Director of Utilities

Director of Utilities

City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Salary: $109,824 - $164,736 DOQ

Located in the high desert of central New Mexico, on the north border of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho is the third largest, and fastest-growing city in the state and is home to over 112,000 residents. Rio Rancho enjoys clear skies, magnificent views of the Sandia Mountain range, and a pleasant climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Ranked #35 of the top 50 Best Places to Live for Families in the US by Fortune.com in 2024, the city offers its residents affordable housing, excellent schools, and a low crime rate, making it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and professionals alike. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’s proximity to recreational amenities, including hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains, opportunities for skiing, numerous cycling routes, and nearby parks. For adventure seekers, the natural wonders of the Rio Grande River and the Petroglyph National Monument are just a short drive away.

The City of Rio Rancho Utilities Department provides essential utility and environmental services to the community. The department consists of 33 full-time positions across administration, environmental management, engineering, accounting, and customer service/billing, and is supported by a water and wastewater system contractor with 82 employees. The department is organized into three divisions which include Utility Accounting, Utility Operations, and Utility Services. These divisions manage departmental budgets, billing for over 40,000 utility accounts, and maintenance of the city's water and wastewater systems, including 17 water tanks. The Utilities Enterprise Fund has revenues derived from water, wastewater, and recycled water sales, impact fees, interest, and other income.

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Utilities supervises approximately five (5) employees and is responsible for the oversight of the Utilities Customer Service Division, managing the City’s Water/Wastewater System, and ensuring a safe and efficient operation. This position is responsible for the management of quality customer service, the utility enterprise fund, financing capital projects, long term planning of water and wastewater utilities, water rights management and acquisition, and oversight of the department’s contractors.

Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree in engineering or a directly related discipline, and seven (7) years of related experience, three (3) of which are in a supervisory capacity. Registration as a Professional Engineer in New Mexico or must be able to obtain the required license within three (3) years of hire. Level IV - Water and Wastewater Operator State of New Mexico Certification is preferred. The ideal candidate must have strong analytical skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, strong leadership and consensus building skills, effectiveness in working with peer management staff, subordinate staff, contractors, and customers with diverse backgrounds, and the ability to make difficult decisions.

For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Rio Rancho is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by January 26, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)

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• Prothman Company

• (206) 368-0050