Assistant Director of Utilities (Gas) (INTERNAL ONLY)

Description

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Sunrise is more than a workplace — it’s a community built on our Three Pillars: Customer Service, Collaboration, and Transparency. We’re committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives, teamwork is celebrated, and every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a lasting impact.

As a full-service municipality and one of South Florida’s premier cities, Sunrise offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a strong culture of recognition. Whether you’re helping residents, shaping policy, or improving city operations, you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about service excellence and community pride.

We take pride in being home to the back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, a vibrant arts and entertainment district, and a diverse community that truly embodies what it means to Live, Work, and Play in Sunrise.

Effective January 2026, the City is has launched an Alternative Work Schedule designed to further support employee work-life balance — providing eligible staff with two three-day weekends per month through an every-other-Friday-off model. This initiative reflects our continued focus on flexibility and employee well-being.

NATURE OF WORK

This classification involves highly responsible managerial, administrative and professional work assisting in the direction and operation of the Utilities Department and Natural Gas Division.

An employee in this classification relieves the Department Director and Deputy Director of day-to-day technical and supervisory work of the department and Natural Gas Division as assigned by the Director. Duties include participation in the formulation, implementation and enforcement of departmental policies and procedures. Work involves providing managerial oversight and technical aid to subordinates and conducting investigations and analyses of procedures related to the effective operation of the department and Natural Gas Division. The incumbent establishes goals, objectives and work plans through subordinate personnel and ensures that results are achieved. Under general direction of the Director and Deputy Director, the incumbent performs complex assignments requiring extensive initiative and independent judgment in assuring that utility missions and Natural Gas Division operations are accomplished and are performed with the maximum effective use of personnel and equipment. Work is reviewed by the Department Director and/or Deputy Director in conferences with the incumbent, through study of reports submitted, by direct observation of the condition of facilities and equipment, and by the degree of achievement and understanding of established goals, objectives, work plans, documented expectations and performance measures.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists the Director in the administration, direction and supervision of all Utility activities and operations related to the assigned area of responsibility; develops, outlines and communicates goals and objectives; initiates and monitors adherence to operational policies and procedures; assigns activities or tasks; monitors and evaluates performance; coordinates activities of the various divisions within the department; and verifies personnel are accomplishing established objectives
• Supervises the Natural Gas Division and associated Engineering, Field Operations and Utility support activities
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, natural gas system operations and maintenance, regulatory compliance and permitting, vendor and consultant contract administration, procurement, equipment maintenance and support, financial and work order management, budgeting, asset inventory management, general work control, personnel acquisition, orientation, training, discipline and succession planning, computer support, safety, specialized equipment and operator certifications, and oversight of general security measures
• Responsible for supervising and coordinating division budget preparations, assembling and reporting the department's budget, and making recommendations regarding operational policies, expenditures, plans, and other administrative changes as necessary to optimize operations within the department
• Preparation and administration of federal, state and county grant funds and issuance of required reports on behalf of the department
• Acts for the Director in his/her absence. In the absence of the Director and/or Deputy Director, may be tasked to coordinate the daily operations of the department; arranges conferences; interprets operational and administrative policies; and relays instructions and procedural revisions to subordinates
• Acts on behalf of the Director in dealings with applicable federal, state and local regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over natural gas operations, safety, construction, environmental compliance and system requirements, as well as other local governmental and regulatory agencies
• As assigned by the Director, represents the Department Director in contacts with elected and appointed officials, representatives of other governmental agencies, vendors, contractors, the general public, and responds to citizen complaints
• Coordinates with any and all Departments or Divisions as required in the execution and administration of multi-year material, equipment and service-oriented contracts, and coordinates activities of the Department with other outside agencies
• Ensures that the natural gas system, facilities, equipment and related operations are maintained and operated in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes, standards and approved practices
• Reviews proposed changes to operations and procedures and makes recommendations to the Director; reviews, updates and monitors operational efficiency documentation and procedures
• Reviews and administers personnel actions including, but not limited to, reviews of employee performance evaluations; recommending, in the interest of the City, that eligible applicants be hired and that subordinate employees be transferred, suspended, promoted, terminated, reassigned, or disciplined; participates in grievance procedures; reviews performance appraisals; prepares personnel forms and reports; and acts in a confidential capacity
• As assigned by the Director, reviews plans and specifications for specific City construction contracts and provides input on recommending approval or disapproval
• Conducts research and special studies for departmental needs, prepares reports, and presents findings and recommendations. Prepares reports and correspondence
• Works with the Director, Deputy Director and senior managers to develop, implement and monitor strategic plans and effectiveness; determines direction to be taken for operational and organizational changes and priorities
• Evaluates adequacy of natural gas system process controls; provides direction to subordinate staff regarding SCADA, monitoring, control and other operational systems; and recommends related system improvements
• Performs a variety of tasks in furtherance and support of the Utilities Department's considerable professional engineering efforts related to developing solutions to natural gas system operational concerns, evaluating operating conditions, reviewing consultant proposals and work product, reviewing design plans, and ensuring the timely and proper completion of engineering work and construction, maintenance and repair projects
• Performs related work as required

