Remote Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $230,131.20 - $279,739.20 Annually
Location : Hayward City Hall - 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: U525-2026-05
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The City of Hayward seeks a collaborative and team-oriented candidate with sound technical and professional experience to serve as the Assistant Director of Public Works-Utilities, overseeing the City's wastewater collection and treatment, water distribution groundwater management and recycled water systems. The ideal candidate is a working manager with a proven track record of excellent leadership skills, and with a firm commitment to superior service, regulatory compliance, staff development, and community responsiveness. Hayward places a high priority on providing customer service for all its customers.
The Assistant Director of Public Works-Utilities is responsible for all Utilities Division activities, including water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water, and groundwater ("One Water"). Reporting to the Director of Public Works, the Assistant Director exercises direct and indirect supervision of management, professional, technical, field maintenance and administrative personnel in the functional areas of the Utilities Division.
THE COMMUNITY
The City of Hayward, with a population of 162,000, is strategically located at the epicenter of the San Francisco Bay Area. Encompassing 61 square miles, Hayward is located in Alameda County, on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, 25 miles southeast of San Francisco. Hayward is the sixth-largest municipality in the Bay Area and a thriving regional center of commerce, manufacturing, and trade. With three international airports-Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose-within 25 minutes, its own general aviation airport, two Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stops, a central Amtrak station, and Union Pacific freight rail, Hayward is perhaps the most connected city in the region. Known as the "Heart of the Bay," Hayward has capitalized on its unparalleled location, relative affordability, and a wide range of quality-of-life benefits that catch the eye of young professionals, families, and major developers.
THE POSITION
The Assistant Director of Public Works-Utilities is responsible for all Utilities Division activities, including water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water, and groundwater ("One Water"). Reporting to the Director of Public Works, the Assistant Director exercises direct and indirect supervision of management, professional, technical, field maintenance and administrative personnel in the functional areas of the Utilities Division.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The next Assistant Public Works Director - Utilities will have the opportunity to lead several exciting and challenging efforts, including:
• Development of a "One Water Plan" to integrate water supply planning and reliability.
• Construction of a nearly $500M wastewater plant improvements project at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, including a nature-based solution component
• Expansion of the City's Recycled Water Program, including for industrial uses
• Implementation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan
• Expansion of the City's nationally-recognized and award-winning Renewable Energy Program
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:
In addition to leadership skills, a strong work ethic and commitment to customer service, the incoming Assistant Director must also have the ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the work of staff to achieve efficient operations and meet the City's goals. This position requires knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering as it pertains to water and wastewater, hydrology, hydraulics, and hydrogeology, along with knowledge of wastewater and water treatment processes and master plan development for public utility systems. Experience in developing capital and operating budgets is desirable. Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering from an accredited college or university along with five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience as a senior-level engineer or related position with a public agency or private firm, with a focus on water resources, water distribution or wastewater collection and treatment, including three (3) years at the management level. A Master's degree is desirable. Candidates must possess a California Professional Engineer license at the time of appointment.
Essential Duties
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Establishing overall objectives, operating principles and work practices of Utilities Division staff.
Overseeing implementation of all activities related to Utilities Division, including water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water, and groundwater.
Supervising and coordinating operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities.
Coordinating closely with Environmental Services Division staff regarding water pollution source control activities and regulations.
Ensuring the City's compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility.
Working cooperatively with federal, state and regional entities regarding areas of responsibility.
Overseeing negotiations and development of joint projects and multi-agency agreements with other federal, state and regional entities.
Ensuring that approved Utilities Divisions capital improvement projects are implemented on schedule and on budget.
Coordinating Utilities Division activities with other divisions within the Department and other City departments, divisions and outside agencies.
Researching and preparing complex technical and administrative reports and recommendations on utilities issues.
Preparing the Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget for the Utilities Division.
Evaluating, negotiating and recommending professional services agreements and construction contracts pertaining to Utilities Division.
Selecting and supervising professional, technical and administrative personnel.
Training and motivating employees to ensure reasonable professional growth and effective work attitudes.
Evaluating employee performance and taking corrective actions as needed to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.
Preparing City Council and Council Committee (e.g., Council Infrastructure Committee and Council Sustainability Committee) communications, including reports and presentation materials.
Making presentations to various elected and appointed bodies, including City Council, Council Committees and Planning Commission, as well as to community groups and outside agencies.
Assisting Director of Public Works in explaining and interpreting division policies and proposals to City officials, other agencies and the public.
Championing the implementation of sustainable initiatives in the City's water resources programs.
Building and maintaining positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of excellent customer service.
Mentoring Division staff and assisting them in their career development.
Performing related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering as it pertains to water and wastewater.
• Principles of hydrology, hydraulics and hydrogeology.
• Applicable laws and regulations related to operation of water and wastewater facilities.
• Recent developments, current practices and sources of information regarding water and wastewater.
• Principles and practices of analytical research, project management and contract administration.
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
• Principles and methods of report writing and presentations

Ability to:

• Prepare and supervise the preparation of technical documents and reports.
• Analyze operational issues and select proper course of action.
• Analyze and interpret technical materials, financial reports and legal documents, in order to make sound recommendations.
• Work cooperatively with staff from federal, state, and regional entities to achieve common goals while representing the City's interests.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate professional, technical and administrative personnel.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Develop and manage resources, budgets, and schedules for specific projects and programs.
• Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, codes, and City policies and procedures.
• Make sound decisions with solid problem solving methods.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

For information and to apply to this position:
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience as a senior-level engineer or related field with a focus on water resources, water distribution or wastewater collection and treatment, including three years at the management level.
Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical or environmental engineering from an accredited college or university. A Master's degree in a similar field is desirable.
Certificate: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California, at the time of appointment.
License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application which fully describes the nature of their professional experience and qualifications. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Application Review - Based on the information provided, employment applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications.
Job Related Testing -Those best qualified may be invited to the next phase of the process, which will include a virtual supplemental questionnaire reviewed by subject matter experts. Invitations to take the supplemental questionnaires are projected to be sent out during the week of June 28, 2026.
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
If you are unsuccessful in this recruitment, you are highly encouraged to look at City of Hayward's current vacancies and apply to any and/or all positions that you meet the minimum qualifications for.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
A Certified Age Friendly Employer
Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
• Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
• Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and