Director of Utilities

Strategic Government Resources, Inc.; Erie, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Erie is seeking a Director of Utilities to lead all activities across utilities divisions, including water and wastewater facilities, operations, and maintenance. The role reports to the Deputy Town Manager and serves as a department head guiding growth and municipal services.

The ideal candidate will have strong strategic planning and leadership skills, experience in public works and utilities, and the ability to work across multiple departments to advance Town priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, water resources, watershed science, hydrology or civil engineering from an accredited college.
• Six years’ progressively responsible experience in management level public works, civil engineering and utilities operation.
• Three years of supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Town of Erie utilities, including water and wastewater facilities, operations and maintenance, and related divisions.
• Collaborate across Utilities, Public Works, Planning and Development, Finance to advance shared priorities.
• Model a collaborative, innovative, team‑oriented culture and represent the department with integrity.
• Respond to emergencies and be available for after‑hours support as needed.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration

Master’s degree in Public Administration (preferred)

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resources, hydrology, or related field

Job description

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 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. This vacancy is due to an upcoming retirement of our current Director.

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.

Application Period: 09/01/2026 – 09/30/2026

Work Location:

• Town Hall: 645 Holbrook Street, Erie Colorado 80516

Anticipated Work Schedule:

• Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


• Flexibility is essential, as the role requires attendance at evening Town Council and committee meetings when topics relevant to Utilities are discussed or covered.


• This position includes an office at Town Hall and requires a minimum of three in-office days per week, with the option to work remote for up to two days. Due to the complexity of the role, additional in-office days may be necessary based on business needs.


• Ability to respond to emergency situations during and outside of normal work hours.

Salary Range

• Minimum: $162,229/year


• Midpoint: $194,674/year


• Maximum: $227,120/year

Salary will depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications. The budgeted hiring range is typically up to midpoint. The full salary range is displayed to show the potential for growth for our future hire.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

Certifications

• 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.

Job Expectations

• 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.A motor vehicle record will be pulled through the background check.


• 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.