Position Description

The Department of Public Utilities is currently recruiting for two Assistant Director positions to oversee the Wastewater and Utilities Planning and Engineering Divisions.

The Wastewater Division incumbent is responsible for the daily operations of the division and works directly with division managers. This position includes oversight of: the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility and North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility; an ELAP accredited environmental laboratory; 1,600 miles of sanitary sewer, 18 lift stations and 25,800 access structures; 182 full-time employees with a large variety of functions; regulatory compliance; pretreatment program; annual budget preparation; rate development; development of various organizational programs; wastewater resource management; and long-range planning.

The Assistant Director for the Utilities Planning and Engineering Division is responsible for providing oversight of professional and technical services staff in the development of long-range planning for future projects; planning, designing, permitting, and implementation of  DPU's capital projects for the water, wastewater, and recycled water systems, which includes: large water storage tanks and booster pump stations, raw water and treated water regional transmission pipelines, recharge facilities, municipal water well stations, distribution system water mains, wastewater collection and trunk mains, reclaimed water transmission mains, rehabilitation and/or expansion of water treatment facilities; represent the Department in public meetings; and prepare various developer agreements.

Incumbents will exercise considerable judgment and discretion in the administration and direction of the department and its operations. In addition, the Assistant Director acts as technical advisor to the Director and City Manager and attends meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees relevant to public utilities and related services. The Assistant Director participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets and is expected to coordinate activities with other departments within the City of Fresno, as well as division sections and outside agencies.

These are unclassified positions in which the incumbent serves at the will of the Department Director.

The Department of Public Utilities

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) provides reliable, efficient, cost-effective water, wastewater, and solid waste services to Fresno. DPU strives to provide the highest level of service through innovative technology, extensive planning efforts, process improvement, employee development, and teamwork. To accomplish those goals, the

2025 Fiscal Year Budget includes funding for 620 full-time positions with $379.7 million allotted for all activities.

Our department is organized into four divisions:

• Administration/Utilities Planning and Engineering - Coordinates all utility services, including oversight and support for each operating division; provides developer coordination and facility planning, engineering, and project delivery.
• Water Division - Manages operates the City of Fresno’s water system, delivering drinking water to about 546,000 customers.
• Wastewater Management - Provides wastewater collection, treatment, and reclamation services.
• Solid Waste - Collects and manages residential green/organic waste, refuse, and recyclables across the entire city.

Our Organization

The City of Fresno is the fifth-largest city in the state of California and is a full- service charter city that operates under a “strong mayor” form of government. The Mayor is elected at large but does not serve on the City Council. However, the Mayor does have veto power over specific actions taken by the seven councilmembers.

Councilmembers appoint a City Attorney and City Clerk. Meanwhile, the Mayor appoints a City Manager responsible for assigning all other department heads, including Public Utilities, among many others.

Overall, our mission is to deliver high-quality utility services in a professional, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Our Community

As the only California city located between two National Parks, residents and visitors enjoy Fresno’s proximity to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. With approximately 300 days of sunshine each year, the Mediterranean climate allows for year- round recreational activities, including sailing, snow and water skiing, fishing, backpacking, and golfing.

Living in Fresno has the benefit of urban amenities and the unique charm of a suburban atmosphere. Housing options are lower than California’s other major metropolitan areas. There are four large school districts in Fresno, including Fresno Unified, Central Unified, Sanger Unified, Clovis Unified, and a variety of private educational institutions.

The city is also home to colleges and universities, most notably California State University, Fresno. Residents enjoy various social, cultural, and athletic activities in an affordable and clean community environment.

Minimum Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, sciences, business or public administration, planning, architecture or related field; AND Possession of a Professional Engineer license; AND five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large public utility providing water, sewer, solid waste, or planning services.

OR

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, sciences, business or public administration, planning, architecture or related field; AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large public utility providing water, sewer, solid waste or planning services.

For an Assistant Director of Public Utilities position over Engineering, a license in California as a Professional Engineer is required.

Special Qualifications

Significant experience managing projects in excess of 10 million dollars is highly desired.

Possession, at time of appointment and continued maintenance, of a valid California Driver License is required.

The Ideal Candidate

Fresno is seeking experienced, engaged and strong leaders who will assist in the implementation of the long-range vision for the Department of Public Utilities. Entrepreneurial-minded individuals with a capacity for independent, innovative solution- oriented thinking would do well in this position, as would someone with demonstrated knowledge and experience in leading the day-to-day public utilities operations with a thorough understanding of compliance and legal mandates. The ideal candidate will have a record of straightforward and open communication and a willingness to make effective decisions within the parameters of the position, as well as the ability to act calmly and quickly in emergency situations or under adverse conditions.

Candidates for this position should have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the day-to- day operations of public utility services; strong management and planning skills; and the ability to communicate effectively with executive management, technical resources and partner agency liaisons and also a thorough understanding of compliance with legal mandates and possess the ability to implement and sustain a comprehensive information and technology environment by developing and implementing strategic plans for continuous expansion and improvement of utility services. An appreciation of diversity and the strength it brings to the workplace is essential.

Compensation and Benefits

The City of Fresno offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary for the Assistant Director is $115,056 up to $198,684. The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:

Retirement: Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems. The City's pension funds are among the best- funded public systems in California and the nation. The City does not participate in Social Security.

Health Insurance: The City maintains a PPO plan through the City of Fresno Health and Welfare Trust. The City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, prescription, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.

Flexible Spending Account Program: The City maintains IRS Section 125 Plan that includes spending accounts for health care and dependent care.

Auto Allowance: Dependent upon provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2-2.

Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available which allows tax contribution up to IRS determined limits.

Management Leave: 80 hours (pro-rated) per fiscal year with an annual cash out provision.

Supplemental Management Leave: Up to 32 hours at the discretion of the City Manager. This leave may be placed in a retiree Heath Reimbursement Arrangement account.

Annual Leave: Accrue 15.50 hours per month, with cash out provisions.

Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.

Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.

Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.

Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): DROP is an optional, voluntary program that allows for retirement benefits deposited in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno. To participate, must be at least age 50 with 5 years of service. Benefits include: ownership of DROP account monies; compound interest earnings; and alternative distribution options.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and five references and verification of education to:

Stephanie Rendon, Sr HR/Risk Analyst Email: Utilities stephanie.rendon@fresno.gov

Or apply on-line at: www.fresno.gov/jobs This recruitment is Open Until Filled.

The Selection Process

We will select a group of candidates to participate in the interview process depending on their qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants of any race, gender, religion, ancestry or disability. For more information, please refer to our Career Opportunities web page on the City of Fresno web site.