Director of Utilities

City of East Providence

Employment Opportunity

Director of Utilities

Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience.

Job Description: Under administrative direction of the Director of Public Works, the Director of Utilities is responsible for the administration of the Water Utilities Division and coordination of services related to sewers and wastewater. Either directly or through staff, the Director of Utilities oversees the assessment and construction of new water mains, services, and other appurtenances; the installation, reading, and billing of all water meters; the administration of cross connection control and back flow prevention programs; the preventative maintenance program for all division equipment and pumping stations; management of the Turner Reservoir watershed; and maintenance of the Public Fire Protection system. The Director of Utilities interacts with regulatory agencies such as the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Water Resources Board, and Rhode Island Department of Environment Management, and coordinates efforts with the operations provider of the City's Water Pollution Control Plant. The Director of Utilities is a salaried, at-will position appointed by the Mayor.

Duties and Responsibilities: Following is a list of duties and requirements of the Director of Utilities. However, the list is not all-inclusive, and the Director of Utilities may be expected to perform other related duties.

• Oversees the management, operations, and maintenance of the City’s water, sewer, and stormwater systems to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develops and implements strategic plans for utility infrastructure, capital improvement programs, and long-term sustainability across all utility divisions.
• Manages operational and capital budgets for water, sewer, and stormwater divisions, including planning for infrastructure upgrades, equipment procurement, and revenue forecasting.
• Leads and mentors utility division staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and secure necessary permits, funding, and approvals for utility projects.
• Develops and implements policies and programs to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, reduce environmental impacts, and build system resiliency.
• Oversees emergency response and recovery efforts for utility system failures, flooding events, and other critical incidents involving water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
• Prepares and presents reports, capital plans, and operational updates to the Director of Public Works.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises work efforts related to the maintenance and improvement of water transmission and distribution lines, sanitary sewer mains, and storm drainage infrastructure, including pumping stations, storage facilities, and metering systems.
• Reviews and approves engineering designs and plans for new construction and major repair projects; prepares cost estimates; administers contracts; and ensures conformance with technical specifications and City standards.
• Provides technical oversight and decision-making based on engineering principles, regulatory standards, and utility best practices for hydraulic analysis, sewer flow management, stormwater design, and water quality assessment.
• Manages the City's contract with its wastewater operations provider, including oversight of performance, compliance, reporting, and coordination on capital improvements and long-term planning.
• Administers all utility-related capital projects from concept through close-out, including coordination of design, permitting, bidding, construction, and inspection.
• Prepares and administers divisional operating and capital budgets; develops specifications; authorizes purchases; and oversees payment processes.
• Analyzes proposed legislation and regulatory changes for their potential impact on City utility operations and advises on policy responses.
• Oversees the City's utility customer service program and coordinates with Finance Department on water and sewer billing processes.
• Administers the City’s cross-connection control and backflow prevention programs to ensure water quality and public health.
• Coordinates regularly with the contracted operators of the City's Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) to align goals, address compliance matters, and support capital investment planning.
• Oversees the installation, maintenance, and testing of public fire protection infrastructure, including hydrants and service connections.
• Oversees the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance program, including reporting, public education, and implementation of best management practices (BMPs).
• Represents the City with professionalism and integrity in all relationships with staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, procedures and methods of water supply management, sewer system management, storm water management, and public works construction.
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, including Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and stormwater permitting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets, complex projects, and diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using asset management systems, GIS software, and other utility-related technologies
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures and methods of water supply management, sewer system management, storm water management, and public works construction.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state drinking water quality regulations. 
• Ability to prepare, and supervise the preparation of reports, budget recommendations, and construction projects. 
• Ability to prepare and present written and oral reports.
• Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to plan and supervise the work of division employees, coworkers, public and regulatory agencies. 
• Competency in the use of productivity software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and software used to manage the water system. 
• Five or more years of experience in a managerial capacity in a public or private Class IV water system preferred.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field of study.
• State of Rhode Island Water System Operator Certification Transmission and Distribution 4 and Treatment 1 license.
• Experience in hydraulics or water pipeline distribution systems. 
• Experience in a managerial capacity in a public or private utility.
• A valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 10 years of experience in a Class 4D system in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Certification and Cross Connection Control Surveyor Certification (NEWWA or equivalent).
• Grade III Collection Systems Certification - NEWEA

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Date Posted: April 16, 2025

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At the City of East Providence, we celebrate the diversity of our citizenry and are proud to encourage inclusiveness in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. 

ADA/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER