Deputy Department Head - Public Utilities

Lead. Collaborate. Serve the Community. Collier County is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Deputy Department Head – Public Utilities. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of essential public services while leading talented professionals who are committed to delivering reliable, high-quality utility services to our residents, businesses, and visitors. As the Department's second-in-command, you will work closely with the Department Head to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction across multiple divisions. You will play a key role in ensuring that our utility operations remain efficient, innovative, customer-focused, and responsive to the growing needs of our community. This position is ideal for a collaborative leader who enjoys building strong teams, solving complex challenges, driving continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact through public service. What You'll Do As Deputy Department Head, you'll help guide the daily operations and long-term success of the Public Utilities Department. You'll partner with Division Directors and staff to align priorities, strengthen performance, and ensure consistent service delivery across the organization. Key Responsibilities Serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Department Head. Providing leadership and direction to Division Directors and management staff while fostering collaboration across the Department. Performing a key role in establishing departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and long-range plans that support the County's vision and strategic objectives. Monitoring operational performance and implementing improvements that enhance efficiency, accountability, and customer service. Leading organizational change initiatives and supporting a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Ensuring departmental operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, policies, codes, and permit requirements. Leading the development and management of departmental budgets, capital improvement programs, and resource planning efforts. Building strong partnerships with County departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Representing the Department before executive leadership, elected officials, the Board of County Commissioners, regulatory agencies, and the public as needed. Addressing complex operational issues, customer concerns, and organizational challenges with professionalism and sound judgment. Leading employee development, coaching leaders, and fostering a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, and high performance. Leadership Responsibilities In this role, you will help ensure that the Public Utilities Department operates as one team with a shared commitment to service excellence. You will empower leaders, encourage collaboration, and help create an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the Department's success. Helping shape the Department's long-term financial strategy by ensuring fiscal sustainability, maintaining strong financial stewardship, and positioning the utility system to support future growth and service expansion. This includes overseeing long-range financial planning, capital financing strategies, debt management, and maintaining the financial strength and creditworthiness necessary to secure the most favorable borrowing terms for critical infrastructure investments. When the Department Head is unavailable, you will serve as Acting Department Head and assume responsibility for operational, administrative, and emergency decision-making. Who We're Looking For We are looking for a confident, approachable, and results-oriented leader who understands the importance of public service and is passionate about delivering essential services that improve quality of life for our community. The ideal candidate will have: Strong leadership and relationship-building skills. Experience managing complex operations, programs, or utility-related services. The ability to think strategically while remaining focused on day-to-day operational success. A collaborative leadership style that promotes teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Experience working with budgets, capital programs, regulatory requirements, and organizational performance measures. A commitment to customer service, transparency, and continuous improvement. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Utility Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Master's degree preferred. Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership or management experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates without a degree must possess four (4) additional years of related professional experience. Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprinting is required. Why Join Collier County Public Utilities? Public Utilities plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting economic growth, preserving environmental resources, and enhancing the quality of life for our community. As Deputy Department Head, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of these essential services while working alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving Collier County. If you are a strategic leader who values collaboration, innovation, and public service, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team committed to making a lasting impact every day. For more details and information on this job classification click here. Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications. Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis. This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr