Director of Utilities

The purpose of the position is to plan, direct and supervise all programs and operations of the Utilities Department to ensure the proper provision and management of public services to the citizens of Richland County; to supervise through subordinate staff the Water / Wastewater Treatment, Engineering, Administration and Special Project Management divisions; to respond to complaints and requests for service from County residents, and to perform other professional, administrative and supervisory work as required. This class researches and formulates long-range goals for the organization, develops policy and position papers, and negotiates with chief administrative officers and/or elected officials.  This class also serves as a member of the County Administrator’s Executive Cabinet team.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Plans, organizes and directs all programs and operations of the Utilities Department, including Water / Wastewater Treatment, Engineering, Administration and Special Project Management divisions.

Ensures departmental compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, County policies and procedures, and standards of quality and safety.

Supervises subordinate supervisory and support staff.  Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; allocating personnel; approving employee discipline and discharge.

Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Provides for adequate staff training and development opportunities.

Provides guidance and expertise to the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrator and County Council in areas of responsibility.

Develops and administers personnel, operating, capital improvement and long-range capital replacement budgets for the department; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.

Develops and implements all department policies and procedures; develops and recommends ordinances related to County utilities functions.

Analyzes department schedules and workloads; makes adjustments as necessary to ensure optimum productivity and efficiency.

Evaluates the County’s public utilities needs and formulates short- and long-range plans to facilitate the provision and necessary growth of effective and efficient public services in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Develops plans and budgets for major infrastructure projects for the County; develops and updates design and construction standards for County utility systems.

Administers design and construction contracts.

Inspects department projects in progress and at completion for compliance with applicable plans, contracts, specifications and standards of quality and safety; reviews and analyzes blueprints and other plans for compliance with policies, standards, goals and objectives.

Conducts periodic inspections of utilities operations and facilities for proper operations and safety.

Makes recommendations for operational improvements or adjustments as necessary.

Compiles data for and prepares studies, analyses, reports, cost estimates, etc., for County Council and County Administrator’s review.

Oversees the procurement of department equipment, goods and services; completes annual inventory audit.

Meets with County residents and citizen groups to discuss and resolve problems related to public utilities operations and projects.

Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete department records.

Coordinates department activities and functions with those of other County divisions, departments and outside agencies as appropriate; provides input to other County departments concerning new construction and various special projects.

Attends and participates in County Council meetings; serves on various County / community committees and task forces as appropriate.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility; responds to media requests for information.

Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, attending and conducting meetings, etc.

Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., as appropriate to maintain knowledge of current legislation, trends and technology in assigned areas of responsibility.

May be required to respond to emergency calls after hours or on weekends.

*Considered essential employee in the event of inclement weather or emergency conditions.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires Bachelor’s degree or education and training equivalent to four years of college education in engineering, management, public administration or a other related field.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess Professional Engineer designation

Utilities License Class "A" preferred

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires over ten years of experience.