Utilities Operations Manager (20626563)

THREE OPENINGS

City of Gilroy, California

UTILITIES BUSINESS MANAGER - Annual Salary: $128,385 - $176,334 DOE/DOQ

UTILITIES OPERATIONS MANAGER - Annual Salary: $134,803 - $185,164 DOE/DOQ

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER (WASTEWATER) - Annual Salary: $134,803 - $185,164 DOE/DOQ

The City of Gilroy is seeking three talented professionals to join its new Utilities Department. These openings present a unique opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure and environmental initiatives that directly serve the community. With a supportive team culture, and a commitment to meaningful, community-focused work, these positions offer a chance to make a lasting impact.

The successful candidates will join a collaborative and forward-thinking organization that values innovation, initiative, and cross-functional engagement. Whether focused on utility business operations, infrastructure management, or advanced environmental engineering, they will find meaningful opportunities to contribute and lead sophisticated environmental engineering efforts within the City of Gilroy. Create lasting change and serve the public, apply today!

THE COMMUNITY & CITY OF GILROY

The City of Gilroy is a dynamic and growing community located at the southern tip of Santa Clara County, home to nearly 60,000 residents across approximately 16.5 square miles. Known proudly as the "Garlic Capital of the World," Gilroy offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city access, with close proximity to Silicon Valley, scenic agriculture, regional parks, and award-winning wineries. The city provides a high quality of life, affordable housing, education, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts families and professionals alike.

Governed by a seven-member City Council, including a Mayor elected at large, the City is a full-service municipality committed to smart growth, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive community engagement. With an approximate FY 2025 budget of $67 million and almost 300 full-time employees, the City delivers a broad array of public services focused on enhancing infrastructure, protecting public health, and supporting long-term community wellbeing. Learn more about the City: https://www.cityofgilroy.org/

THE DEPARTMENTS & DIVISIONS
 The Utilities Department is a newly formed department focused on delivering exceptional water and wastewater services. The team promotes excellence in operations, integrity in decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving. The Utilities Department manages a combined budget of approximately $30.9 million for FY25, with $16.4 million allocated to sewer services and $14.5 million to water services. The Utilities Department supports regional wastewater treatment through technical and strategic engineering work at the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA). Engineers in this department coordinate multi-jurisdictional projects and ensure regulatory compliance while managing impactful capital projects. The SCRWA serves both Gilroy and Morgan Hill, managing a wastewater treatment facility that processes approximately 2,000 acre-feet of recycled water annually. Working alongside the treatment plant contractor, the Utilities Engineering Team plays a crucial role in overseeing capital improvement projects and ensuring the infrastructure meets current and future demands. 

THE JOBS & IDEAL CANDIDATES

The Utilities Business Manager is an exciting opportunity for a financially savvy, strategic thinker to make a meaningful impact in one of Gilroy’s most vital service areas. The Utilities Business Manager will be responsible for managing multiple enterprise funds, guiding long-range financial planning, and leading rate studies and forecasting that drive decision-making for water, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment services. This role will supervise two staff, and may supervise more staff as the department grows. They will serve as a critical advisor to the Utilities Director, helping to shape operational strategy. The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge of public finance, budgeting, and rate-setting, combined with demonstrated leadership in team management. Experience working with grants, contracts, and municipal systems is highly valued. A collaborative and visionary approach, paired with a customer-service mindset, will set the foundation for success in this impactful leadership role.

The Utilities Operations Manager role is ideal for a mission-driven leader who thrives in fast-paced, hands-on environments and is passionate about delivering top-tier utility services. The Utilities Operations Manager will oversee an Operations Division of 18 staff with two direct reports, and may supervise more staff as the department grows. They will oversee the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. In addition to supervising day-to-day functions, they will lead the implementation of new technologies, including a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), while also cultivating a culture of safety and accountability. The ability to navigate regulatory standards, build team capacity, and drive process improvements will be essential. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in utilities maintenance and operations, along with strong project management skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

The Senior Environmental Engineer - Wastewater will lead high-profile wastewater treatment initiatives for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA). The Senior Environmental Engineer - Wastewater will oversee one direct report and, working alongside the third-party contractor for the treatment plan, will serve as the technical lead for complex CIP projects, regulatory reporting, consultant oversight, and cross-agency collaboration. The Engineer will play a pivotal role in ensuring long-term environmental sustainability while enhancing infrastructure critical to regional growth. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in sanitary or environmental engineering and understanding of regional, state, and federal-level regulations. This is a highly visible position that calls for strong communication skills, confident project leadership, and a passion for public service. 

