Water Utility General Manager

overview

our next water utility general manager the city of madison is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and empathetic leader for the madison water utility. The general manager leads the work of the madison water utility, and is ultimately responsible for the financial, technical, maintenance and repair, operational, developmental, public relations, and administrative functions of the utility. This position reports to the mayor and the water utility board, is a member of the mayor's management team, and a member of the public works team.

The work involves the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in carrying out responsibilities under broad policies established by the water utility board, the city common council, the state public service commission and the wisconsin department of natural resources.

the successful candidate will have strong management skills and a customer-focused mindset, with experience working in a public utility. They will have experience managing large budgets, creating customer service programs, and preparing rate cases. They will understand the regulatory framework governing utility operations and grant funding. They will be able to be strategic in communication and explain complex technical information to the general public.

They will advance madison’s sustainability goals and help build a diverse, inclusive workforce. They will have excellent communication skills and be excited to collaborate with other agencies.

employment will be subject to a five-year employment contract negotiated by the mayor and approved by the common council and a term of the contract requires residency in the city of madison. Non-residents will be given time to establish residency if necessary. This position currently supervises approximately 130 permanent employees, both directly and through lower-level supervisors.

important: two supplemental essay questions on the job posting. Answers must be attached in the attachments section of your application, and a resume must be attached. To view the questions, click on the supplemental question tab or view the bottom section of the job bulletin. Applications received without attached essay responses and resume will be eliminated from consideration.

our community the city of madison is regularly included in lists of top places to live. A thriving food scene, more than 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing, excellent healthcare, and of course great transit work together to help meet madison’s vision to be inclusive, innovative, and thriving.

• #8 greenest city in the u.s.
  
  - ecocation (2025)
• #7 happiest city in america - fortune (2025)
• #18 best places to live in the midwest - livability (2025)
• #2 ranked among top 30 mid-sized us cities for green commuting - commercial cafe – 2024
• 15 happiest places to live in the u.s.
  
  - outside (2023)
• #1 most neighborly city - neighbor blog (2023)
• #1 best places to live -  – 2021 and 2022
• more madison rankings and accolades can be found on the city’s webpage and on destination madison.

we value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Black, indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferable skills each candidate brings to the table. We encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the public service loan forgiveness program.

• ensure the provision of an adequate and safe water supply for domestic, industrial, and fire protection purposes. Prepare the water utility for prolonged drought, energy shortages, urban development, environmental influences, or other occurrences which may disrupt/affect water supply or water needs. Monitor and oversee ground water quality, water treatment operations, and quality of the distribution system.
• oversee the activities and operations of the madison water utility and its staff. Meet with utility management team and staff to discuss operational and…