Assistant Utilities Director

City of West Lafayette; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 77,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Lafayette seeks an experienced Assistant Utilities Director to lead municipal wastewater operations, manage capital projects, and ensure regulatory compliance. You will work with the Director of Utilities, mentor staff, and help shape long-term infrastructure planning for reliable service.

The ideal candidate has strong technical leadership, budget experience, and a commitment to public service. This role follows a standard weekday schedule with occasional after-hours work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of municipal water, wastewater, or utility operations.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily wastewater collection and treatment operations, including acting as Director when designated.
• Supervise and develop assigned staff, including performance management.
• Assist in budgeting, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Manage capital improvement projects: planning, design review, construction oversight, and contractor coordination.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Evaluate infrastructure and operations to identify improvements.
• Coordinate procurement activities, contracts, and emergency preparedness.
• Collaborate with city departments, regulators, consultants, and the public.
• Assist with grant applications, regulatory reporting, and long-term utility planning.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Indiana Class IV Certification

ICS/NIMS training

Tools

GIS

SCADA

CMMS

Asset mgmt software

Job description

Compensation: $77,459.20 - $92,955.20 (Starting compensation will be determined based on qualifications and experience, subject to the city's approved salary ordinance.)

Hiring Availability: No earlier than December 19, 2026

Position Summary

The City of West Lafayette is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and experienced professional to serve as its Assistant Utilities Director. This leadership position plays a key role in overseeing municipal wastewater operations, managing infrastructure projects, supporting regulatory compliance, and ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient utility services to the community.

Working closely with the Director of Utilities, the Assistant Utilities Director provides leadership to departmental staff, assists with operational and capital improvement budgets, and contributes to long-term infrastructure planning and organizational improvements. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge, effective leadership skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing daily wastewater collection and treatment operations, including serving as acting Director of Utilities when designated.
• Supervise and support assigned personnel, including employee development, performance management, and operational planning.
• Assist in developing and administering departmental budgets, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Manage capital improvement projects, including planning, design review, construction oversight, and contractor coordination.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Evaluate utility infrastructure, operational performance, and maintenance needs to recommend improvements.
• Coordinate procurement activities, contract administration, and emergency preparedness efforts.
• Collaborate with city departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and the public.
• Assist with grant applications, regulatory reporting, and long-term utility planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal water, wastewater, or utility operations.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Knowledge of municipal utility infrastructure, wastewater treatment processes, collection systems, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Experience with budget preparation, capital planning, and project management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, contracts, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, public administration, environmental science, construction management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Indiana Class IV Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within four (4) years.
• Experience with municipal capital improvement projects, construction contracts, and grant-funded infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with GIS, SCADA, asset management software, and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) training.

Work Schedule and Environment

This position generally works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., based on a 40-hour workweek. Flexibility is required for evening meetings, emergency response, after-hours operations, and other departmental needs.

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, construction sites, and other utility infrastructure locations. The position requires occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds and the ability to navigate uneven surfaces, stairs, and ladders.

Anticipated Hiring

This newly established position will be included in the city's 2027 Salary Ordinance. Employment cannot begin before December 19, 2026, and is contingent upon the required approvals.