Director, Division of Drinking Water

Director, Division of Drinking Water

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $60.61 - $100.15 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Coral Ortega | caortega@utah.gov
Application Deadline – 10/31/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Lead vital environmental policy and protect public health across Utah. The Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a visionary, strategic Division Director to lead the Division of Drinking Water. Reporting directly to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Quality, you will oversee a dedicated team of 55 professionals, manage state drinking water programs and funding, and shape water policy alongside elected officials and key stakeholders statewide.

Key Responsibilities

• Exercise considerable discretion, judgment and decision-making to fulfill the division's mission.
  
• Develop and administer programs to promote and protect the quality of the public drinking water supplies of thestate.
  
• Manage and monitor the division's budget to ensure that adequate resources are available to accomplish the division mission.
  
• Work closely with elected officials to support the development of laws related to drinking water in the state and oversee implementation of these laws.
  
• Direct a staff of approximately 55 professional, technical and administrative employees.
  
• Advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies of the state, the federal government, interstate agencies, with affected groups, political subdivisions and public water systems in furtherance of the division's mission.
  
• Support the Drinking Water Board in developing rules implementing applicable statutes and in administering the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A four-year degree or higher.
  
• Executive experience working in an environmental program preferable related to drinking water.
  
• The ability to think strategically, anticipate needs and effectively execute a strategic plan.
  
• The ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with multiple competing interests.
  
• The ability to effectively communicate complex information and ideas.
• The ability to build healthy relationships inside and outside of an agency.
  
• Proven leadership abilities including the ability to lead during times of change and listen and learn from those around you.
• Experience in budget management.
  
• Experience working with elected officials and the legislative process.
  
• Experience working with the public and private sectors on difficult and complex policy issues.
  
• Experience supervising personnel including: hiring, determining workload, delegating, recognizingaccomplishments, training, evaluating performance and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.
  
• Experience improving organizational performance.

Supplemental Information:

• Division director shall hold one of the following degrees from an accredited college or university: (i) a four-year degree in physical or biological science or engineering (ii) a related degree; or (iii) a degree in law per Utah Code 19-1-1-105-3.
• Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AD - Employees Reporting to Dept. Head, Commissioners, or Dept. Director

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information about the Department of Environmental Quality, click here.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.