Ideal candidates for all roles are seasoned technical professionals with strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. They will approach challenges with a data-driven mindset, remaining efficient while emphasizing communication, customer care, and community service. 

UPCOMING PROJECTS & OPPORTUNITIES

The Utilities Department is currently engaged in significant initiatives. Selected candidates will have hands-on opportunities with these developments. View specific projects related to each position here: https://wbcpinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/City-of-Gilroy_Projects.pdf (Download PDF reader)

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Utilities Business Manager:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in business, public administration, accounting, or other similar field of study. Master’s degree is desirable.
• Experience: 4+ years professional finance or budget experience, including 1 year supervisory.

Utilities Operations Manager:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, environmental sciences, public administration, or a related field of study.
• Experience: 3-7+ years of relevant utilities operations and supervisory experience.
• Alternative Minimum Qualifying Education/Experience:  Possess at least 60 semester college units from an accredited college or university (related coursework preferred); and possess and maintain a CA Drinking Water Distribution Grade D5 certification issued by the State of CA Water Resources Control Board.

Senior Environmental Engineer - Wastewater:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Sanitary or Environmental Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional sanitary, civil, or environmental engineering experience. Significant experience in wastewater engineering and project management is needed.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

• Senior Environmental Engineer - Wastewater: Must possess a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California. If an applicant possesses all of the minimum qualifications, except registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California, the applicant may (at city’s sole discretion) be allowed up to one (1) year to obtain registration as a condition of employment.
• Utilities Operations Manager: Must possess a California Drinking Water Distribution Grade D2 certification (or obtain within 12 months of hire), and obtain CWEA Collection System Maintenance Grade I and Water Treatment Grade T1 certifications within the same timeframe.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Utilities Business Manager Annual Salary: $128,385 - $176,334 DOE/DOQ
Utilities Operations Manager Annual Salary: $134,803 - $185,164 DOE/DOQ
Senior Environmental Engineer Annual Salary: $134,803 – 185,164 DOE/DOQ

Initial placement in the salary range is typically within the first half of the range; however, in certain circumstances (i.e. an experienced lateral candidate) placement at or above the midpoint may be considered. The last 3% of the salary range requires five year of City of Gilroy service and strong work performance – see MOU for specific requirements.
 

PLUS, all positions will receive a benefits package that includes: 

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Work Schedule: 9/80 work schedules available (every other Friday off); work is on-site.
• Retirement: CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 for Classic members; 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members. The City of Gilroy does not participate in social security, only Medicare.
• Health Insurance: Choice of CalPERS PPO and HMO plans; City contributes to premiums. Option to waive medical coverage and elect a cash back option of $600-$700; amount varies depending on dental plan selected. 
• Dental Insurance: Mandatory enrollment in Delta Dental PPO or HMO plans for employees and eligible dependents.
• Vision Insurance: Optional enrollment in Superior Vision plan.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid life insurance equal to 100% of annual salary.
• Long-Term Disability: City-paid coverage providing up to 60% of salary after a 90-day waiting period.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for Health ($2,000 max), Dependent Care ($5,000 max), and Commuter Benefits ($270 max).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Up to 12 free counseling sessions per year/per issue, plus financial and legal consultations.
• Leave Accruals: Vacation (2–4 weeks based on service), 12 sick days annually, and 10 paid holidays.
• Deferred Compensation: Three 457 plans available with a City contribution of $30 per month.
• Additional Benefits: AFLAC voluntary insurance options, commuter benefits, and more.

For more detailed information on benefits and the applicable MOU, please visit the City of Gilroy's Benefits Page and Gilroy Management Association Memorandum of Understanding.

HOW TO APPLY 

For first consideration, apply immediately at wbcpinc.com/job-board/

SAVE THE DATES:

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis as ideal candidates are identified.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any inquiries:

• levi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct) 
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)