Deputy Director of Utilities (08-26)

Deputy Director of Utilities (08-26)

Salary

$10,373.00 - $15,505.00 Monthly

Location

Whittier, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-033

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants

150

• Description
• Benefits

Description

Under administrative direction of the Director of Public Works, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and activities of the Citys Water and Sewer Utilities Division, including water distribution, water system operations, sanitary sewer collection, and related utility services. Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure the efficient, reliable, and compliant delivery of water and sewer utility services. Oversees the planning, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and improvement of water and sewer infrastructure; manages water and sewer capital improvement projects; ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and regulatory requirements; and coordinates utility operations with other City departments, public agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public. Provides highly responsible and complex professional support to the Director of Public Works, assists with utility planning, budgeting, and long-range operational strategies, supervises professional, technical, field, and administrative staff, and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Deputy Director of Utilities is a management-level classification responsible for assisting the Director of Public Works in planning, directing, and managing the operations and activities of the Citys Water and Sewer Utilities Division, including water distribution, water system operations, sanitary sewer collection, and related utility services. The incumbent exercises independent judgment and initiative in overseeing utility operations, developing and implementing programs, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, managing water and sewer capital improvement projects, and establishing efficient and effective division operations consistent with City policies and administrative guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the higher classification of Director of Public Works in that the Director has overall responsibility for the administration and operation of the Public Works Department, while the Deputy Director of Utilities is responsible for the management and oversight of the Citys water and sewer utility programs, services, infrastructure, and related operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives administrative direction from the Director of Public Works. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over management, professional, technical, field, and administrative support staff assigned to the Utilities Division.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Assists the Director of Public Works in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the operations and activities of the Citys Water and Sewer Utilities Division, including water distribution, water system operations, sanitary sewer collection, and related utility services; coordinates division activities with other City departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Develops, implements, and maintains division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work plans; evaluates operational performance and service delivery methods; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes to enhance efficiency, reliability, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates management, professional, technical, field, and administrative support staff; participates in employee selection, training, performance evaluations, coaching, and discipline; promotes employee development and ensures compliance with City policies and labor agreements.
• Assists in preparing, administering, and monitoring the Water and Sewer Utilities Division budget; develops budget recommendations and forecasts for personnel, equipment, materials, supplies, and capital improvement projects; monitors expenditures and recommends budget adjustments as needed.
• Oversees the operation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of the Citys water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient utility services.
• Assists in planning and implementing water and sewer capital improvement projects; oversees the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and contract documents; administers consultant and construction contracts; monitors project schedules, budgets, and contractor performance.
• Oversees the administration of utility-related professional service, maintenance, and construction contracts; ensures compliance with contract requirements and evaluates the effectiveness and cost efficiency of contracted services.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and environmental requirements governing drinking water and wastewater collection systems; coordinates with regulatory agencies, regional water providers, and other public agencies regarding utility operations and compliance.
• Monitors the condition and performance of the Citys water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure; develops long-range maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement strategies to ensure system reliability and sustainability.
• Provides technical assistance and recommendations to the Director of Public Works, City management, City Council, and other City departments regarding water and sewer utility operations, regulatory compliance, capital projects, and long-range planning; prepares reports, correspondence, agenda reports, and presentations.
• Responds to inquiries and concerns from the public, elected officials, and regulatory agencies regarding water and sewer utility services; investigates and resolves complex operational and customer service issues.
• Represents the Utilities Division at professional meetings, community meetings, and interagency committees; monitors industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies affecting municipal water and sewer utilities.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, regional partners, and the public to support the effective delivery of water and sewer utility services.
• Acts on behalf of the Director of Public Works on utility-related matters as assigned and performs other related duties as required.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Functions as a member of the Citys management team and actively participates in addressing organizational issues, initiatives, and priorities that may extend beyond the immediate area of responsibility.
• Represents the Water and Sewer Utilities Division at City meetings, interdepartmental meetings, regulatory agency meetings, professional organizations, and community meetings as assigned.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which shall be maintained as confidential in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position requires the ability to travel to and inspect utility facilities, project sites, and operational areas, which may involve walking over uneven terrain and exposure to various field conditions. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in the use of a computer keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision to read written reports, technical documents, plans, specifications, maps, and other work-related materials. Acute hearing is required when communicating by telephone, participating in meetings, and interacting with staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public. The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull files, documents, equipment, and other materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Deputy Director of Utilities. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal utility operations, water distribution, wastewater collection systems, civil engineering, or public works administration, including at least two years of experience at a supervisory or management level, and a bachelors degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, public administration, or a closely related field.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California drivers license. Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of municipal utility management and administration; principles of organization, operation, and management of public utility services; principles and practices of water distribution systems, water supply operations, sanitary sewer collection systems, wastewater infrastructure, and related utility services; principles and practices of utility planning, design, construction, contract administration, project management, and inspection of water and sewer capital improvement projects; principles and practices of utility budgeting, financial administration, rate analysis, and resource management; regulatory requirements and compliance standards applicable to municipal water and sewer operations; methods and techniques of supervision, leadership, training, performance management, and employee development; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and permitting requirements; methods and techniques for planning, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications; methods and techniques for record keeping, report preparation, technical writing, and presentation development; principles of effective communication and public relations; proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and business correspondence; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to utility operations and maintenance.

Ability to:

Plan, direct, manage, and coordinate the operations of the Water and Sewer Utilities Division; interpret maps, plans, specifications, technical manuals, and utility documents; develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures; prepare and administer operating and capital improvement budgets; supervise, train, evaluate, and direct assigned staff; interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards; analyze complex operational and technical issues and develop effective solutions; manage multiple priorities and projects; communicate effectively with City officials, employees, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public; exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established guidelines; maintain effective working relationships; and promote safe work practices.

Skill to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

Supplemental Information

Medical:

Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a

physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Selection/Exam Process: The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications and the supplemental applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the Citys particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.

Exam Information: (Dates to be determined.)

Panel Oral Interview: 100%

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Whittier is an Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFIT PROGRAM

The City of Whittier provides a comprehensive Management Benefits Program including:

Retirement: Employees hired prior to 1/1/13 and Lateral Transfers with recent service from CalPERS Agencies, 3% at 50 Plan for sworn management, 2.5% @ 55 for non-sworn management with the Single Highest Year Formula, and may have a future CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. New hires as of 1/1/13 will have the new CalPERS 2.7 @ 57 Plan, for Sworn Management, and 2% @ 62 for non-sworn management with Three Year Average Formula, and will have a mandatory CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. The City participates in the CalPERS EPMC Program for Department Heads. There is no deduction for Social Security.

City paid Deferred Compensation up to 4.5% of employees base salary (or 1.5% City paid Deferred Compensation and 60 hours of Executive Leave per year).

The City pays a substantial portion of the premium for medical and dental insurance and provides vision and term life insurance.

Flexible Benefit Plan allows employee payment of insurance premiums, medical and dependent care expenses with Pre-Tax dollars, increasing take-home pay.

Vacation/Sick Leave Credit for prior applicable work experience.

Vacation Leave - up to 184 hours per year upon completion of 19 years of service.

Holidays - 92 hours per year

Sick Leave - 96 hours per year

Computer Loan Program - City offers interest-free loans to purchase personal computer equipment.

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Employee Wellness and Assistance Programs

Short Term Disability Plan

Supplemental Life Insurance and Credit Union are available.

Employer City of Whittier

Address 13230 Penn Street

Whittier, California, 90602

Phone (562) 567-9830

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/whittier