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Public Works Utilities Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The City of Elkhart

Assistant City Engineer

Elkhart, IN

$103K - $114K/yr

... TO Director of Public Works DATE 2026 JOB SUMMARY Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Engineering Team within the Department of Public Works Utilities, which ...

City of Elkhart

Assistant City Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

... TO Director of Public Works DATE 2026 JOB SUMMARY Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Engineering Team within the Department of Public Works Utilities, which ...

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Public Works Utilities Director information

What is a public works utilities director?

Public Works Utilities Directors are senior officials responsible for overseeing the operations, maintenance, and strategic planning of public utility services, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, and sometimes electricity or gas, within a city or municipality. They manage budgets, staff, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure projects to ensure the reliable delivery of essential services to the public. These directors often collaborate with other government agencies, contractors, and the community to address utility-related issues and improve service efficiency. Their role is vital in maintaining public health, safety, and environmental standards.

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

To thrive as a Public Works Utilities Director, you need a strong background in civil engineering, public administration, and utility operations, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant professional licenses. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems, asset management software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure efficient utility operations, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of reliable public services.

What are some common challenges faced by a public works utilities director in managing multiple utility systems?

Public Works Utilities Directors often oversee a variety of utility systems such as water, wastewater, and stormwater, each with its own regulatory requirements and operational complexities. Balancing budget constraints while ensuring infrastructure reliability and regulatory compliance can be challenging, especially during emergencies or periods of rapid community growth. Effective communication and coordination with other municipal departments, contractors, and the public are essential to address these challenges and maintain high service standards. Directors also need to stay current with evolving technologies and environmental regulations to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

What is the difference between Public Works Utilities Director vs Water Plant Supervisor?

AspectPublic Works Utilities DirectorWater Plant Supervisor
CredentialsEngineering degree or related certification, state licensingWater treatment certification, relevant technical training
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments including water, sewer, and public worksManages daily operations of a water treatment plant
Employer & IndustryMunicipal government, public utilitiesPublic utility or municipal water department
Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in public utilitiesCompared for technical and operational roles in water treatment

The Public Works Utilities Director oversees multiple departments within public utilities, including water services, sewer, and infrastructure, requiring broader management skills and certifications. In contrast, the Water Plant Supervisor focuses specifically on the daily operations of a water treatment plant, emphasizing technical expertise. Both roles are essential in municipal water management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Public Works Utilities Director jobs in Indiana?

For Public Works Utilities Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Works Utilities Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Works Utilities Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Works Utilities Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Public Works Utilities Director job openings:

Public Works Utilities Director jobs near you

Assistant City Engineer

The City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN

$103K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

City Of Elkhart (Indiana) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT
Public Works
POSITION
Assistant City Engineer/ City Engineer
DIVISION
Engineering
STATUS
Full-time
CATEGORY
Salaried, Up to $114,000
FLSA
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Director of Public Works
DATE
2026
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Engineering Team within the Department of Public Works Utilities, which includes: Records and GIS Manager, Engineering Project Managers Asset Manager, Engineering Technicians, GIS Technicians, and Televising Technician.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Depending on qualifications and Mayoral appointment, may serve as either “City Engineer” or “Assistant City Engineer”.
  • Provides positive leadership and organizational directives that result in efficient services performed by colleagues, and superior services provided to internal and external customers.
  • Supervises and manages assigned staff, including analyzing staff workload, reviewing position documentation, interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions, planning, delegating, and controlling work assignments, establishing specific work goals, training/developing/motivating assigned staff, determining significant changes in responsibilities, evaluating performance, reviewing salaries, recommending personnel actions, maintaining discipline and recommending corrective action, and communicating and administering personnel programs.
  • Oversees, directs, and coordinates the following tasks of the Engineering team:
    • Manages all aspects of the conception, design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a wide-range of public works projects, including streets, sidewalks, drainage, stormwater quality, water utility, and wastewater utility.
    • Assists in the selection of qualified design and engineering consultants.
    • Manages and coordinates the bidding and other procurement processes according to state and local regulations for public works projects.
    • Leads the Engineering team review of development plan applications, including commercial sites, industrial sites, and residential subdivisions.
  • Collaborate with the Elkhart Board of Public Works, and on occasion other boards and commissions, to direct the functions necessary to efficiently and creatively provide internal customers and the citizenry with clean water, effective wastewater management, efficient transportation systems and right-of-way management.
  • Oversees and, if appointed as City Engineer, gives final approval to all in-house engineering work complete by the Engineering Team.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of infrastructure plans, including master planning and multi-year capital improvement programming.
  • Serves on various boards, commissions, and specified committees as required. Periodically prepares and presents presentations to public groups.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The incumbent will have attained the following levels of education and experience:
  • Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience, preferably in a municipal or public works environment.
  • Experience in project management, infrastructure design, or construction oversight preferred.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Indiana required (or ability to obtain within one year).
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The incumbent must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Knowledge of municipal engineering principles, including transportation, stormwater, water, and wastewater systems.
  • Understanding of applicable federal and state regulations, including environmental and permitting requirements.
  • Ability to review technical plans and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, elected officials, and the public.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and project administration in a public sector environment.
  • Ability to use technology and data to support decision-making and operational efficiency.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS
  • Ability to logically think and reason.
  • Ability to read, write, interpret, and verbally give or demonstrate work instructions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a 40 plus hours per week standard office environment. Frequent trips to off-site office locations may be necessary, often in inclement weather. Night meetings are frequent, and therefore the length of the workday and work week may substantially exceed 8 hours and 40 hours, respectively.
POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
  • The City of Elkhart is a Drug-Free Workplace; successful completion of a post-offer drug screen is required. Random drug testing may be conducted after employment.
  • Background checks must produce acceptable BMV and criminal history reports.
POLICY STATEMENT
  • The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
  • This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
  • This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

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