Director of Public Utilities

About the role

The City of Gastonia, located 23 miles west of Charlotte, is one of North Carolina’s largest municipalities and serves as the county seat. Recognized as a three-time All-American City, Gastonia offers scenic natural surroundings, welcoming neighborhoods, and a dynamic business environment. The city is committed to responsive, fair, and cost-effective municipal services that support residents, businesses, and employees. Core values include Accountability, Inclusiveness, Safety, Professionalism, Honesty, and Integrity, all directed toward safeguarding and enhancing public trust. Gastonia promotes the promise of “Great People. Great Place. Great Promise.” and seeks team members who share this commitment to community service.

As Director of Public Utilities, you will oversee Gastonia's water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, leading 147 employees and managing a ~$66M FY 2027 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.

Key Initiatives

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Lead a transformative, citywide smart-utility initiative modernizing how water and electric services are delivered. This multi-year AMI program replaces all meters with advanced technology, introduces a new wireless communications network, and integrates real-time data into billing, improving efficiency, accuracy, and customer service (2025–2027, $31M).
• Southeast Utility Extension Project: Help shape Gastonia's future growth through a major regional infrastructure expansion extending water and sewer service to previously unserved areas. This project establishes the backbone for long-term development, strengthens regional partnerships, and directly improves quality of life for residents and businesses ($54M).

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, 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 regulations for impacts on the 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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, or related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of managing public utilities system administration and operations or related department/program experience.
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 levels within twelve months of hire.
• North Carolina Professional Engineer License preferred.

Pay

$145,000 – $170,000