City of Gilroy

Utilities Business Manager

Onsite - Gilroy, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 11/21/24

UTILITIES BUSINESS MANAGER

Utilities Department

$10,698.67 – $14,267.50 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team!  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a full-time Utility Business Manager for our Utilities Department. As our Utility Business Manager, you will be the driving force behind the financial health and operational efficiency of our utility enterprise funds. Your expertise will help us maintain high standards and innovate for the future!

In this exciting opportunity the Utility Business Manager (UBM) will be working under the general direction of the Utilities Director to manage and oversee multiple funds for water, wastewater, and wastewater treatment, and ensure financial health and compliance. The UBM will also perform complex budget functions, rate studies, and long-term financial forecasting. Additional responsibilities include researching and making organizational policy and procedural recommendations, developing grant and low-interest loan opportunities, reviewing contracts and agreements, and act as integral member of the departmental management team.

Moreover, the UBM will assist the Director with special projects and the development of programs, supervise professional, technical, and/or administrative staff, coordinate with the Utility Billing unit, and may manage complex departmental programs through subordinate levels of supervision and perform related work as assigned. The position will also handle confidential information with tact and discretion.

The UBM is an exempt, mid-management level position that provides analytical data, information, and reports in support of the City’s Utilities function. This position will be included with the Gilroy Management Association employee group.

If you’re excited about the chance to lead our utility services into the future, we want to hear from you!

THE TEAM AND DEPARTMENT

At the City of Gilroy, we are committed to providing exceptional water and wastewater services to our community. We strive for excellence in design and operation efficiency, integrity and accountability in our decision making, respect, and teamwork to leverage collective expertise in solving complex challenges to achieve common goals.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

  • Demonstrate financial leadership and possess advanced knowledge in public agency finance practices and procedures to oversee and manage enterprise funds for all aspects of Utilities. 
  • Be effective in budget development and have strong forecasting skills with the ability to administer multiple complex budgets. 
  • Have strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information. 
  • Have strong Utility Business acumen within a municipal environment and have experience with rate setting.  
  • Possess excellent written communication skills to prepare a variety of reports, policies, ordinances, and correspondences. 
  • Have supervisorial experience to manage employees and consultants. 
  • Be knowledgeable in the areas of grant administration and contract development. 
  • Collaborate across departments and work closely with various teams to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. 
  • Prepare and present reports, presentations, and recommendations to senior management, elected officials, and the public on Utility matters. 
  • Be a solutions-oriented leader and a collaborative problem solver with competent decision-making skills. 
  • Stay abreast of federal, state, and local laws and water and wastewater regulations. 
  • Maintain effective working relationships with funding agencies, community-based organizations, other public agencies, and the public. 
  • Provide exemplary customer service skills to include timely and accurate responses to residents and customers conjoined with empathy and a sincere desire to provide service to the community.
  • Have strong time management skills to effectively manage workload.

CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE/ LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

As a Utilities Business Manager, you will seize the opportunity to shape the future of utility services in our community. This role will offer a dynamic learning environment where you will gain in-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, financial management, and customer engagement strategies. You’ll develop essential skills in project management and sustainability practices, while exploring innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency. If you’re passionate about public service and eager to make a difference, this position provides the perfect platform for your professional growth and leadership development in the utilities sector.

EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Analyze and forecast department costs and needs to develop an initial budget for the department (FY 26 and FY 27 two -year budget), including operational cost, personnel, and capital projects. 
  • Participate in Capital Improvement Projects and reporting and develop a plan for future infrastructure investments and upgrades. 
  • Oversee the development and expansion of the Utility Department website. 
  • Create operational guidelines for utility management, customer service, and emergency response. 
  • Develop and participate in public outreach and education programs to educate residents about utility usage, conservation, and available resources. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, accounting, or other similar field of study. 
  • Four years of professional finance, fiscal reporting, accounting, or budgetary experience, including at least one year at a supervisory or management level. 
  • Prior experience in a public agency and a Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable. 
  • Prior administrative and/or fiscal experience related to utilities (water and wastewater) is highly desirable. 
  • Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
  • Pass an employment background check to include a Department of Justice criminal record check and a credit check.
  • May be required to pass a post-offer medical examination, which includes a drug test. 

Note:

  • To foster teamwork and collaboration in the department, organization-wide, and in the community, this full-time position works on-site/in-person.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application: 

  • A completed City of Gilroy online application including supplemental responses.
  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the position with the City of Gilroy is preferred. 
  • A detailed resume that highlights your related skills and experience is preferred.

City Application Form – Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

 

Apply Online: Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy. You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the “Apply” link. After viewing the Job Description, click the ‘Apply’ tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

Recruitment Schedule – Key Dates*

  • Application Closing Date: November 21, 2024
  • First Round Oral Board: December 10, 2024
  • Finalist Interviews: TBD 

(*Note: The examination process/schedule may be changed as needed by the City.)

Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass an employment background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City’s expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away 408-846-0228.

 

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.

 

THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.

Recruiter Information:

Jason R. Davalos