ATTACHMENT 6
City of Manteca
DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES
Class Spec Code
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Established Date
February 3, 2026
Occupational Group
Public Works
Revision Date
FLSA
Exempt
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Utilities Department including water and wastewater operations; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with officials and outside agencies; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Assistant City Manager in coordinating and directing City-wide departmental activities and operations and in executing the long-term vision for the City; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Assistant City Manager. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Utilities Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Assistant City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering the City’s mission, goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Assumes full management responsibility for all Utilities Department programs, services, and activities including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, environmental compliance, and laboratory operations.
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
Plans and oversees utility capital improvement projects; ensures alignment with departmental goals, regulatory standards, and budgetary constraints; collaborates with internal departments and external agencies to coordinate projects, resolve issues, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Serve as a key advisor to the Assistant City Manager and executive leadership on water resource policy, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship.
Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Reviews and approves applications, agreements, plans and reports of department activities; manages the collection, analysis, and reporting of administrative and operational data.
Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of contemporary trends and innovations in the field of water resources, wastewater collection and treatment, and regulatory compliance.
Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Assistant City Manager.
Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Oversight of education, outreach and social media of assigned areas.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
Principles and practices of budget administration.
Principles and practices of contract management.
General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.
Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council.
Strategic planning, leadership, and administration of municipal water and wastewater systems.
Advanced principles of civil and environmental engineering, utility infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.
Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing public utilities, environmental protection, and public health.
Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
Analyze complex data, evaluate operational performance, and make informed, high-impact decisions.
Effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, environmental science, water resources, public administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of management experience in public works, construction, utility planning, water resources, wastewater collection and treatment, or a related field.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City’s needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).
Director of Utilities