Utility Director City of Lake City

The City of Lake City is seeking a collaborative and experienced Utility Director to oversee the administration and operations of our electric, water, and wastewater utilities. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective services for our community.
As Utility Director, you’ll work closely with the Public Works Director, utility supervisors, and regional partners to guide infrastructure planning, operations, and long-term sustainability efforts. 
Initial application review - July 6, 2026.
What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and coordination across electric, water, and wastewater divisions
• Supervise utility supervisors and support team development, performance, and safety
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure regulatory compliance across all utility services
• Assist with annual budgeting, capital improvement planning, and long-term financial strategies
• Manage utility infrastructure projects, including planning, procurement, and implementation
• Support customer service initiatives, policy implementation, and public communications
• Collaborate with engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and regional partners
• Serve as acting Public Works Director when designated

• Leadership experience managing personnel, budgets, and projects (8+ years preferred)
• Experience in municipal or utility operations (electric and/or water/wastewater preferred)
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, utilities management, or related field
• Knowledge of utility systems, regulatory requirements, and capital planning
• Experience with SCADA systems, GIS tools, and asset management platforms

1. Provides administrative leadership and coordination across utility departments.
   1. Oversees day-to-day operations through direct supervision of utility division supervisors.
   2. Coordinates interdepartmental utility activities to ensure alignment with City goals and compliance requirements.
   3. Facilitates communication and workflow between utility departments and other Public Works divisions.
   4. Serves as acting Public Works Director during scheduled absences or as delegated.
2. Oversees personnel and supports staff development within utility operations.
   1. Provides leadership and administrative direction to supervisors in Electric, Water, and Wastewater operations. 
   2. Assists with hiring, evaluations, performance management, and training initiatives in coordination with the Public Works Director. 
   3. Ensures safety policies, procedures, and training requirements are consistently implemented across all utility divisions.
   4. Promotes a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.
3. Assists with utility budgeting, capital improvement planning, and resource management.
   1. Works with utility supervisors to prepare annual budgets and 10-year capital improvement plans.
   2. Supports the Public Works Director in developing utility rate recommendations and long-term funding strategies.
   3. Assists with procurement of utility equipment, materials, and services in accordance with City policies.
   4. Helps prioritize and develop long-range capital improvement plans for substations, AMI upgrades, underground conversion, water/sewer infrastructure, and related assets.
4. Oversees utility projects and regulatory compliance coordination.
   1. Oversees assigned utility projects and monitors adherence to budget, schedule, and technical specifications.
   2. Supports supervisors in preparing and submitting reports to regulatory agencies (e.g., Minnesota Department of Health, MPCA).
   3. Ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations across water, wastewater, stormwater, and electric operations.
   4. Assists with grant applications, permitting, and external agency coordination.
5. Supports utility-related public engagement, policy implementation, and board communications.
   1. Assists with addressing utility service inquiries, complaints, and customer support issues.
   2. Supports implementation and enforcement of utility policies, including the City’s Electric Service Rules and Regulations.
   3. Coordinates utility-related updates and agenda materials for the Utility Board and may serve as liaison or presenter.
   4. Maintains positive relationships with consultants, contractors, suppliers, and regional utility partners.
   5. Serves as the City’s representative to SMMPA (Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency), attends member meetings, reviews technical and policy updates, and supports implementation of SMMPA programs and initiatives.
6. Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental success and leadership continuity.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, utilities management, ora related field preferred. A minimum of 8 years’ experience in a managerial position supervising personnel and managing budgets and projects. Significant experience in utility operations, including oversight of electrical and/or water/wastewater systems is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, technical field experience, and demonstrated leadership ability will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with municipal electric utility operations, including overhead and underground distribution systems
• Familiarity with water and wastewater treatment, collection, and distribution systems
• Strong leadership and managerial ability, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and professionalism
• Understanding of utility budgeting, capital planning, rate structures, and regulatory compliance
• Competence with SCADA systems, GIS tools, and asset management platforms
• Proven ability to supervise supervisors and coordinate multi-division operations
• Ability to interpret system studies, project plans, engineering reports, and technical recommendations
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with staff, contractors, regulators, and the public
• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills