Gilroy is situated in south Santa Clara County at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay Area, which is a dynamic urban area of 7,000 square miles, nine counties, 100 cities, and a population of 8.8 million, making it the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. Nestled in a picturesque valley setting along the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, Gilroy is bordered by Llagas and Uvas Creeks, which flow south into the Pajaro River. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and working farmland, the community enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers, cool evenings, and abundant sunshine. Despite steady growth, the City retains its rural charm and historic character, particularly in its older neighborhoods where buildings dating back to the mid-1800s remain. A vibrant and welcoming downtown offers locally owned shops, restaurants, and community gathering spaces that reflect Gilroy’s rich cultural heritage. Wide, tree-lined streets, surrounding open space, and a stunning mountain backdrop contribute to Gilroy’s distinctive sense of place.
Under the direction of the City Administrator, the Utilities Director provides strategic, operational, and technical leadership for the City’s water, wastewater, and wastewater treatment systems, ensuring the reliable delivery of essential services to the community. The Director oversees all Utilities Department functions, including water supply, treatment, storage, conservation, distribution, customer service operations, wastewater collection, treatment, redistribution, system maintenance, engineering, and capital investment. The City of Gilroy is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and technically skilled utilities executive to serve as Utilities Director. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering expertise with financial acumen and a proven commitment to operational excellence. They embrace a “one team” leadership approach, making decisions that balance the needs of the Utilities Department with the broader City organization. Working closely with the senior executive and leadership teams, they address projects, initiatives, and organizational challenges in a coordinated and solutions-oriented way. This leader approaches challenges with both strategic vision and practical, results-driven focus.
The annual salary range for the Utilities Director is $204,675 – $281,132; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Mike Ishii at (916) 784-9080.
Filing Deadline: April 19, 2026
