The first review of applications will begin on August 17th, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
The City of Newberry is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to oversee our electric, water, and wastewater utilities. As a key member of the City's leadership team, you'll provide strategic leadership for utility operations, regulatory compliance, capital improvement planning, infrastructure expansion, emergency response, and the reliable delivery of essential utility services that support public health, environmental stewardship, and our growing community.
We're looking for more than an administrator—we're looking for a leader who leads by example. Someone who can think strategically, build strong relationships, and isn't afraid to step into the field when the situation calls for it.
Why Newberry?
Our Culture
At Newberry, people matter. We believe our greatest asset is our employees, and we've built a culture where leaders are approachable, collaboration is valued, and everyone is committed to serving our community with excellence.
Guided by our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service (TRAILS), we work together to solve challenges, support one another, and deliver exceptional service to our residents.
Our Future
Lead a Five-Year, $120.1 Million Utility Capital Improvement Program
Major initiatives include:
- Advanced Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Secondary Electric Feeder
- SR 26 Twin Way Pair Relocations and Upsizing
- Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Program
- SAHMG Water Resilience Projects
- Additional water, wastewater, and electric infrastructure improvements supporting responsible growth
This isn't simply a position maintaining existing systems; it's an opportunity to help build the future.
Life in Newberry
Located just 10 miles west of Gainesville and the University of Florida, Newberry offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and modern convenience. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your career while experiencing an exceptional quality of life.
- Excellent schools & local charter school
- A welcoming, family-friendly community
- Convenient access to Gainesville, the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and I-75
- Nationally recognized healthcare just minutes away
- Parks, trails, springs, fishing, kayaking, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors
People come to Newberry for the opportunity—they stay because of the people
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Florida Retirement System (FRS)
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- Leadership development opportunities
- Relocation assistance may be available for the selected candidate.
Qualifications
Required
- Valid Florida Driver License.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in electric, water, and/or wastewater utility operations, public utilities, infrastructure maintenance, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Utility Management, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Experience in a municipal government or public utility environment.
- Extensive experience managing both water and wastewater operations.
- Experience managing electric distribution systems.
- Extensive experience with utility construction project development and delivery
- Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator License and/or Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License preferred.
- Experience with FDEP compliance, utility permitting, consent orders or corrective action plans, capital improvement planning, utility capacity planning, and development review.
- Experience with SCADA systems, asset management, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency response.
- Florida public sector experience.
- Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator License and/or Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License preferred
- Additional certifications related to water distribution, wastewater collection, backflow prevention, utility management, project management, safety, or emergency management are preferred.
Additional Requirements
- FEMA/NIMS training may be required within a specified period after hire.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the City's electric, water, and wastewater utility operations while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery.
- Ensure regulatory compliance while promoting operational excellence through system reliability, asset management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee capital improvement projects, infrastructure expansion, utility construction, permitting, contractor management, and long-range planning.
- Develop and administer budgets, contracts, utility rates, policies, capital improvement plans, and operational priorities.
- Collaborate with City leadership, residents, developers, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to support responsible growth and exceptional customer service.
- Lead utility response and recovery efforts during storms, outages, infrastructure failures, and other emergency situations.
- Foster a positive, collaborative workplace by leading with integrity, developing employees, promoting accountability, and demonstrating the City's core values of Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service (TRAILS).
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
This position combines office and field work and requires regular travel throughout the City to utility facilities, construction sites, and project locations.
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain during inspections and field visits.
- Frequently lift and carry materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy equipment, traffic, construction activities, treatment facilities, chemicals, and other utility-related environments.
- Remain available to respond outside normal business hours during emergencies, severe weather events, utility outages, regulatory incidents, and other critical situations.
Learn More about Newberry
City Website
Utilities Department
City Commission Meetings
Employment Information
The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Eligible veterans and eligible spouses may receive preference in accordance with Florida law.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements, including background screening, employment verification, and any other screenings required by law or City policy.
This job posting is intended to provide a general overview of the position and is not intended to include every duty, responsibility, or qualification. The City reserves the right to modify or assign duties as needed to meet operational requirements.
