Director of Utilities

AAME; Lubbock (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lubbock is seeking a Director of Utilities to lead its water and wastewater infrastructure through strategic planning, sound management, and forward‑looking leadership. This role governs goals, policies, and utility plans to safeguard operations and deliver essential services to the community.

Successful candidates will apply strong financial acumen, cross‑department collaboration, and transparent communication with the public and stakeholders to sustain safety, resilience, and

Qualifications

• TCEQ Class A Water Operator License or ability to obtain
• TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operator License or ability to obtain
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or related field with 10 years of progressively responsible public water/wastewater utility experience including 5 years in supervision

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership over water and wastewater infrastructure projects, plans, and goals.
• Oversee budgets, financial controls, and resource allocation to maintain reliable operations.
• Coordinate with departmental leadership, staff, and stakeholders; communicate complex technical and financial matters clearly.
• Ensure safety, reliability, and continuous delivery of high-quality utility services to the community.

Skills

Strategic planning

Policy development

Performance management

Financial stewardship

Executive leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As the Director of Utilities, you will assume a pivotal leadership position, guiding the City of Lubbock’s water and wastewater infrastructure through comprehensive strategic planning, sound management practices, and a forward-looking vision. This role entails oversight of the formulation and execution of goals, policies, and utility plans to safeguard operational continuity and drive the continual improvement of essential services. The Director is charged with leading complex water supply initiatives and plant operations, collaborating with departmental leadership, and administering personnel and resources to ensure the consistent delivery of dependable, high-quality services to the community.

In this capacity, you will exercise strategic oversight of wastewater operations with an unwavering commitment to management excellence, organizational efficiency, fiscal stewardship, and transparent communication. Key responsibilities include administering budgets and financial controls to optimize resource allocation for equipment and infrastructure maintenance, thereby ensuring the reliability and integrity of critical water systems. Effective communication is paramount, necessitating regular engagement with internal teams, the public, and key stakeholders to resolve inquiries, address operational challenges, and articulate complex technical and financial matters. The ideal candidate will possess a strong operational background complemented by robust management and organization acumen, and a financial background reinforced by distinguished leadership experience, and will be instrumental in sustaining the safety, resilience, and operational excellence of Lubbock’s water and wastewater systems.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

The Director of Utilities must possess extensive knowledge of water and wastewater operations, and regulatory requirements. Strong abilities in strategic planning, policy development, and performance management are essential to guide complex utility systems and ensure continuous service improvement. The position requires demonstrated ability to manage large organizations, lead multidisciplinary teams, and allocate personnel and resources effectively.

Advanced financial knowledge and abilities are critical, including budget administration, fiscal analysis, and stewardship of utility assets and capital investments. The role requires oversight of complex water supply initiatives and treatment operations, ensuring system reliability and public safety. Exceptional communication abilities are required to clearly convey technical, operational, and financial information to City leadership, staff, stakeholders, and the public. Successful candidates will bring a strong operational background supported by strong management abilities and a finance-centered background reinforced by proven executive leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• TCEQ Class A Water Operator License or ability to obtain
• TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operator License or ability to obtain
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or related from an accredited university with an additional ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional experience working within public water and wastewater utilities including five (5) years of supervisory experience.