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Utility Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Assistant Director Utility Systems

Raleigh, NC

Posting Information Posting Number PG193994EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant Director Utility Systems Anticipated Hiring Range $94,000 - $107,499 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 7:00 ...

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How much do utility director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility director in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Utility Director faces in balancing regulatory compliance with operational efficiency?

Utility Directors often navigate the complex task of ensuring all operations meet stringent regulatory standards while also striving for cost-effective and efficient service delivery. Balancing these priorities can involve coordinating with various departments, staying updated on evolving regulations, and implementing new technologies or processes. Directors must also foster strong communication between field crews, engineers, and administrative staff to address compliance issues proactively. Successfully managing these challenges enhances public trust and helps the utility avoid costly penalties or service disruptions.

What are Utility Directors?

Utility Directors are senior managers responsible for overseeing the operations, maintenance, and strategic planning of public utilities such as water, electricity, gas, or wastewater services. They ensure that utility systems run efficiently, comply with regulations, and meet community needs. Utility Directors often manage budgets, lead teams, develop policies, and communicate with government officials or the public. Their role is critical to ensuring reliable and safe utility services in their jurisdiction.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-level executive roles such as Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers, and other C-suite positions often have annual compensation exceeding $500,000, especially in large corporations. Additionally, specialized roles like top-tier surgeons, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs can also reach or surpass this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and significant responsibility.

What does a utilities director do?

A utilities director oversees the operation and maintenance of public utility services such as water, gas, or electricity. They manage staff, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, develop budgets, and plan infrastructure improvements. Strong leadership, technical knowledge, and familiarity with utility management software are essential for this role.

How much does a utility director make?

A utility director typically earns a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the utility. They often oversee operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations, requiring strong leadership and technical skills.

What is the difference between Utility Director vs Utility Manager?

AspectUtility DirectorUtility Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in utility operationsBachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; relevant certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments or entire utility systems, often in government or large organizationsManages daily operations of a specific utility department or facility
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, municipal utilities, large private utility companiesMunicipal utilities, private utility companies, or regional service providers

The Utility Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role overseeing entire utility systems, while the Utility Manager focuses on managing daily operations within a specific utility department. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Director's scope is broader, often involving strategic planning and policy development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Director, you need strong leadership abilities, extensive knowledge of utility operations, regulatory compliance, and typically a degree in engineering, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS software, budgeting tools, and relevant industry certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Utility Manager (CUM) is common. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills help build effective teams and manage stakeholder relationships. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring efficient utility operations, regulatory adherence, and reliable service delivery to the community.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Utility Directors in large organizations or municipalities can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles in utilities or energy companies, such as chief executives or senior managers, also often reach or exceed this salary level. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Utility jobs? The most popular types of Utility jobs are:
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Utility Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UTILITY SERVICES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UTILITY SERVICES

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Executive Director, Utilities & Engineering Services, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary organization responsible for campus-wide utility systems, engineering services, and the operations that support Duke's academic, research, healthcare, and residential missions.
Qualifications
Education/Training:
  • BS degree in a Facilities Management-related field. Engineering degree preferred.

Experience:
  • Fifteen years' experience in the Facilities Management or related field including progressive leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a large, complex district utility systems in a mission critical environment.
  • Strong customer service philosophy and ability to motivate staff in a changing environment.
  • Experience in a higher education or similar setting preferred.

Be Bold.
The Executive Director of Utilities & Engineering Services provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Duke University's campus-wide utility systems and engineering services. Reporting to the Vice President of Facilities, this role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective delivery of utilities and engineering support that enable Duke's academic, research, healthcare, and residential missions.
The Executive Director leads a multidisciplinary organization responsible for central utility plants, distribution systems, energy management, engineering services, capital program support, and regulatory compliance across a complex, high-reliability campus environment.
What You'll Do:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
  • Set and execute a long-term vision for Duke's utility and engineering services aligned with institutional priorities, climate commitments, and growth plans.
  • Develop and implement utility master plans, infrastructure renewal strategies, and resiliency initiatives.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership on infrastructure risk, capacity planning, and investment decisions.
  • Provide administrative oversight to ensure the seamless operation of unit

Operations & Reliability
  • Ensure safe, continuous, and resilient operation of campus utilities, including electricity, steam, chilled and hot water, domestic water, sewer, and stormwater systems to the University and Medical Center.
  • Lead incident response, outage management, and business continuity planning for critical infrastructure.
  • Establish performance metrics and continuous improvement programs focused on reliability, safety, and service quality.

Engineering & Technical Services
  • Provide oversight strategic guidance of Engineering team including engineering standards, system design review, commissioning support, and technical guidance for capital projects and renovations.
  • Provide governance for utility interfaces with new construction, major research facilities, and healthcare-related infrastructure.
  • Promote standardization, asset management best practices, and lifecycle-based decision making.

Capital Program & Financial Stewardship
  • Plan, prioritize, and manage a multi-year capital renewal and improvement portfolio.
  • Develop and manage operating and capital budgets; optimize lifecycle costs and return on investment.
  • Partner with necessary entities to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

Energy Management & Decarbonization
  • Advance Duke's energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization, and climate resilience goals.
  • Leverage data, analytics, and emerging technologies to reduce energy use, emissions, and operating costs across all utility plants.
  • Collaborate with the University's Office of Climate and Sustainability on campus climate initiatives.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Champion a strong culture of safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, permits, and utility regulations.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate infrastructure, operational, and cyber-physical risks.

People, Culture & Partnerships
  • Lead, develop, and mentor a diverse team of engineering, operations, and technical professionals.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
  • Build strong partnerships with campus stakeholders, local utilities, regulators, and peer institutions.
  • Address personnel issues, including hiring, coaching, discipline, and matters related to union contracts.
  • Identify skills gaps within staff and provide coaching and guidance.
  • Participate in the annual performance appraisal process.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with collective bargaining unit.
  • Advise senior leadership on all matters relating to their assigned unit.
  • Act as a representative of Facilities Management in internal meetings, committees, and when engaging with external groups.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by department leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences.
  • Computer skills in MS Office; analytical skills related to productivity; ability to understand processes, procedures, and budgets.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $103,362.00 to USD $206,722.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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