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Director Utilities Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CEO Inc.

CA · On-site

Direct the performance, reliability, and day-to-day management of critical site infrastructure ... utility performance. * Monitor system performance, consumption trends, and operating expenses to ...

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Director Utilities information

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$20.6K

$87K

$176.8K

How much do director utilities jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for director utilities in California is $87,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,961.00 and $114,080.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of utilities do?

A Director of Utilities oversees the management and operation of public utility services such as water, electricity, gas, or wastewater for a city or region. They are responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and ensuring reliable delivery of essential utility services. This role often involves supervising staff, coordinating with government agencies, and implementing new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability. The Director of Utilities plays a key role in responding to emergencies, planning for future growth, and addressing customer concerns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of utilities?

To thrive as a Director of Utilities, you need extensive knowledge of utility operations, regulatory compliance, financial management, and a relevant degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with utility management software, SCADA systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Utility Manager (CUM) are often required. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure reliable service delivery, regulatory adherence, and the successful management of complex utility operations.

What are some typical challenges a director of utilities faces in managing both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance?

A Director of Utilities often navigates the complex task of balancing operational efficiency with ever-evolving regulatory requirements. This includes ensuring reliable service delivery, managing aging infrastructure, and meeting strict environmental and safety standards set by local and federal agencies. The role requires constant adaptation to new regulations, integrating sustainable practices, and leading multi-disciplinary teams to implement upgrades while controlling costs. Collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders is essential to proactively address compliance issues and operational risks.

What is the difference between Director Utilities vs Utility Manager?

AspectDirector UtilitiesUtility Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, management, or related field; often requires experience in utility operationsBachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; relevant certifications may include utility management or project management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, strategic planning, high-level decision making in utility companies or departmentsManages daily operations, supervises staff, ensures efficient utility service delivery
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by large utility companies, municipalities, or energy providersFound in utility companies, municipal departments, or private energy firms

The main difference between a Director Utilities and a Utility Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. The Director Utilities focuses on strategic planning, policy development, and overseeing multiple departments, while the Utility Manager handles daily operations and staff management. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Director role is more senior and strategic in nature.

How much does a director utilities make?

A Director of Utilities typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on the size of the organization, location, and experience. They oversee utility operations, manage teams, and ensure regulatory compliance, often requiring advanced certifications and leadership skills.

Is a career as a Director Utilities a good career?

A career as a Director Utilities is considered stable and well-paying, as it involves overseeing utility operations such as water, electricity, or gas services. It requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and often a background in engineering or management, with certifications like PE or PMP being beneficial. The role typically offers opportunities for advancement and long-term employment in the utility industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilities jobs in California?

The most popular types of Utilities jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Utilities jobs in California?

For Director Utilities jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Utilities jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Utilities jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Utilities jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Utilities job openings:

Director Utilities jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Utilities job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,042 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Director, Utility Business Development Energy Transition Programs

APTIM

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

APTIM rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Overview:
APTIM's Energy Transition team is seeking an experienced Director, Utility Business Development Energy Transition Programs to drive strategic growth, client engagement, and innovation across a national portfolio of utility programs. This role is responsible for business development, program strategy, and market expansion across demand-side management (DSM), distributed energy resources (DERs), demand response (DR), grid flexibility, and emerging energy technologies. The Director will play a critical role in identifying and shaping opportunities that align utility needs with scalable, technology-enabled program solutions. Building upon APTIM's strong foundation in program delivery and client relationships, this role integrates business development leadership with program design insight, ensuring solutions are not only won-but successfully launched, delivered, and scaled. The ideal candidate will combine a hunter mindset with deep program knowledge, enabling them to translate market signals, policy drivers, and utility pain points into innovative, high-impact program offerings. They should come with existing utility relationships, a comprehensive understanding of how utilities are organized and an ability to articulate our value proposition across utility silos.
APTIM's Energy Transition team is a recognized leader in the marketplace. Our technical experts deliver highly innovative projects and complex client solutions providing the full breadth of energy solutions including energy management, carbon management, smart energy infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), and carbon-free mobility solutions. Our consultants proactively collaborate with clients to define and implement strategies and campaigns around key business drivers, with the primary focus of finding and delivering high-impact projects exceeding expectations and meeting the unique needs for our commercial and retail clients.
The Director, Utility Business Development Energy Transition Programs serves as a resource for the leadership team and cross-functional team members to ensure commitments to stakeholders are delivered. This role will involve direct engagement with utilities (regulated and non-regulated), municipalities, cooperatives, government agencies, and cross-selling established APTIM customers across the enterprise. You will also be working with others who are enthusiastic about clean energy, energy efficiency and making a positive impact on the industry. This role requires a critical thinker focused on finding solutions that strike a balance between stakeholder demands and program needs.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
Business Development & Market Growth
  • Lead business development efforts targeting Utilities of all types including Investor owned, cooperative and municipal, expanding APTIM's presence across energy transition programs.
  • Develop and execute targeting strategies and pipeline management focused on DERs, demand side management, demand response, electrification, and grid modernization initiatives.
  • Identify and secure new opportunities tied to grid flexibility, non-wires alternatives (NWAs), virtual power plants (VPPs), and distributed resource aggregation.
  • Grow revenue aligned with DSM, grid innovation, and resiliency objectives.

