Utilities Manager

We're looking for a Utilities Manager who will provide leadership, oversight, and technical direction for the City’s water and wastewater utility systems. This role supports daily operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure stewardship, and continuous improvement of utility services that protect public health, support responsible growth, and sustain essential community services.

About You:

If you are a strong leader who can balance technical utility expertise with sound judgment, workforce accountability, safety, customer service, and clear communication, this position may be for you. The ideal candidate understands that successful utility management depends on reliable systems, well-trained employees, accurate data, proactive compliance, and disciplined follow-through.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performing utility workforce, including experience with coaching, accountability, employee development, and performance management.
• Working knowledge of human resources principles, including employment practices, policy application, employee relations, corrective action, and workplace investigations.
• Ability to partner effectively with Human Resources and Public Works leadership to support workforce planning, succession development, organizational change, and employee engagement.
• Practical understanding of enterprise fund operations, utility rate considerations, infrastructure lifecycle planning, and the relationship between operational decisions and long-term financial sustainability.
• Commitment to public health, environmental stewardship, safety, customer service, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Utility Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, utility operations, environmental compliance, or public infrastructure services.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory, lead, or management experience in utility operations, public works, or a closely related operational environment.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience and training equivalent to the above minimum requirements.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Special Requirements

• ADEQ Grade 4 certifications in Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collections are highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain or maintain certifications necessary to support Operator in Responsible Charge/Lead Operator responsibilities.

Utility Operations & System Performance (25%) – In this role you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the operation and maintenance of the City’s water production, treatment, storage, distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, reclamation, and related utility infrastructure.Additionally, you will monitor system performance, identify operational concerns, and direct corrective or preventive actions to maintain reliability, resiliency, and service continuity.

Leadership & Workforce Development (20%) – You will be responsible for providing leadership, supervision, coaching, and direction to assigned utility supervisors and staff. This entails establishing clear expectations, monitoring performance, and promoting accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and consistent service delivery.Supports recruitment, training, certification development, succession planning, and employee engagement within utility operations. 

Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Stewardship (20%) - In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing required regulatory reporting, sampling coordination, permitting support, compliance records, and timely response to agency inquiries, inspections, audits, and corrective actions. This requires ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), and permit-related obligations.

Fiscal Stewardship & Asset Management (20%) – Assists in developing and administering utility operating and capital budgets, including monitoring expenditures, staffing needs, materials, equipment, contracts, and service demands. Support utility rate analysis, cost-of-service evaluation, enterprise fund planning, and financially sustainable utility operations.Identifies infrastructure needs and supports asset management, lifecycle planning, equipment replacement, preventative maintenance, and capital improvement prioritization.Uses data, operational trends, and field knowledge to recommend practical improvements to system performance, efficiency, and resource allocation.

Capital Planning, Coordination & Public Engagement (15%) - Supports the planning and implementation of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects related to water and wastewater infrastructure. Reviews operational impacts of proposed development and infrastructure projects, helping ensure utility systems can support current service demands and future growth. Prepares and presents reports, operational updates, recommendations, and technical information to department leadership, City leadership, boards, commissions, regulatory agencies, or the public as assigned. Coordinates with Engineering, Development Services, consultants, contractors, and internal departments regarding utility impacts, system capacity, project planning, inspections, and infrastructure expansion. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics attached to the job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Commitment to Safety and Wellness

It is the policy of the City of Kingman to ensure a safe, healthful workplace for all its employees. It requires that every person in the organization assumes the responsibility of individual and organizational safety. Injury and illness losses from incidents are costly and preventable.  The City of Kingman will employ an effective accident and illness prevention program and a comprehensive wellness program that involves all its employees in the effort to eliminate workplace hazards and promote employee health and wellness. Supervisors are responsible for supervising and training workers in safe work practices. Supervisors must enforce company safety rules and work to eliminate hazardous conditions. Supervisors shall lead safety and wellness efforts by example.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the position changes.

Be Part of Something Great - Build Your Future in Kingman
The City of Kingman is located in Mohave County approximately 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas and 195 miles northwest of Phoenix nestled between the beautiful Cerbat and Hualapai mountain ranges along historic Route 66. In 2019, Reader’s Digest named Kingman one of the “Nicest Places in Arizona” for its thoughtful residents and spirit of generosity. In addition to its small-town look and feel, the area also offers a wide range of recreational activities that include hiking, bike and ATV trails, camping, golf, beautiful parks, historical attractions, nearby lakes and the Colorado River.

With more than 400 full and part-time employees across 30 divisions, the City of Kingman provides exceptional public services to over 30,000 residents. Our focus on high-quality customer service, safety and teamwork underpins our efforts to foster an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive.

For more information about the City of Kingman, please see our Open Finance Portal, Choose Kingman Economic Development page and our Go Kingman tourism page for more information.