About Newberry: Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Newberry is a charming city rich in history and community spirit. Known for its beautiful historic downtown, vibrant local culture, and friendly neighborhoods, Newberry offers a balanced lifestyle with access to outdoor activities, arts, and events. Our city is committed to fostering growth and sustainability, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Why Work for the City of Newberry? As a member of our dedicated team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community by overseeing essential utility services. The City of Newberry values innovation, collaboration, and public service, and we are committed to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment. We offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a chance to contribute to the sustainable future of our city.

If you are ready to take on a leadership role that makes a difference in the lives of Newberry residents, we encourage you to apply and join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life in our beloved city.

Job Summary

The utility division director performs complex professional work overseeing the utility department to efficiently lead, operate, plan, coordinate, and supervise the construction, maintenance, and repair of the municipal IT/OT system, electric system, warehouse operations, and water and wastewater systems. Work involves directing all projects; collaboration and communication across and within all departments, contractors, the general public, PMPA, engineers, other agency officials, and consultants.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff; oversees the daily workflow of the department.
Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations; handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Additional Essential Knowledge

High-level knowledge of all divisions of the utility department including water and wastewater plant operations, water distribution division, electric, and fiber.

Duties/Responsibilities

Leads, empowers, manages, and supports all divisions of the utility department while fostering a teamwork environment that collaborates and communicates with each division and other City departments.
Leads and/or delegates project management assignments including system upgrades, grants development, budget, and special projects; serves as the senior role model of leadership.
Ensure all divisions have the necessary equipment and materials; monitor capital expenditures, and look for revenue opportunities, while ensuring dependable, quality products and services.
Responsible for long-range strategic planning for capital expansion; stays current with modern regulations and technological advancements; ensures all divisions remain in compliance with credentials, and certifications, and meet local, state, and federal regulations.
Coordinates rate study, including requests for proposals, recommending contractors, and coordination with the city manager and city leadership staff; write specs for equipment and services for each division, reviews and makes recommendations for bids received.
Creates division goals from long-term planning, coordination, security, and quality assurance efforts to integrate, coordinate, and support all data systems and services within the utility department and City goals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
Ability to utilize broad discretionary judgment and technical leadership to manage functions and resources to achieve the City’s and utility’s strategic goals.

Minimum Education, Certifications, And Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or public administration.

Six to nine years of experience in utility operations, or related experience.

Three to five years of progressive supervisory experience at a utility agency.

Valid SC driver’s license.

Preferred Education, Certifications, And Experience

PE Certification

Master's degree in engineering, or related field.

Valid SC commercial driver’s license.

Work Schedule And Overtime

Monday – Friday typical hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm.

Accessible 24 hours a day.

Physical Demands/Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to stand or walk for long periods, bend, crouch, kneel, and balance.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Performs other duties as needed. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The City of Newberry’s Performance Indicators

Engagement – Constantly offers a high level of service to citizens/co-workers; helps new employees learn and grow; shows interest in work and doesn’t complain about work; anticipates work and begins work without asking questions or waiting to be told what to do.

Quality of Work – Strives to see projects to completion, strives to eliminate errors; accuracy is a priority; consistently meets expected job goals and the end results are dependable; takes initiative and finds all information needed to make decisions without seeking help from others; capable of completing quality work while dealing with obstacles and deadlines.

People Skills – The extent to which the employee works well with others to achieve a common goal; offers support to co-workers, works actively to resolve conflicts; carries a fair share of the workload; and displays a “can do” attitude.

Energy – Does not display negative behaviors; shows good attendance and little to no tardiness; displays positive image through language and demeanor.

Results – Able to reach decisions; takes thoughtful approach when considering options; seeks input from others; makes difficult decisions; strives to understand contributing factors to errors; works to resolve complex situations.

Influence – Provides strong leadership; sets a good example; skilled decision-maker, motivator, and encourager of the team.

Technical Abilities – Knows the skills, procedures, codes, and safety regulations; knows how the job fits into the department and affects others; is capable of completing individual tasks as directed without delay or asking for direction and assistance.

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This organization is inclusive and diverse and encourages all people who meet the required qualifications to apply.

8:30 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday

Accessible 24 hours a day

City of Newberry, SC jobs

Division Director - Utilities