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International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Veterans

Utility Director

International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Veterans, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

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Overview About the Department: The York County Utilities Department, Water and Sewer Division operates and maintains water and sewer systems in defined service areas in eastern and western York County. The department works with a $60 million budget and 45 employees. It manages a water and sewer distribution system, purchasing water and sewer treatment services from the City of Rock Hill via a wholesale agreement. The system delivers approximately 6 MGD of water to 20,000+ customers and about 4.5 MGD of sewer to the City of Rock Hill's Manchester Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. The system includes 2 water booster stations, 10 water storage tanks, 321 miles of water main, 121 sewer pump stations, 233 miles of gravity sewer, and 95 miles of sewer force main.

Opportunity We invite you to apply for our Utility Director position. This full-time, exempt role is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. You will plan, direct, and manage the operations of the Utility Department, supervise staff, manage projects, and contribute to both short- and long-range planning and technical assistance. The role requires the use and operation of a county vehicle to visit multiple utility infrastructure locations throughout York County, oversight of capital utility projects, after-hours emergency response, and attendance at required meetings and trainings.

Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a collaborative and customer-focused utility leader with a proven ability to build consensus among elected officials, staff, regulators, and community stakeholders. They are a strategic thinker and problem solver who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day operations while navigating regulatory, operational, and infrastructure challenges.

Leadership Qualities This leader develops high-performing teams, sets clear expectations, and fosters accountability and service excellence. The candidate brings strong technical knowledge of municipal utility operations, experience managing operating and capital budgets, and a track record of leading modernization, continuous improvement, and capital investment initiatives to ensure reliable, compliant, and sustainable utility services.

Position Details This position will be open until filled with the first review of applications beginning on February 20th. Salary range and benefits are noted below, with full compensation details in the Recruitment Brochure.

Salary and Schedule Full Salary Grade Range (133): $124,105.68 - $192,338.64 per year. Salary is based on qualifications. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; hours may vary based on operational needs.

Total Compensation

Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, negotiable based on qualifications.

Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-term disability

Parental Leave

Bereavement Leave

Deferred Compensation 401K Plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)

11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays

Longevity Pay

SC State Retirement Plan Pension

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Expanded Sick Bank

Critical Care and Cancer Insurance

Wellness Screenings

Employee Assistance Programs

Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences

Duties And Responsibilities

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; handles employee concerns, assigns work, counsels, disciplines, and completes performance appraisals.

Coordinates, assigns and reviews work; maintains standards; monitors progress; inspects and provides direction as needed.

Plans and manages installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer systems; ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Provides technical guidance and support related to water and sewer utilities.

Develops and implements the department's 3-year strategic plan; key contributor to the Infrastructure Strategic Goal Group.

Develops and administers the department budget; oversees procurement of equipment, goods, and services; ensures effective and efficient use of resources.

Evaluates county water and sewer systems and service needs; formulates short- and long-term plans in compliance with laws and Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

Manages water and sewer billing functions; assists with customer requests and complaints; resolves billing disputes.

Evaluates and establishes rates based on system needs; participates in Capital Improvement planning and administration.

Develop, implement, and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and safety regulations.

Maintain and facilitate effective communication with regulatory agencies, County departments, affiliate utility providers, and the public.

Performs related work as assigned.

About You Experience and Education Requirements:

Requires Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, public administration or closely related field.

Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Certifications And Licenses

Valid state driver's license.

State certification in water distribution operations.

State certification in cross connection control.

State certification in wastewater collection operations preferred.

Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.

Physical Demands / Work Environment / Disclaimer Physical Demands : Physical demands refer to requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Sedentary work with walking/standing part of the time and up to 10 pounds of force regularly or sustained keyboard use.

Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

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