The City of Newberry is seeking a forward-thinking and service-driven leader to serve as Assistant Director of Utilities. This position plays a critical role in supporting reliable delivery, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth of the City’s utility systems — including water, wastewater, and electric distribution.

Working in partnership with the Director, this role provides operational leadership, capital project oversight, regulatory coordination, and team development to ensure the City’s utility infrastructure remains safe, efficient, and positioned for continued community growth.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to help shape the future of essential services in a growing municipality committed to innovation and superior public service.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Administration

• Champion the City’s core values: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service.
• Provide leadership and direction to utility division supervisors and staff.
• Assist with recruitment, training, evaluation, and professional development of utility personnel.
• Support strategic planning and long-term utility infrastructure investment.
• Prepare, monitor, and manage operating and capital budgets.
• Assist with grant applications and funding programs, including State Revolving Fund (SRF) opportunities.

Utility Operations Oversight

• Provide operational oversight of:
  • Potable water distribution and treatment
  • Wastewater collection and treatment systems
  • Electric distribution systems
• Monitor system performance and identify operational efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and asset management initiatives.
• Coordinate emergency response activities related to utility systems.

Capital Projects & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee construction and infrastructure improvement projects related to utilities.
• Review engineering plans and technical specifications for new development.
• Coordinate permitting activities and serve as liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Ensure projects meet safety, budgetary, scheduling, and compliance standards.
• Maintain documentation to meet auditing and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, or related field is preferred but not required. (or comparable combination of education and experience).
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in municipal utility operations.
• Water/Wastewater License desired
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Budget development and oversight
  • Capital project management
  • Utility system operations
  • Regulatory compliance
• Ability to obtain applicable FDEP certifications within two (2) years of employment.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of water, wastewater, and electric distribution systems.
• Understanding of environmental permitting and civil/environmental engineering principles.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans and regulatory requirements.
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical & Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent field visits to treatment plants, substations, and construction sites. Exposure to varying weather conditions and utility infrastructure environments is expected.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out all essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The duties described are not intended to be exhaustive. Management may assign additional responsibilities as needed. This description does not constitute a contract of employment.