge of water and wastewater systems, executive judgment, financial acumen, and organizational leadership skills. The Utilities Department is responsible for ensuring reliable water and wastewater services, managing water supply, treatment, distribution, collection, and treatment, and maintaining critical infrastructure.

Requirements

Seven years of increasingly responsible utility program management experience, including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental engineering, civil engineering, public or business administration, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education meeting the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business, public administration, civil engineering, or a related field.
Municipal or public-sector water and wastewater utility leadership experience.
Enterprise fund financial planning, forecasting, and rate-setting experience.
Experience leading major capital improvement programs and asset-management initiatives.
Water supply, watershed, storage, or drought-planning experience.
Regulatory compliance expertise.
Experience with intergovernmental agreements and regional utility partnerships.
Experience working with elected officials and governing boards.
Demonstrated success developing staff and future leaders and communicating complex utility issues to the public.

Responsibilities

Lead complex water and wastewater operations.
Strengthen long-term financial and capital planning.
Build productive relationships across the organization and region.
Manage water supply, treatment, distribution, irrigation, and utility billing.
Oversee wastewater collection, treatment, industrial pretreatment, and environmental laboratory functions.
Maintain critical infrastructure, including reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, meters, and fire hydrants.

Benefits

32 days of paid annual leave for personal and/or sick days
11 paid holidays
Health insurance options
Choice of FPPA Defined Benefit Pension (for sworn fire) or Empower 401a with a 9% City match
City employee health clinic
City employee child care center
Wellness programs
Employee Assistance Program
Take-home City vehicle for eligible positions
Opportunity to serve the community