Director of Utilities

The Director of Utilities will lead the development, management, and long-term strategy for our utility operations across our portfolio of manufactured housing communities. This role is the company’s subject matter expert on water, wastewater, and electric/gas systems—responsible for building and leading a best-in-class utility department that operates with the rigor and reliability of a municipal public works department.   The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader and visionary who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills. They will be responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing system performance, and building a team capable of managing the full lifecycle of utility assets, including maintenance, monitoring, upgrades, and capital improvements. Responsibilities

Utility Department Leadership & Development

Establish and lead the Utilities Department, modeling it after municipal utility and public works operations.

Build and manage a network of top-tier utility contractors and service providers, including engineers, operators, and field specialists. Vet and select partners to ensure the company works only with the most qualified experts, maintaining high standards for safety, compliance, and performance.

Develop standard operating procedures, maintenance schedules, and monitoring programs for all utilities.

Technical Expertise & Operations Management

Serve as the company’s utility expert for all water, wastewater, electric, and gas infrastructure.

Oversee operations of wastewater treatment plants, wells, lift stations, and other critical utility assets.

Ensure all utility systems are maintained to deliver safe, reliable service to our residents.

Implement asset management strategies for proactive maintenance and lifecycle planning of each system.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental and utility regulations.

Monitor and document system performance to meet regulatory requirements.

Lead audits, inspections, and reporting for agencies such as the EPA, state environmental departments, and utility commissions.

Strategic Planning & Capital Projects

Develop long-term utility infrastructure plans, including system upgrades, expansions, and modernization efforts.

Collaborate with capital projects and development teams on utility design, construction, and rehabilitation projects.

Evaluate system risks and implement solutions to mitigate operational disruptions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with operations, asset management, and community teams to ensure seamless utility service delivery.

Support community managers with troubleshooting and utility emergencies.

Serve as the company’s primary liaison with utility agencies, contractors, and vendors.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental engineering, Utility Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred)

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PE license, Wastewater or Water Operator Certification) are highly desirable

Experience & Skills:

10+ years of experience in utility infrastructure, public works, or municipal utility operations

Strong technical expertise in water, wastewater, and electric/gas utility systems

Proven track record in regulatory compliance and utility system operations

Experience leading and developing teams, preferably in a utility or engineering environment

Demonstrated success in building systems and processes from the ground up

Excellent project management and problem-solving skills

Strong ability to listen and communicate effectively through verbal and written forms with both internal employees and external customers

Self-starter who can identify a need, investigate a solution, and build out the infrastructure to address that need

Goal-oriented with the ability to prioritize effectively

Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision

Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of employees to achieve shared goals