Utilities Director

UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND/OR CITY COUNCIL, THE UTILITIES DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING WATER, WASTEWATER, GAS AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS POSITION OVERSEES SYSTEM OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, AND LONG-TERM PLANNING TO ENSURE SAFE, RELIABLE, AND EFFICIENT UTILITY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF FALFURRIAS. THE UTILITIES DIRECTOR IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISING UTILITIES STAFF, DEVELOPING AND ADMINISTERING DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, PREPARING BUDGETS, AND COORDINATING WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCIES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.

Role and Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Water, Wastewater, and Gas Utilities and Sanitation services of the City.
• Manage, supervise, and coordinate goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures necessary to provide the services of the Utilities Department and develop new or modified systems, policies, and procedures.
• Manage, supervise, and participate in the preparation, development, and evaluation of highly technical studies, reports, and analysis related to the Utilities' Operations' maintenance, construction services, and activities; develop and implement technical methods and systems, and analyze and evaluate results.
• Manages the daily operation of the utilities business office, water and sewer plants, water distribution, and sewage collection systems; provides direction and support to staff and advice and consultation to the City Manager on water and sewer utilities matters; investigates and resolves complaints and concerns regarding departmental services and billings; supervises the preparation of operations and business reports to various agencies; acts as liaison with other government agencies and the public on water and sewer system matters.
• The Utilities Director must be familiar with state and federal regulations regarding public water usage and sewage disposal and must be able to direct staff to comply with those regulations.
• Lead and monitor the delivery of any Public Utility Infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development and management, with the City's Budget Officer, the Utilities Budget; direct the forecast of the funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
• Plan, organize, and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of waterline maintenance and repair work, including such things as relocating lines and replacing water and gas lines.
• Prepares and reviews reports to regulatory and funding agencies, monitors conformance of varied program services functions to extensive local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintains TCEQ regulatory compliance: Ensures all aspects of the utility water treatment system, water distribution system, and wastewater collection system are in compliance with all TCEQ regulations
• Does oral presentations before city council, boards, commissions, and community groups.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. Required
• Valid Texas Driver's License, Class "C" with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, and additional training in public administration and related areas through college courses and continuing educational courses. Extensive utility operations experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Possession of a Texas Registered Professional Engineer's License, or made reciprocal within 1 year of employment; Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class A Wastewater Treatment Certificate issued by the State of Texas, a plus; Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class A Surface Water Treatment Certificate Issued by the State of Texas, a plus. Special Knowledge/Skills Requirements
• Experience in municipal public utilities operations, including water, wastewater, gas, or related infrastructure management, is highly desirable.
• General knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations governing public utilities, including TCEQ requirements, gas safety standards, and environmental compliance, with the ability to maintain required permits and reports.
• Ability to perform both supervisory and hands-on operational duties as needed, including responding to service interruptions, emergencies, and after-hours calls.
• Familiarity with municipal budgeting, utility rate structures, and financial reporting related to utility operations.
• Proficiency in business and utility management software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and municipal systems such as Incode 10 or similar platforms.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and follow detailed technical, written, and verbal instructions, including regulatory and safety requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with City administration, elected officials, staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize daily operations, maintenance activities, and administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive operational, personnel, and customer information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to independently analyze operational issues, develop solutions, and make sound decisions related to utility services and infrastructure.
• Strong customer service skills to address utility-related customer complaints, service requests, and emergency situations in a timely and professional manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities The utilities director exercises direct supervision over utilities department personnel, including water, wastewater, gas and utility customer service representatives, and provides functional oversight of utility billing and customer service activities. The director also coordinates and oversees the work of contractors, consultants, and vendors related to utilities, operations, maintenance, and capital projects.