Lubbock Director of Utilities: Leading a Growing Utility System
The City of Lubbock is searching for its next Director of Utilities, a key leadership role responsible for helping guide one of the city’s most critical service areas through continued growth, major capital investment, and long-term water planning.
In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom talks with Lubbock Assistant City Manager Erik Rejino about the organization, the Utilities Department, the leadership profile the City is seeking, and the projects that will shape Lubbock’s water and wastewater future for decades.
A Large, Complex Utility Operation
This is a significant leadership assignment.
The Director of Utilities will oversee approximately 170 employees and an operating budget of roughly $168 million. The department includes water treatment, wastewater treatment, plant maintenance, customer service and metering, and water quality assurance.
Lubbock operates two water treatment plants and two wastewater treatment plants, and the next director will be expected to bring a strong operational background while also leading experienced technical professionals.
Rejino said the City is looking first and foremost for a leader who can develop people, retain talent, improve preventive maintenance, and work effectively across departments.
That cross-department collaboration is especially important in Lubbock. Utilities works closely with Engineering, Public Works, Lubbock Power & Light, and the City Manager’s Office on infrastructure, capital projects, system maintenance, and long-range planning.
Planning for Growth
Lubbock continues to experience strong residential and commercial growth, which puts additional pressure on water and wastewater infrastructure.
The city currently sees average daily water consumption of more than 36 million gallons, with peak days exceeding 50 million gallons.
Rejino said Lubbock has been intentional about investing ahead of demand. The City is moving forward with approximately $75 million in new water capital projects and another $28 million in wastewater projects, in addition to its ongoing operating budget.
The next Director of Utilities will play an important role in helping the City manage that growth while maintaining system reliability and regulatory compliance.
Lake 7 and Lubbock’s Water Future
One of the most significant projects discussed in the episode is the Lake 7 Reuse Project.
Lake 7 is part of Lubbock’s long-range water supply strategy and is being developed as a future local water source. The project is expected to provide roughly 12 million gallons of water per day and is targeted for completion in the early 2030s.
The City has already secured its state water rights permit and is now working through the federal permitting process.
Rejino explained that wastewater reuse will be central to the project. Lubbock is working toward treating all of its wastewater to stream-quality standards so that it can support the future reservoir.
The project represents a major long-term investment and will be one of several important initiatives the next Director of Utilities will help support.
The Leadership Profile
Technical expertise matters, but Lubbock is not simply looking for a technical operator.
The City wants someone who can:
Lead and mentor a large, experienced team
Retain and develop employees
Build accountability
Strengthen preventive maintenance programs
Work across departments
Communicate effectively with executive leadership
Manage relationships with regulators, suppliers, contractors, and vendors
Help guide major capital projects
Support long-term water planning
Rejino emphasized the importance of leadership flexibility. The department includes employees with decades of experience alongside newer professionals still developing in the field, and the next director will need to adapt their leadership style accordingly.
Why Lubbock?
For candidates considering a move, Lubbock offers the scale and amenities of a major Texas city while maintaining the character and accessibility of West Texas.
The community is home to Texas Tech University, more than 80 parks, a growing downtown, a strong restaurant scene, entertainment venues, quality public and private school options, and an international airport.
Rejino also highlighted something that frequently surprises people who move to Lubbock: the community’s welcoming culture.
Despite being one of the largest cities in Texas, he described Lubbock as a place that still feels like a large town in many ways, with short drive times, strong community connections, and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Learn More and Apply
The City of Lubbock is seeking an experienced utilities professional who wants to lead a large operation, help develop a strong team, and play a role in major projects that will influence the community for generations.
The Director of Utilities position offers a salary range of $165,000 to $180,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Learn more about the opportunity, review the full recruitment brochure, and apply here:
https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/utilities-director-lubbock-texas-posting
About The Clear Voice Podcast
The Clear Voice is a dedicated platform for transparency and expert led dialogue within the professional and public sectors. The show serves as a vital resource for leaders who want to move past surface level discussions and dive into the real world mechanics of governance, management, and organizational growth. James Groom is the host of the program.
About Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a specialized recruitment and strategic consulting firm focused on the public sector. We believe that the strength of any municipality or school district lies in the quality of its leadership and the cohesion of its teams. Our team is comprised of former practitioners and retired executives who understand the nuances of public service. We provide organizations with more than just a list of candidates; we provide the strategic oversight and expertise necessary to navigate transitions, maximize taxpayer funds, and implement long term solutions.
Connect With Us
Visit our official website to explore current job opportunities or to learn more about our leadership services: clearcareerpro.com.
Follow us for more updates:
Career Opportunities: https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities/
Recruitment Services: https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment/
Services: https://clearcareerpro.com/all-services/
Clear News:https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news
The Clear Voice Podcast: https://clearcareerpro.com/the-clear-voice/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Facebook:Clear Career Professionals @ClearCareerPro
