Public Works & Utilities Director

Public Works & Utilities Director

The City of Chandler is currently seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team as Public Works & Utilities Director. The Public Works & Utilities Director position is vacant due to retirement. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. This position is unclassified and will serve at the pleasure of the City Manager.

The new Public Works & Utilities Director will lead a team of dedicated professionals that provide the community with Capital Projects, Streets, Traffic Engineering, Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste and Recycling.

Chandler, Arizona, known as the Community of Innovation, is a vibrant and welcoming city that blends diversity, creativity and a strong sense of community pride. With a population of more than 291,000, Chandler has grown to become the fourth-largest city in Arizona and the 76th largest city in the nation. Situated in the heart of Maricopa County, with a population of more than 4.5 million, Chandler is a neighbor to the capital city of Phoenix.

Chandler offers an outstanding quality of life for residents of all ages. Families enjoy top-rated schools, safe and clean neighborhoods and abundant parks. The community also benefits from excellent recreation programs, cultural events and public art. The city takes pride in thoughtful planning, modern infrastructure and a commitment to public safety that has made Chandler one of the safest communities in the country.

Nationally recognized as one of the Best Place to Find a Job and one of the Best Cities for Women in Tech, Chandler balances opportunity with livability. The city also has a longstanding, supportive business climate that attracts global industry leaders, startups and a talented workforce. Residents enjoy countless ways to connect, from neighborhood gatherings and volunteer programs to thriving entertainment and dining, all within a community that values inclusion and innovation.

Chandler also is one of a select few cities in the nation to hold AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, a reflection of its strong fiscal responsibility and community well-being. The Public Works & Utilities Department is responsible for planning, developing, constructing, and maintaining water, wastewater, and solid waste public infrastructure for the City of Chandler. It is responsible for providing Chandler residences, businesses, and industries with a sufficient and continuous supply of potable water that meets compliance standards set by the federal and state government, the collection and processing of wastewater, collection and disposal of trash and processing of recyclable materials. Road construction and maintenance, streets and traffic management are also the responsibility of this department.

It is anticipated that the new Public Works & Utilities Director will be an experienced government professional with outstanding leadership skills and a breadth of experience in water and wastewater management, transportation, recycling and trash, and capital improvement programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate effective staff management and possess strong political acumen in working with elected officials, the development community, and city staff. Some of the primary responsibilities for this position include :

• Providing leadership and strategic direction through planning, managing, and directing all operations of the Public Works & Utilities Department; facilitating department fiscal and personnel resources; serving as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to Chandler residents, the City Manager, City Council, city departments and stakeholders.
• Managing the department through subordinate managers; establishing, evaluating, and managing departmental programs and policies; directing the preparation, implementation, monitoring and administration of long-range plans for capital projects, transportation, solid waste, water and wastewater, water reclamation and water resources.
• Functions as the designated City Engineer, performing duties and functions required or assigned in federal, state and city codes and ordinances.

Education : A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field.

Experience : At least eight to ten years of experience in a municipal environment, including five years of supervisory experience, and an Arizona Professional Engineer Licensure with a proficiency in civil engineering; and a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Residency in the City of Chandler, within one year from appointment, is required by the City Charter.

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

The City of Chandler provides an excellent executive benefit package including retirement benefits through participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). For additional benefit information review the 2026 Team Chandler Benefits Guide.