Utilities Superintendent

City of Golden•Golden, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Golden is seeking a Utilities Superintendent to lead the crews, programs, and projects that keep its water and wastewater systems operating safely and reliably. This position serves as Operator in Responsible Charge for the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems and plays a central role in regulatory compliance, emergency response, preventive maintenance, and capital infrastructure replacement. This is an opportunity to step into a visible and meaningful leadership role in one of Colorado’s most distinctive communities. The Utilities Superintendent will help shape the future of Golden’s utility operations by developing staff, strengthening safety and accountability, coordinating infrastructure projects, supporting budgets, and ensuring high-quality service to residents and businesses. We are looking for a technically strong, people-oriented leader who values public service, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship of critical infrastructure. This position provides leadership and management of the City of Golden’s Utilities Division, including oversight of water distribution and wastewater collection system operations, regulatory compliance as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), and development and management of capital improvement programs. Ensures reliable service delivery, infrastructure stewardship, workforce performance, and protection of public health and environmental quality.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
A minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in utilities or related experience including 2 years in a lead, administrative, or supervisory capacity; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing public infrastructure construction or capital improvement projects, including contractor coordination, project management, schedule management, and cost control.
Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
State of Colorado Water Distribution System Level IV Certification required.
Wastewater Collection System Level IV Certification required.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical periodicals and procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to prepare, analyze, and manage annual budget.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to provide support for engineering and environmental services.
Working knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook.
Formal training in project management principles, or project management credentials is required.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school preferred.
Bachelor's degree (B.A) from four-year College or university with major course work in a related field preferred.
Knowledge of drinking water and wastewater regulations.
Holds a PWM certification from the American Public Works Association or has the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of Cartegraph software a plus.
Ability to operate equipment and tools, including backhoe, front end loader, jet truck, rodder, tapping machine, compressor, tamper, hand and power tools in order to assist and train crews a plus.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the City of Golden’s public water distribution system and wastewater collection system in accordance with applicable CDPHE regulations, including Regulation 100. Holds operational authority and accountability for regulatory compliance, system integrity, and public health protection.
Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all components of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including water mains, hydrants, valves, meters, pump stations, storage tanks, reservoirs, the raw water supply system (including the Vidler Collection System, reservoirs, and headgates), sewer mains, manholes, and related appurtenances.
Leads and enforces compliance with City safety policies and applicable requirements. Promotes a strong safety culture within the Utilities Division, ensures staff participation in required training, oversees incident reporting and investigation, and implements corrective actions as necessary.
Develops and directs the Utilities Division work plan; assigns and prioritizes work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow and productivity; and evaluates work methods and outcomes to ensure efficiency, regulatory compliance, and service reliability.
Develops, prioritizes, and manages the Utilities Department Capital Replacement Program in alignment with the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Oversees assigned capital projects, including contractor coordination, construction oversight, schedule monitoring, budget tracking within delegated authority, and project documentation in accordance with City policies.
Manages preventive maintenance programs and monitors progress against annual goals; provides regular reports to the Public Works Director or Deputy Director. Maintains work order and asset tracking databases.
Coordinates response to customer complaints and service inquiries related to water main breaks, sewer backups, water pressure, and other service issues. Submits claims requests and recommendations to the Risk Manager for review and payment.
Participates in division budget preparation and administration; forecasts funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; submits justification for budget requests; and monitors and administers the approved budget. Supervises maintenance of time, material, and equipment usage records. Purchases needed materials, supplies, equipment, and services in accordance with City policies.
Provides leadership and operational direction during off-hours emergencies, including water main breaks, sewer backups, service interruptions, and other critical events. Ensures timely response, coordination with appropriate agencies, and actions necessary to protect public health, environmental compliance, and system reliability.
Builds and sustains a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and professional development of both new and experienced staff. Establishes performance expectations, supports certification advancement, and fosters accountability and collaboration within the Utilities Division and with other operational divisions during special events, emergency response, and coordinated operational activities.
Directly supervises employees in the Utilities Department, including Utilities Supervisors, Water Resources Specialist, Cross Connection Coordinator, and Locator. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.