Utilities Director/City Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Utilities Director/City Engineer serves as the City's chief utility executive and principal engineering authority. The position is responsible for the planning, administration, operation, maintenance, construction, and improvement of municipal utility and infrastructure systems including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater infrastructure, streets & transportation systems (in coordination with the Public Works Department), and capital improvement projects.

The Utilities Director/City Engineer provides executive leadership for utility operations, engineering services, development review, infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, capital improvement programming, and long-range asset management. The position serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, City Council, Planning Commission, developers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership and Administration

• Provide leadership and management for all Utilities and Engineering Department operations.
• Develop strategic goals, objectives, and performance measures.
• Advise the City Manager and City Council regarding infrastructure, engineering, public works and utility matters (in coordination with the Public Works Department).
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure effective service delivery.
• Establish a culture of professionalism, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate departmental activities with other City departments and outside agencies.

Utility Operations

• Direct operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems.
• Direct operation and maintenance of wastewater collection and treatment systems.
• Oversee stormwater infrastructure and drainage management programs.
• Ensure emergency response readiness and continuity of utilities.
• Oversee asset management programs for utility infrastructure.
• Monitor operational performance, reliability, and service delivery.

Engineering Services

• Serve as the City's chief engineering official.
• Review and approve engineering plans and specifications.
• Administer engineering design standards and technical requirements.
• Maintain infrastructure records, GIS information, maps, easements, and rights-of-way.
• Direct surveying, mapping, construction inspection, and engineering support services.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

• Develop and manage the City's Capital Improvement Program for Utilities Infrastructure and equipment needs..
• Prioritize infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation projects.
• Manage engineering consultants and construction contractors.
• Oversee project design, permitting, construction, and close-out.
• Pursue grants, loans, and alternative funding sources.

Development Review and Community Growth

• Review subdivision plats and development plans.
• Review drainage studies, traffic studies, and utility infrastructure plans.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and development regulations.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning to support community growth.
• Work with developers, engineers, and contractors regarding project requirements.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ODEQ, EPA, ODOT, FHWA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
• Oversee permits, reporting requirements, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate regulatory reviews and agency communications.
• Maintain compliance programs that reduce risk and liability.

Financial Management

• Develop and administer operating and capital budgets.
• Prepare long-range financial and infrastructure plans.
• Monitor expenditures and project budgets.
• Assist with utility rate studies and financial analysis.
• Oversee grant administration and compliance requirements.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop personnel.
• Promote workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Establish performance standards and accountability measures.
• Develop succession planning and workforce development initiatives.

Public Relations and Government Affairs

• Serve as the department's primary representative before City Council, Planning Commission, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Conduct public presentations and project meetings.
• Respond to infrastructure, utility, and development-related inquiries.
• Develop productive regional and intergovernmental partnerships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in:

• Civil Engineering (preferred)
• Environmental Engineering
• Construction Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering, utilities management, public works administration, or infrastructure management.
• Minimum five (5) years of executive or senior management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing utility operations, engineering programs, capital improvement projects, construction management, and regulatory compliance.

Certifications

Required:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License in Oklahoma or ability to obtain within six months.
• Level C license for Water/Wastewater Operations
• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License.

Preferred:

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Municipal engineering principles and practices
• Water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure systems
• Utility operations and maintenance practices
• Capital improvement planning and project delivery
• Public administration and municipal finance
• Environmental and utility regulations
• Engineering standards, specifications, and construction methods

Ability to:

• Lead complex municipal operations
• Manage large budgets and capital improvement programs
• Build productive relationships with elected officials and stakeholders
• Effectively communicate technical issues to non-technical audiences
• Make sound decisions under pressure
• Manage personnel and organizational development
• Balance operational, financial, and political considerations while achieving organizational goals.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of McAlester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Pay: $110,411.32 - $121,961.57 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• McAlester, OK 74501: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,411 - $121,962