Job Details

Deputy Utilities Director

County of Napa

Salary: $179,380.39 – $216,711.62

Description

The City of Napa is seeking its next Deputy Utilities Director. The role requires a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of California and involves leading a wide range of utilities projects in engineering, capital improvements, water supply, water treatment, water distribution, solid waste, and recycling. The Deputy will mentor and develop a dynamic, skilled team and bring value to the community.

Community Overview

The City of Napa covers 18 square miles in the Napa Valley wine region. Known for its high‑quality wines, vineyards, Michelin‑starred restaurants, and outdoor activities, Napa is home to about 80,000 residents and 475 wineries. It boasts extensive parks, low crime, and a high standard of living.

Organization

The City of Napa is a full‑service Charter City with eleven departments, including Utilities, Public Works, Parks, Fire, and Police. The City Council has five members: one Mayor and four Councilmembers. The City's Annual Budget for FY2025/2026 allocates $56 million to Solid Waste Recycling and $59 million to Water.

Utilities Department

Purpose Statement: We provide reliable, high‑quality drinking water and solid waste/recycling services to protect public health and ensure quality of life.

Principles:

• Teamwork – Rowing in the same direction towards a common goal, recognizing it takes all of us to be successful.
• Accountability – Taking ownership and holding yourself responsible to execute and follow through.
• Adaptability – Pivoting to accomplish what needs to be done when experiencing challenges and changes to priorities.
• Professionalism – Being polished and performing with competence using your knowledge and expertise.

Role Summary

The Deputy Utilities Director is an integral part of the Utilities Department leadership with direct oversight over the Engineering section, which prioritizes and implements capital improvements. The Deputy supports daily operations, manages budgets, and defines rates through detailed cost‑of‑service studies.

The Ideal Candidate

A strong leader and mentor, comfortable engaging with internal and external stakeholders. Emotionally intelligent, results‑oriented, and an excellent communicator with relationship‑building skills. The candidate must maintain fiscal responsibility, maximize efficiency, promote teamwork, and anticipate future challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, organize, manage, and supervise all assigned activities of the Utilities Department, including engineering, capital improvements, and water resources. Support water treatment and distribution operations, solid waste, recycling, and related special projects. Delegate and problem‑solve to ensure timely completion of projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible utilities operations or civil engineering experience, including at least three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, environmental science, civil engineering, or a closely related field.
• Desired: Experience in a municipal or public setting and a master's degree in business or public administration.

• Special Requirements: Registration as a Professional Civil or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.

Technical & Professional Competencies

• Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills
• Strategic Planning
• Leading Teams
• Quality Orientation
• Emotional Intelligence
• Project Management
• Coaching and Developing Others
• Decision Making
• Resolving Conflict
• Influencing

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $179,380.39 – $216,711.62. Upcoming scheduled salary increases: 2 % in January 2026 and 2 % in July 2026.

Benefits:

• Vacation – Up to 120 hours annually
• Paid Holidays – 15 days per year
• Extra Paid Time Off – 104 hours (13 days) of Management Leave per year
• Sick Leave – Up to 96 hours annually
• Dental and Medical Insurance Plans – City contribution to plans
• Health In‑Lieu Option – $500 monthly, annual proof required
• Retirement – CalPERS pension system participation
• Retiree Health Insurance – City contributes $274 per month for retirees with at least 10 years of service
• Deferred Compensation – 457 Plan and 401(A) plan contributions
• Life Insurance and AD&D – $100,000 coverage paid by City
• Phone Stipend – Up to $100 per year equipment, up to $110 per month usage
• Tuition & Professional Development Reimbursement – Up to $2,500 per fiscal year
• Prior Years of Service Vacation Accrual Credit – Full‑time service in certain public agencies counted toward vacation tiers at City of Napa

Work schedule: 9/80 (every other Friday off).

Important Dates

Application deadline: 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Phone interviews may be held during the week of December 29, 2025.

In‑person interview 1: Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

In‑person interview 2: Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Questions & Contact

Contact the City of Napa's Human Resources Department via email or (707) 257‑9505.

Application Process

The City of Napa utilizes a Civil Service Selection System. Applicants will be evaluated for qualifications, education, training, and experience. If selected, applicants may be asked to participate in online assessment, written examination, job‑related exercise, phone interview, and panel interview. Final phase involves Probationary Period of 6 to 12 months.

Language Equity

• If you need assistance in Spanish, contact 707‑257‑9505.

Reasonable Accommodations

Qualified disabled applicants can request accommodations by writing to HR before the final filing date. A Reasonable Accommodation Request Form is available from HR.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Napa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace maximizes our talents to benefit the residents we serve.

Boarding Process Questions

01 Are you currently registered and in good standing as a Professional Civil or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California? If yes, please provide license number, issuing agency, date issued, and expiration date under the “Certificates and Licenses” section of your application.

02 Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, environmental science, civil engineering or a closely related field?