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Graduation from an ABET certified and accredited university with a Bachelor's Degree in civil, mechanical or the environmental engineering field
• Master's degree is preferred
• PROOF OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.) 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING 

• Considerable progressively responsible professional level experience involving the management of a large-scale public utilities division(s) based on a Natural Gas Distribution System.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Incumbent must be registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain a valid Florida driver’s license prior to hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to communicate. The employee is frequently required to move and remain stationary during long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Sensory

• The ability to perceive and differentiate visual cues or signals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

Work Environment 

• Work is performed in various environments including standard office setting and at various public locations within the City including locations Shifts and work hours may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Employee must have the ability to work outdoors including intense or inclement weather conditions.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of organization, management, personnel and financial administration in the operation of a natural gas distribution system.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in a natural gas distribution system.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations applicable to a natural gas distribution system.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of the fiscal management of a a natural gas distribution system.
• Ability to apply the principles and practices of organization, management, personnel, and financial administration in a large engineering and utilities operation
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and appraise the work of a large staff of professional technical, skilled, and unskilled personnel
• Ability to conduct administrative and operational research and develop sound recommendations to solve problems or improve departmental operations
• Ability to prepare and present concise, meaningful and timely oral and written reports in a clear and logical manner
• Ability to conduct independent research and studies, to analyze data collected and to formulate recommendations for improvements in the engineering and utilities programs
• Ability to explain technical engineering and utilities issues in simple, non-technical language
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate utility functions
• Ability to motivate, manage, and supervise employees with varying levels of education and work experience
• Skills in negotiating with relevant parties
• Ability to effectively manage multiple, high-priority assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other City departments, fellow employees, supervisors, outside agencies, and the general public
• Ability to withstand pressure of competing priorities and varied responsibilities and works efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions

BENEFITS PACKAGE SUMMARY
GENERAL EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 
HIRED ON OR AFTER 10/1/18

The description of benefits for which, an employee may be eligible have been generally summarized in this information sheet for your convenience; however, you must refer to all applicable City ordinances, collective bargaining agreements and/or plan documents for specific terms and conditions.  These benefits may be affected by future changes in policy, collective bargaining, City ordinances and/or legislative actions.  The City reserves the right to increase, modify, decrease or eliminate benefits at any time.  No benefit is created or maintained simply based on this document, and its contents do not give rise to any contractual rights related to continuing employment or receipt of benefits between the City of Sunrise and its employees.  The information contained herein supersedes any prior benefit sheet(s).

The City of Sunrise is an economic powerhouse in western Broward County encompassing more than 18 square miles. As the host of Sawgrass International Corporate Park – the largest business park in South Florida – Sunrise has its own flourishing job market and currently employs approximately 1,100 employees and numbers continue to rise.
 
The City takes a very active role in business development, recruitment and prides itself on creating job opportunities for its residents. There are very few communities of similar size that welcome the tens of millions of visitors that we do here in Sunrise, or that can boast the magnitude of regional assets found in our City.
 
Our City shines and we understand in order to shine brighter; we must continue to recognize our employees as one of our most valuable assets.  The City of Sunrise takes great pride in recruiting future employees and developing and retaining current ones by offering our comprehensive compensation and benefits package throughout an employee's career.

5% Supplemental Pay:
General Executive/Management employees shall receive a five percent (5%) supplemental pay calculated on the employee’s base rate of pay.

City-Paid Medical Benefits:
•    Group Health Insurance: The City pays for 100% of the cost for single coverage for 
full-time  employees  and  66.66%  of  cost  for  Dependent/Family  Coverage.  Upon retirement  and  separation  from  City  employment,  employee  receives  a  monthly stipend of $350 per month, applicable toward retiree health coverage.
•    Life Insurance: $50,000
•    Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): $50,000
•    Eye Care Reimbursement– $250 every two (2) fiscal years (Employee only)
•    EKG/Stress Test – Up to $150 reimbursement per fiscal year (Employee only)
•    Physical Examination – $250 reimbursement per fiscal year (Employee only)
•    Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Cigna Behavioral

