Director of Public Utilities
About the role
The City of Gastonia is seeking an exceptional Director of Public Utilities to provide strategic leadership in shaping the future of the City’s essential services and Two Rivers Utilities operations.
As Director of Public Utilities, you will oversee Gastonia's water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, leading 147 employees and managing a $66M FY 2026 budget. The role supports three wastewater plants, one water plant, and 40,000 meters serving over 100,000 residents - championing innovation, sustainability, and reliable service through strong regional partnerships.
Responsibilities
Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Coincides, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
Manages and directs overall public utility department operations.
Directs, develops, and leads a team of employees responsible for the water and sewer utilities and stormwater administration.
Ensures compliance to Local/State/Federal Regulatory requirements.
Develops and manages operational and capital project budgets, short and long-range planning needs, and utility rate reviews and recommendations.
Administers and manages complex construction projects, prepares and reviews project contracts, analyzes proposed legislation and administrative regulation for impacts on utility.
Completes assigned tasks accurately and within established deadlines; provides timely updates regarding significant operational, financial, regulatory, or personnel issues; plans and directs public relations outreach.
Provides efficient and effective service to customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active team member.
Represents the utility by preparing and presenting at City Council meetings, committee meetings , and other related meetings and events.
Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department.
Requirements
Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Coincides, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
Manages and directs overall public utility department operations.
Directs, develops, and leads a team of employees responsible for the water and sewer utilities and stormwater administration.
Ensures compliance to Local/State/Federal Regulatory requirements.
Develops and manages operational and capital project budgets, short and long-range planning needs, and utility rate reviews and recommendations.
Administers and manages complex construction projects, prepares and reviews project contracts, analyzes proposed legislation and administrative regulation for impacts on utility.
Completes assigned tasks accurately and within established deadlines; provides timely updates regarding significant operational, financial, regulatory, or personnel issues; plans and directs public relations outreach.
Provides efficient and effective service to customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active team member.
Represents the utility by preparing and presenting at City Council meetings, committee meetings , and other related meetings and events.
Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department.
Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
Schedule
The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend work required for special projects.