The City of Grand Junction is a home-rule municipality operating under a Council–Manager form
of government. With more than 880 full-time employees, the City provides a full spectrum of
municipal services, including public safety, utilities, transportation, parks and recreation, and
destination marketing.
City employees are guided by three core values: Continuous Improvement, Collaborative
Partnerships, and Exemplary Service. These values are reflected in the City’s approach to
governance, where innovation, teamwork, and accountability are embedded in the culture. City
leadership takes pride in building strong community connections and regional partnerships to
advance long-term priorities.
The Utilities Department provides reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services that
protect public health, support community growth, and preserve the environment. The
department also manages utility billing and customer service operations for customers
served by the City.
With 87 employees, the Utilities Department is organized around two enterprise divisions,
Water Services and Wastewater Services, supported by asset management, environmental
compliance and sustainability, laboratory services, water conservation programs, and
customer service.
The department is responsible for extensive infrastructure systems, including water supply
and treatment facilities, distribution and collection networks, advanced metering
infrastructure, and long-range capital investments. Operating in a highly regulated
environment, the department manages complex enterprise fund financial planning while
maintaining a strong focus on service reliability, regulatory compliance, and customer trust.
The Utilities Director leads the City of Grand Junction’s Utilities Department and serves as a
member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Deputy City Manager. This
role provides strategic and operational leadership for water and wastewater services,
environmental compliance, laboratory services, asset management, and utility billing.
The Utilities Director is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable utility service delivery, strong
financial stewardship of enterprise funds, and effective support to the community and
internal customers. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in a
regulated municipal utilities environment and a balance of operational credibility, financial
acumen, and executive-level leadership.
The City is seeking a strategic, steady, and people-centered leader who is visible,
approachable, and trusted. This leader will communicate clearly, build alignment around
priorities, and reinforce consistent expectations while working effectively with elected
officials, boards, regulatory agencies, and regional partners. The Utilities Director must be
able to navigate complex stakeholder environments and sensitive issues with
professionalism, sound judgment, and accountability.
The City of Grand Junction has identified a set of leadership competencies as essential for
the next Utilities Director. These qualities represent the foundation of how the City expects
its leaders to inspire, guide, and deliver results. The successful candidate will embody
these attributes and bring them to life through their leadership.
Instills Trust – Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Communicates Effectively – Tailors messages for diverse audiences and connects
meaningfully across all levels.
Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others responsible for commitments.
Financial Acumen – Understands financial drivers, enterprise fund operations, and longterm fiscal impacts to inform decisions.
Interpersonal Savvy – Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups and navigates
complex organizational dynamics.
Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works effectively across divisions and with
community and regional partners.
Resourcefulness – Secures and deploys resources effectively to address challenges and
achieve objectives.
Decision Quality – Makes sound and timely decisions that keep the organization moving
forward.
Action Oriented – Takes initiative and acts with urgency to accomplish goals and deliver
results.
Plans and Aligns – Establishes clear priorities and aligns people, resources, and actions to
achieve strategic outcomes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Seven years of progressively responsible utility program management experience, including
three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course
work in environmental engineering, civil engineering, public administration, business
administration, or a related field.
A valid Colorado State driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the time of hire.
Ability to pass a City-required background check and drug screening.