First review of applications begins on August 24, 2026
REPORTS TO: Public Utilities Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the Public Utilities Director
PAY GRADE: 129
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to perform administrative, managerial, and technical functions associated with assisting in directing the overall operations of the Public Utilities Department. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in planning, coordinating and directing all aspects of department operations; developing departmental budget and controlling expenditures; instructing and disciplining assigned staff; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; subject to call back as needed.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering, public administration, business administration, management or related discipline with ten years of experience involving water/wastewater planning, design, finance and customer service or operations and maintenance of a similar sized system, to include five years of experience in a leadership role required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Four years of supervisory experience required.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Master’s Degree preferred.
Engineering, operations, planning, financial or accounting certification or registration are preferred.
Engineer in Training preferred.
Certification as a Professional Engineer preferred.
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Supervises and evaluates assigned staff and indirect supervision of overall department personnel, handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals.
Assists the Director in managing daily operations of the department.
Assists Director in preparing long- and short-range plans for the department.
Plans work and sets priorities for multiple divisions of the Public Utilities Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, water distribution and wastewater collection, meter management and customer service and billing.
Develops short- and long-term capital budget programs to provide necessary water and wastewater infrastructure to serve the Athens-Clarke County area.
Plans and manages capital improvement and new construction projects.
Manages the annual evaluation rates for water billing, maintains records, collects and manipulates data, and assists consultants. Collects data and prepares reports required for capital financing.
Coordinates flow monitoring program.
Serves on various committees, task forces, etc. as appropriate.
Receives and/or prepares letters, reports, correspondence, forms and other documentation; reviews, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains files and logs.
Performs public relations functions as necessary.
Determines practices and procedures for water billing and bill collection, manages fiscal risk of the billing office, directs and oversees the performance of multiple hardware and software vendors associated with billing, manages the performance of the automated metering infrastructure, and resolves customer water and sewer billing issues,
Provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Performs functions of Public Utilities Director in Director's absence.
Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the operations and functions of the Public Utilities Department.
Knowledge of management, human resource management/personnel and financial practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge of and proficiency with computers and various software packages.
Knowledge of local, state and federal codes, acts and policies concerning water and wastewater conveyance and treatment, water and wastewater operations and maintenance, water and wastewater design and construction. pollution control, water and water pollution control plant operations, water/sewer line construction and maintenance procedures, and civil engineering and land surveying principles and practices.
Knowledge of public administration, customer service, municipal accounting and budget procedures, grant requirements and availability, capital financing techniques, management and supervision.
Skill in public relations and oral and written communications.
Skill in organizational, management, human relations, and technical skills.
Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.
Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc., as they pertain to departmental and human resource/personnel operations and activities.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County as they relate to the Public Utilities Department.
Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Ability to handle required mathematical calculations using statistical methods.
Ability to read, understand and interpret personnel and financial reports and related materials.
Ability to operate various office equipment including a computer, printer, scientific calculator, and telephone.
Ability to utilize various software programs relevant to the position.
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, scientific calculator, and telephone. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of construction plans, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, reports, forms, spreadsheets, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to individuals and/or groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including civil engineering, legal, financial and human resources terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit/loss, ratio/proportion, etc.; perform calculations involving variables/formulas/square roots/polynomials; and perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests, correlation techniques, factor analysis, and econometrics.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, scientific calculator, and telephone.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, office supplies, computer supplies, and drafting equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or [email protected]. 