Director of Utilities

About the Role

The City of Clemson is seeking a Director of Utilities to oversee the planning, construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of its water, wastewater, sewer collection, customer billing, meter reading, and stormwater systems. This leadership position involves managing the utilities division, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, developing budgets, and supervising departmental staff. The role requires a proactive approach to infrastructure management, emergency response, and long-term planning for utility services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all personnel within the utilities division, including performance appraisals, training, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop and recommend city policies for the utilities division to the Assistant City Administrator.
• Formulate and manage operational and capital improvement budgets for the utilities division.
• Ensure timely and professional fulfillment of citizen service requests related to utilities.
• Oversee the daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, water and sewer lines, meter reading/utility billing, stormwater management, and GIS asset management.
• Plan and direct future water and sewer line extensions and rehabilitation projects, as well as capacity planning for sewer plants and water supply.
• Ensure the city's compliance with state primary drinking water regulations and NPDES permit requirements for wastewater discharges.
• Secure necessary construction and operation permits from SCDES for water and sewer projects.
• Manage the installation, maintenance, and repair of all water and sewer distribution and collection system components, including adherence to mandated programs like backflow prevention and sampling.
• Ensure prompt response to emergency repairs and proper operation and maintenance of the Cochran Road Treatment Plant.
• Serve as a liaison for the Pendleton/Clemson Wastewater Treatment Plant and as a Board of Directors member for the Anderson Regional Joint Water System.
• Maintain comprehensive records of work tasks, materials used, and unusual occurrences, and manage an ongoing preventative maintenance program.
• Advise the Assistant City Administrator on utility conditions and recommend improvements.
• Review private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards.
• Assign and inspect construction and maintenance work, ensuring conformance to specifications.
• Provide support for operations and construction at the Pendleton/Clemson WWTP.
• Maintain and direct records, maps, inspection sheets, and work orders.
• Provide on-call duty coverage 24/7.
• Oversee the control and use of all materials, supplies, and equipment used in utility operations.
• Inspect and supervise the repair of booster pumping stations, water tanks, and distribution systems.
• Liaise with the public and civic groups regarding water, sewer, and drainage issues.
• Ensure availability of necessary materials and equipment through inventory management.
• Respond to and evaluate complaints regarding water service issues, determining liability and coordinating repairs.
• Communicate service disruptions to residents and business owners and explain emergency situations.
• Oversee the safety of maintenance and equipment operation personnel.
• Prepare reports on manpower utilization, time records, work, and materials, and make presentations.
• Assist in motivating and evaluating personnel.
• Analyze and project the city's needs for equipment and materials.
• Recommend heavy equipment purchases and procure all necessary supplies and equipment.
• Maintain knowledge of operation and use of various construction and maintenance equipment and tools.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of detection devices, communication tools, and relevant software including Auto CAD and GIS.
• Operate power construction and maintenance equipment and provide guidance for utility building construction.
• Assist in training other City personnel in utility design and construction techniques.
• Fill in for other positions within the department as needed.
• Serve on assigned committees and report to City Council as required.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the construction, repair, and maintenance of water, wastewater, sewer collection, and meter reading systems, including operating related maintenance equipment.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience in utility operations or a related area.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Must possess a valid State Driver's license or the ability to obtain one.
• Must hold a Class “A” Wastewater Operator license and a Class “A” Water Distribution license.
• Must possess a commercial driver’s license.
• Must adhere to all City of Clemson, State, and Federal Safety Laws.
• Preferred qualifications include a Class “A” Biological Wastewater Operator License, Class “A” Wastewater Collections License, Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Certification (CEPSI), and Certified Stormwater Plan Reviewer Certification (CSPR).

Perks

• Paid Annual and Sick Leave
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Access to FREE acute medical care for employees, their spouse, and children under 26
• PEBA Retirement
• 401K and 457 Retirement Plan Options
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Life Insurance
• Medical Flexible Spending Plan
• Health Savings Account

Eligibility

This position is open to all qualified applicants. The City of Clemson provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Additional Information

Applications are accepted online at https://www.clemsoncity.org/. Applications will be accepted until July 7, 2026.