Introduction
Utility, in this context, refers to services we all generally need. These include energy, water, wastewater services, telecommunications, etc. Utility Managers are in charge of managing systems that provide these services. They ensure that safe and reliable services are provided at the right times.
These professionals are also referred to as “Public Works Directors”. Their duties include interacting with the general public and also getting feedback from them. They work to ensure that they are served in the best possible way. They also supervise staff in water treatment and supply agencies and power distributors. All these are to ensure the duties are efficiently carried out. Their job description is quite broad. It also involves ensuring that machinery and infrastructures are well functioning. Also, it involves ensuring that all staff work effectively. It involves thorough supervision of every aspect from the companies down to the public.
A Utility Manager is usually a graduate of Public Administration, Engineering, Urban Planning, etc. They are also required to get certified in some fields before they can gain employment. A Master’s degree in Public Administration is usually a quick boost for employment.
It is a career that is expected to grow as time goes on. Why? Because utilities are necessities in every community. So, as communities grow, the industry will also grow. This will lead to an increase in the employment of Utility Managers as well.
Responsibilities of Utility Managers
The duties and responsibilities of utility managers are quite broad as described earlier. Let’s see some of them.
- Coordinating work process in utility-providing agencies.
- Ensuring the safety of machinery, plants, and also infrastructure.
- Ensuring a cordial working relationship between team members.
- Monitoring work procedures to ensure that national guidelines are followed.
- Preparing and overseeing budgets of all agencies.
- Overseeing new projects and also installations in public communities.
- Cooperating with other officials to develop new policies that can be abided by.
- Preparing reports periodically.
- Presenting and submitting reports before governing bodies.
Qualifications for practice as a Utility Manager.
Utility Managers in the US are usually people with degrees in Public Services and related areas. It is easier to get a job with a Master’s degree than with just a Bachelor’s.
The qualifications needed for practice include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, urban planning, or another related field.
- A Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA).
- Few years of working experience.
Other skills that are essential for the job include:
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Great documentation skills and also listening skills.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Great leadership skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Technical skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
Work Environment
A Utility Manager typically works in an office, where he is the records and writes reports. The work also entails movement and travel from place to place. This is to be able to monitor and also supervise what’s going on in every aspect. For most of the job, a Utility Manager won’t be sitting.
While working, they make use of personal protective equipment. These include gloves, masks, and also protective shoes.
Their work can also involve appearing in public periodically to take feedback and make observations.
In the United States, they work for 36 to 40 hours a week.
Salary
Utility Managers salaries depend on:
- The sector they work in.
- The particular company.
- Their educational qualifications.
- The numbers of hours they work, and
- Their experience.
In the US, it ranges between $47,000 and $136,000 per annum.
Job Opportunities
In the United States, a Utility Manager can work in several places. These include:
- Oil companies
- Water agencies
- Telecommunications
- For the government
Career Path
A career in Utility Management will grow as the years go by. An increase in community or community growth will lead to more utility needs. This will ultimately lead to more staff and also more employment.
A Utility Manager can grow to become a Facility Manager and also a Director of Facility. These can happen with 6 to 11 years of work experience.
Conclusion
Overseeing a variety of infrastructure, projects isn’t something easy. Utility Managers are great leaders who devote themselves to leading. They, however, ensure that things are done as they are supposed to. They also ensure that a community and nation at large do not suffer from the lack of basic utilities.