Program Strategy & Energy Transition Innovation
  • Translate market trends, regulatory drivers, and utility priorities into scalable program offerings and pilots.
  • Lead development of programs incorporating:
    • Demand response and load flexibility strategies.
    • DER integration (solar, storage, EVs, heat pumps).
    • Grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs).
    • Electrification and beneficial load shaping programs.
  • Support utilities in demand side management, advancing grid modernization, and resilience strategies.
  • Provide subject matter expertise in energy transition technologies and program design.

Program Management Collaboration
  • Partner with delivery and operations teams to ensure successful transition from sales to implementation, including scope, schedule, and performance alignment.
  • Advise clients on program structure, KPIs, cost-effectiveness frameworks, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support development of measurement & verification (M&V), performance tracking, and reporting strategies for innovative programs.
  • Ensure alignment between customer experience, technology integration, and program outcomes.

Client Relationship & Industry Engagement
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key utility stakeholders, including program leaders, regulatory teams, and innovation groups.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying solutions to complex technical, regulatory, and operational challenges.
  • Represent APTIM at industry conferences, regulatory forums, and innovation collaboratives.
  • Build partnerships with technology providers, aggregators, OEMs, and implementation partners.

Pursuits, Proposals & Market Intelligence
  • Lead pursuit strategy, including win themes, solution differentiation, and proposal development.
  • Monitor market trends, policies, and competitor activity to refine go-to-market strategies.
  • Develop compelling narratives connecting technology, customer value, and grid benefits.
  • Maintain opportunity tracking and reporting in Salesforce and related systems.
  • Develop targeting strategies, manage a national pipeline, and close new business opportunities.
  • Monitor market trends, policy developments, and competitor activity to inform product and sales strategy.
  • Collaborate with operations, marketing, legal, IT, HR, and finance teams to ensure successful delivery and growth.
  • Maintain accurate opportunity, client, and program data in Salesforce, SharePoint, and related systems.
  • Anticipate and interpret customer needs to identify solutions.
  • A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
  • Travel as necessary to perform duties, up to 50%.
  • Commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment within the team and broader organization.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Ensuring compliance with all APTIM quality and safety policies as well as all OSHA regulations.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent work experience.
  • 10+ years' sales experience related to utility energy program management/implementation, utility innovation, grid modernization and resiliency.
  • Strong understanding of DSM programs, beneficial electrification, emobility, DER, and utility operations and emerging trends in the industry.
  • Proven ability to build client relationships and translate market needs into scalable program offerings.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Experience launching new utility programs, pilots, or innovative offerings.
  • Experience selling and delivering programs for utilities, government agencies, or cooperatives.
  • Working knowledge of the policy and regulatory influences on energy efficiency and utility operations.
  • Proven experience developing and maintaining relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • Must be a self-starter, organized and have an ability to manage competing priorities with established deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment while interacting with individuals at all levels of the organization.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with a practical, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.
  • Commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment within the team and broader organization.
  • Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence others with or without direct authority.
  • Proficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years' experience in utility DSM program management preferred.
  • PMP, MBA, CEM, BPI, or similar certifications.
  • Experience with Microsoft Dynamics, and/or Power BI.

About APTIM:
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
  • Work that is worthy of your time and talent
  • Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
  • Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
  • A voice in making our company better
  • Investment into your personal and professional development

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $180-235K per year. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace https://aptim.makeityoursource.com/.
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and several carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
  • Company paid and optional Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
  • 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
    • APTIM 401(k) Guide
    • APTIM - Helpful Documents

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