Job Information
City of Garden City, KS Public Works & Utilities Director in Garden City, Kansas
Public Works & Utilities Director
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Public Works & Utilities Director
Salary
$134,992.00 - $171,184.00 Annually
Location
Garden City, KS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
00633
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
04/10/2026
Closing Date
5/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Description
Under administrative direction of the City Manager, this role operates, implements, plans and directs a comprehensive public utilities and public works program that will insure sound planning, maintenance and service to the public: directs municipal water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment systems, and electric generation, transmission ,distribution maintenance, Solid Waste, Streets, Fleet, Traffic, and service systems; assists in planning, implementing and completing the capital improvements program; requires interpretive skills in established standards and procedures. Check out the job profile for more detail: Public Works & Utilities Director Profile (https://www.garden-city.org/DocumentCenter/View/3213/2026-PWU-Director-FINAL)
Examples of Duties
Recommends and initiates department policy; supervises and assists functions to include water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, electric generation and distribution and maintenance, Solid Waste, Streets, Fleet and Traffic.
Directs activities of Public Works & Utility systems to meet applicable State and Federal requirements including, but not limited to, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and FEDERAL Energy Policy Act.
Plans for new projects and maintains applicable present city structures, facilities, streets and utilities.
Establishes priorities for short and long range projects and coordinates implementation.
Prepares and recommends a comprehensive budget and supporting data, to include financing options, covering all areas of public utilities.
Reviews rates and sales data for the utility systems. Recommends rate adjustments as necessary to insure adequate financial performance of the utilities.
Initiates and administers project financing through various options such as revenue bonds, State Revolving Loans, and various Grant funding mechanisms as well as operational budgets.
Directs organization to assure effective efficient and flexible use is being made of available personnel and equipment.
Functions as liaison and advisor for the City with consulting engineers, government agencies, developers, citizens, and others.
Recommends equipment purchase of new and replacement items.
Conducts special studies as required; receives and answers citizens’ complaints and inquires.
Administers personnel matters including policy interpretation, screening, appointment, discipline, evaluation of performance and related matters.
Implements records and report systems, utilizing state of the art computer system and programs, (i.e. G.I.S., AUTOCAD, SCADA, etc.), to include construction supervision and contract administration.
Develops effective channels of communication with city officials, department heads, community leaders and the public.
Has access to and processes information which may be restricted to specific persons.
Responsible for public funds with authority to release as authorized within approved budgets.
Assists the Finney County Economic Development Corporation in matters relating to utility service.
Assists the Utility Billing Office in resolving customer questions, complaints, and other utility issues.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, public utilities, and planning. Knowledge of current management theories, principles and practices; knowledge of computers used in engineering and administration of a large diverse department; skill in communications both orally and written; ability to provide effective departmental personnel leadership; ability to maintain communications, cooperation and interaction with diverse groups, organizations and individuals; ability to obtain federal and state grants; ability to work under pressure; ability to interact with City employees and the general public; and the ability to work with confidential information.
Education, Certification and Experience: A Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Electrical Engineering, a State of Kansas Professional Engineers License; and eight (8) years of significant, progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience with a public employer, three (3) years as a Public Utilities Director or Assistant Public Utilities Director. A valid driver’s license is required, with the ability to obtain a Kansas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency.
Supplemental Information
Environment: Work performed in an office environment, or where temperature, contaminants, and noise are not normally encountered; hazards are minor and controllable. Minimal to moderate stress and interruptions typically found in an office environment.
Physical Characteristics: Light physical work, lifting up to 25 pounds and lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds; a multitude of movements involving standing, lifting, stacking, walking, pushing, and pulling.
The City of Garden City offers a wide range of competitive benefits. Some of the benefits include:
Health/Dental Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Group Life Insurance
Eligibility to sign-up for supplemental insurances such as:
Voluntary Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Accident
Hospital Indemnity
Critical Illness
Identity Protection
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) or Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) Retirement
Paid Leave:
Vacation
Sick
Personal
Wellness
P/T Education Conference, Bereavement, FMLA, Military, Jury Duty, Voting
Employee Recognition Plan
Years of Service Bonuses
Performance Evaluations
Wellness Program
Grow Well Clinic Access available
Employee Assistance Program
Employer
City of Garden City (KS)
Address
301 N. 8th Street Garden City, Kansas, 67846
Phone
620-276-1175
Website
https://www.garden-city.org/
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