Utilities Director

Join to apply for the Utilities Director role at Lee County (Fort Myers, FL).

This range is provided by Lee County. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience – talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$111,033.73/yr – $231,757.79/yr

Lead the Future of Water in Southwest Florida

Are you a forward-thinking utility leader ready to make a lasting impact? Lee County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions, is searching for a visionary Director of Utilities to guide one of the state’s most dynamic water and wastewater systems into the future.

As the Director, you’ll lead a team of over 300 talented professionals delivering high-quality water and wastewater services to more than 250,000 customers every day. With an annual operating budget of $98 million and $894 million in capital projects planned through 2030, you’ll shape how Lee County grows, building sustainable infrastructure, championing innovation, and ensuring resilient, customer‑focused service.

Why Lee County Utilities?

• 5 water treatment plants covering 200+ square miles and 1,400+ miles of water lines
• 5 wastewater treatment plants across 160+ square miles and 900+ miles of mains
• Delivery of 25+ million gallons of clean water and treatment of 11+ million gallons of wastewater daily

LCU’s success is built on innovation, reliability, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, backed by the support and stability of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the region’s third‑largest employer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to an Assistant County Manager, you’ll:

• Provide strategic vision and operational leadership for a full‑service utilities department
• Inspire and mentor a high‑performing, service‑driven team
• Drive innovation and efficiency across all divisions; from field operations to long‑term planning
• Strengthen collaboration with county leadership, commissioners, and community partners
• Lead major infrastructure and capital improvement projects that will define the region’s growth
• Ensure resilience, compliance, and excellence in all aspects of utility service delivery

This is your opportunity to lead from the front; guiding an essential public utility in a region known for its growth, natural beauty, and community pride.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Expertise in budgeting, fiscal management, and regulatory compliance
• Deep understanding of the water and wastewater industry and local government operations
• A people‑first leadership style that builds trust, engagement, and excellence across teams

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• A collaborative, forward‑thinking government organization that values innovation and integrity
• Comprehensive benefits, including low‑cost medical coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• 11 paid holidays, generous leave accruals, and flexible supplemental coverage options
• The opportunity to live and work in beautiful Southwest Florida, home to award‑winning beaches, world‑class recreation, a strong economy, and a vibrant, growing community

Learn more about Lee County Utilities:

Watch our story: Lee County Utilities Overview Video

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre‑employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering and Management

Industries

• Government Administration
• Air, Water, and Waste Program Management
• Civil Engineering

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lee County by 2x

#J-18808-Ljbffr