Description

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE HWWS WEBSITE.

Job posting subject to close 5/1/2026.

The City of Harlingen is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking utilities professional to lead the Harlingen Waterworks System as its next General Manager. Reporting to the utility’s Board of Trustees, the General Manager is responsible for developing and executing organizational and technological strategies that ensure reliable service delivery while effectively managing supply and demand. This role includes oversight of infrastructure planning, expansion, and capacity, as well as the development and coordination of policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements. The General Manager also serves as a key representative of the utility, engaging with professional, governmental, and community stakeholders, and acting as its spokesperson when needed.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge of water and wastewater systems, including treatment plant operations, financial management, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement planning. This individual will demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to establish effective procedures and performance standards that align with the Board’s vision and policies. A successful candidate will be adaptable to evolving industry challenges, open to innovation, and committed to delivering excellent customer service.

Requirements

This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, business administration, accounting/finance, public administration, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred. Degrees in Civil or Environmental Engineering, along with licensure as a Professional Engineer, are also preferred. The selected candidate must maintain a valid Texas driver’s license throughout their employment. Additionally, candidates should have (8) to (10) years of progressively responsible engineering and management experience in public or private sector environments. This experience should include utility administration, customer relations, water and wastewater plant design and operations, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, and construction management. Familiarity with regulatory and permitting agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the EPA is highly desirable, and bilingual proficiency is a plus. Please note that the selected candidate must establish residency within three months of hire.