Assistant Director of Utilities and Public Works - City of Newberry

The City of Newberry is excited to welcome applications for a leadership opportunity that truly makes a difference — Assistant Director of Utilities & Public Works. In this key role, you’ll help shape the future of our growing community by supporting and advancing essential services including water, wastewater, electric, streets and roads, cemetery operations, and utility administration.

We’re seeking an approachable, innovative, and collaborative leader who brings technical expertise and a heart for public service. If you’re a hands-on, forward-thinking professional who enjoys solving problems, improving operations, and making a real impact in people’s everyday lives, this is your chance to shine.

As part of our leadership team, you’ll partner with the Director of Utilities & Public Works to lead a talented team, maintain and enhance critical infrastructure, and ensure our community continues to thrive.

This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of something meaningful, to help build a stronger future for Newberry, and to work in a community that values connection, service, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Champion the City’s core values: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction to division supervisors.
• Assist with hiring, training, evaluating, and developing staff.
• Plan and direct operational and administrative functions across multiple utility and public works divisions.
• Evaluate short- and long-range community needs and help shape infrastructure investment strategies.
• Prepare and manage budgets, financial strategies, and funding applications (e.g., grants, State Revolving Fund).

Infrastructure & Project Management

• Oversee construction projects, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, safety, and compliance standards.
• Coordinate design reviews, technical evaluations, and permitting for capital projects.
• Lead permitting efforts and serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Ensure all projects comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Inspections & Compliance

• Supervise inspection activities related to utilities, right-of-way work, roadway construction, and infrastructure development.
• Interpret and enforce Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications and quality control requirements.
• Review engineering plans for proposed developments to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain thorough documentation to meet internal and external auditing standards.

Strategic & Technical Expertise

• Analyze system needs, identify operational efficiencies, and recommend improvements.
• Guide infrastructure planning and capital improvements to support community growth.
• Collaborate with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to resolve issues effectively.
• Serve as a trusted resource for technical expertise in water, wastewater, electric, and public works operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in utility and/or public works administration at the municipal, county, or state level, including:
  • Budgeting and procurement
  • Labor/employment oversight
  • Capital project delivery and public records management
  • Operational oversight of electric distribution, water distribution, wastewater, stormwater, water treatment, public works, and capital project management
• Ability to obtain FDOT and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) certifications within two (2) years of employment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the public and internal teams.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with a driving record acceptable under City policy and insurance requirements.
• A comparable combination of education, training, and experience may be considered (excluding the driver’s license requirement).

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Core Competencies

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, supervise, and coordinate complex programs.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and foster collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Technical Expertise

• Principles, practices, and methods related to:
  • Potable water, wastewater, and electric distribution systems
  • Roadway design, maintenance, and public works operations
  • Environmental permitting and civil/environmental engineering principles
• Ability to review and evaluate plans and designs.
• Knowledge of state and local infrastructure regulations.

Regulatory & Analytical Skills

• Ability to conduct inspections and prepare clear, detailed reports.
• Familiarity with construction methods and materials in public works.
• Skill in interpreting specifications, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Professionalism and tact when working with contractors, residents, and agencies.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork.
• Light physical activity, including lifting up to 20 pounds and occasional climbing, bending, or standing.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, construction sites, and potential environmental hazards.
• Vocal communication and visual acuity required for inspections, meetings, and documentation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out all essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The duties described are not intended to be exhaustive. Management may assign additional responsibilities as needed. This description does not constitute a contract of employment.