Public Utilities Director

American Water Works Association; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Central City is seeking a Public Utilities Director to lead the municipal water system, oversee treatment, distribution, and capital projects, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, 5+ years in water system operations, and 3+ years of supervision. Certifications and PE registration are noted as preferred; ORC duties may require fieldwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in water system operations, maintenance, or infrastructure management in a municipal/public utilities environment.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Colorado Class A Water Treatment Operator and Colorado Class 3 Water Distribution Operator certifications within six months; registration as a Professional Engineer in Colorado preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of the municipal water system, including supply, treatment, distribution, and capital projects.
• Supervise department staff and manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with residents, developers, and regulatory agencies; produce technical reports for city leadership.
• Actively participate in fieldwork and emergency responses; maintain ORC designation throughout tenure.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Bachelor's degree in public administration

Colorado Professional Engineer (preferred)

Job description

Public Utilities Director

Central City, Colorado

Salary: $130,316 - $175,928

Located 38 miles west of Denver, Central City is one of Colorado's most historic mountain communities. Set high in the Rocky Mountains, the city holds designation as a National Historic Landmark District. Founded during the 1859 Pike's Peak Gold Rush and long known as "The Richest Square Mile on Earth," Central City's identity remains closely tied to its mining heritage, reflected in the preserved buildings, brick streets, cultural landmarks, and mountain setting that continue to define the community. World-class skiing at Eldora, Winter Park, and Loveland is within an hour, and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Continental Divide, and the rivers of the high country are all easily accessible.

The Public Utilities Department is responsible for Central City's municipal water system, including water supply, treatment, distribution, raw water collection and storage, infrastructure maintenance, water quality and regulatory compliance, customer services, development review, and capital planning. Sewer service for the City is provided by the Black Hawk/Central City Sanitation District. The 2026 Water Fund includes approximately $1.68 million in appropriations, including $385,000 in capital outlay. The current Department includes the Public Utilities Director and one Water Technician/Trainee position. The City is separately recruiting one Water Treatment Plant Operator I-IV position, one Water Technician/Trainee position, and one Water Department Supervisor position.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Public Utilities Director manages all phases of the City's public water operations, including supply, treatment, distribution, infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement projects. The Director supervises all Department employees, including the currently vacant Water Department Supervisor position, and is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, reliable, and compliant potable water service. The Director establishes priorities and improvement plans; manages budgets, contracts, projects, and contractors; reviews technical plans and specifications; participates in planning and design of water system improvements; works with residents, businesses, developers, and regulatory agencies; and provides technical reports and recommendations to the City Manager and elected officials.

This is a working director role, and the successful candidate may be required to actively participate in fieldwork, treatment plant operations, emergency responses, and snow removal during water system emergencies and periods of reduced staffing. The incoming Public Utilities Director will perform duties and responsibilities as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the City. The Director must therefore obtain and maintain the certification required for ORC designation throughout their tenure in this position.

Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in water system operations, maintenance, or infrastructure management within a municipal or public utilities environment and a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Candidates must possess or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a Colorado Class A Water Treatment Operator certification and Colorado Class 3 Water Distribution Operator certification and must keep both certifications current. Registration as a Professional Engineer in Colorado, and a Class A certification are preferred.

Central City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply by October 11, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)