Retirement:
•    Employee Contribution = 8%
•    Vesting = 10 Years
•    Normal  Retirement  Benefit  =  2.5%  of  pensionable  earnings  for  each  year  of creditable service
•    Average Final Compensation (AFC) = 3 best consecutive earning years
•    Maximum Benefit = 80% of AFC, not to exceed $80,000.
•    Normal Retirement = Age 62 and ten (10) years of creditable service
•    Early  Retirement  =  Age  57  and  ten  (10)  years  of  creditable  service,  3%  
annual reduction for each year prior to normal retirement age
•    13th check based on monthly retirement, payable if the pension plan funding status is 
equal to or greater than 100%. Paid in December each year following retirement
•    Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) = 4 years/48 months maximum

Longevity:
Based on successful completion of full-time, continuous service with the City, employee shall receive the following:

Years of Creditable Service                         Longevity Benefit* 
10 Years                                                            2.5%
15 Years                                                            2.5%
20 Years                                                            5.0%

* Longevity Benefit calculated on employee’s base rate of pay


Paid Holidays:
Employees receive the following City-paid holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• 4th of July, Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans’ Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Annual Leave:
Annual leave may be taken as earned. Maximum accumulation each fiscal year is 360 hours. At time of resignation or retirement, employee is paid for all annual leave accrued at their current rate of pay. Annual leave is accrued based on continuous, full-time service with the City, as follows:

Completed Months of Service                  Total Hours/Days Accrued Annually

Up to and including first 60 months                    152 hours/19 Days
Greater than 60 months through 120 months     192 hours/24 Days
Greater than 120 months through 204 months   232 hours/29 Days
Greater than 204 months                                    272 hours/34 Days

Annual Leave Cash Out (40 hours)

Employee can opt to receive a non-pensionable cash payment twice per year for up to forty (40) hours of annual leave, provided accrued annual leave bank does not fall below eighty (80) hours.

Annual Leave Cash Out – Department Deputy Directors Only (100 hours)

Option of receiving cash payment for up to 100 hours of accrued annual leave exceeding the applicable annual leave cap of 360 hours, paid at 100% of their hourly rate at the end of the fiscal year.

Floating Holidays:
Upon completion of twenty-six (26) weeks of full-time employment with the City, employee shall be entitled to utilize up to five (5) floating holidays per fiscal year. Floating holidays shall not carry over to the next fiscal year.

Perfect Attendance:
For every six (6) months period (April 1 - September 30) and (October 1 - March 31) in which, no sick or unpaid leave , an employee shall receive ten (10) hours of annual leave credited. Employees who qualify for a consecutive Perfect Attendance benefit shall receive fourteen (14) hours of annual leave credited for each applicable consecutive earning period.

Sick Leave:
Each employee earns (96) hours (12 days) of sick leave annually with no waiting period for use and a maximum accrual of 1,440 hours. Upon separation of City employment due to resignation, employee shall receive payment of all accrued sick leave at a rate of twenty- five percent (25%) of the employee’s current rate of pay at time of resignation.  Upon separation of employment due retirement, employee shall  receive payment  of all accrued sick leave at a rate of fifty percent (50%) of the employee’s current rate of pay at the time of retirement.

Sick Leave Conversion:
After  completion  of  one  (1)  year  of  continuous,  full-time  employment  with  the  City,  an employee may convert their unused portion of their first six (6) days (maximum of forty- eight (48) hours) of accrued sick leave into annual leave. Conversions are subject to the following:  A minimum  of  96  unused  sick  leave  hours  accrued  prior  to  hours  being converted, total eligible sick leave hours to be converted shall be reduced hour-for-hour by any sick leave hours utilized during the eligible benefit period, and conversion subject to annual leave accrual cap.

Bereavement:
Qualifying City-paid Bereavement Leave as follows:
•    In State = Up to 3 Days
•    Out of State = Up to 5 Days

Tuition Reimbursement:
After two (2) years of full-time employment
•    100% reimbursement for a grade of A or B
•    50% reimbursement for a grade of C
•    $500 books/lab reimbursement per semester

Credit Union:
We Florida Financial Bank & Credit Union – 8890 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, FL. 33351

Optional Voluntary Benefits (paid by the employee):
•    Single or Family Dental Insurance Coverage
•    Single or Family Vision Insurance Coverage
•    Accident Advantage
•    Life Insurance Coverage
•    AD&D
•    Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage
•    Long Term Care Insurance Coverage
•    Short Term Disability
•    Critical Care Protection
•    Cancer Protection Assurance
•    Mission Square Retirement Compensation Programs
     o 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
     o 401(a) Governmental Purchase Plan: Newly hired