First review of applications begins on November 23, 2026

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, GA seeks candidates for the position of DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES. The Director is the chief executive of Athens-Clarke County’s water and wastewater utility. The Director is accountable for safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater service, for regulatory compliance, and, for the financial health of a self-supporting enterprise fund. The Director leads a workforce of more than 200 employees, sets the department’s strategic direction, and advises the Manager, Mayor, and Commission on rates, capital investment, growth capacity, and water resource policy. The position represents the Unified Government with regional partners, regulators, and the community.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Engineering and Infrastructure/Deputy Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the Manager.
PAY GRADE: 135; $131,328 - $156,443 depending on qualifications
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No

Purpose of Job
The Public Utilities Director is the chief executive of Athens-Clarke County’s water and wastewater utility. The Director is accountable for safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater service, for regulatory compliance, and, for the financial health of a self-supporting enterprise fund. The Director leads a workforce of more than 200 employees, sets the department’s strategic direction, and advises the Manager, Mayor, and Commission on rates, capital investment, growth capacity, and water resource policy. The position represents the Unified Government with regional partners, regulators, and the community.

Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Some evenings and weekends.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle, must abide by ACCGov's safe driving policy.

Emergency Position: This position responds to work during emergency events that may include inclement weather, utility failure, fire, forced evacuation, a state of emergency as declared by state or local authorities, or other emergency event as defined by the ACCGov Manager that closes ACCGov workstations.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:
Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related discipline, with seven years of experience involving water/wastewater design, operations and maintenance of a similar sized system, to include two years of experience involving senior level management responsibilities required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Five years of supervisory experience is required.

Valid driver's license required.

Certification as a Georgia registered Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain reciprocity within 90 days of employment preferred.

Master's Degree preferred.

Class I Water Treatment or Wastewater Treatment Certification preferred.