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Mt. Crested Butte, CO | General Manager
Employment
Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District
General Manager
|
STATUS |
Full-Time |
|
WAGE |
$145,000 - $185,000 |
|
CLOSING |
April 27, 2026 |
Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District is seeking a District Manager for this Colorado Title 32 special district responsible for providing essential water and wastewater services to residents and businesses in the Town of Mt. Crested Butte and portions of rural Gunnison County. This high-alpine region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, world-class outdoor recreation, and vibrant local culture.
Summary of Position
The District Manager position serves as the chief executive for the District, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Board, the District Manager manages and directs the overall business operations of the Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District ensuring Federal and State water and sanitation regulatory compliance. The District Manager is responsible for leading the management of operations of the District by identifying, planning, and implementing strategic and financial initiatives that are consistent with those developed and approved by the Board. The District Manager serves as the chief human resources officer and oversees a staff of fourteen employees, including direct supervision of the District Engineer, Wastewater Supervisor, Water Supervisor, and Finance Manager.
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership, HR, and Organizational Culture
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate District personnel; oversee recruitment, training, draft and implement standard operating procedures, performance management, and corrective action.
- Foster a positive, stable, and collaborative organizational culture; strengthen communication and rebuild trust across all levels of the District, the Board, and the public.
- Partner with third-party HR professionals as needed to support employee relations, policy development, and organizational structure.
- Lead organization restricting efforts including evaluating staffing needs, optimizing workflows, and improving data organization and reporting systems to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Operations & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and performance of the District’s water and wastewater systems.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable Colorado Department of Public Health and
- Environment (CDPHE) regulations, permits, and reporting requirements.• Manage the District’s water rights portfolio, including coordination with the District’s water rights attorney on protection, administration, and long-term planning.
- Manage emergency response, system outages, and public communication during operational events.
- Maintain strong working relationships with District legal counsel, consulting engineers, regulatory agencies, and partners.
- Promote workplace safety in accordance with OSHA and District policies.
Finance & Budgeting
- Prepare and manage the District’s approximately $7 million annual operating budget.
- Oversee financial systems including billing, accounting, payroll, procurement, internal controls and rates/fee studies.
- Manage grant applications and administration, loans, and funding programs.
- Provide accurate, timely financial, and operational reporting to the Board.
Capital Projects & Strategic Planning
- Manage capital improvement planning and execution, asset inventories, and condition assessments.
- Lead long-range water and wastewater planning, including system and facility master planning, demand and flow forecasting, and ensuring infrastructure is aligned with full buildout needs.
Governance & Community Interface
- Prepare Board meeting materials, agendas, and monthly reports; ensure effective communication and follow through on Board directives.
- Provide strategic guidance to the Board, including long term strategic planning, risk assessment, and evaluation of operational and financial impacts.
- Represent the District in interactions with customers, partner agencies, local governments, federal agencies, developers, and community organizations.
- Participate in professional organizations and stay current on industry trends and innovations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives from the Town of Mt. Crested Butte, the Town of Crested Butte Public Works Department, state and federal officials, the media, the public, and all stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of organization design and development.
- Knowledge of water and sanitation system operating parameters and best practices.
- Knowledge of human resources best practices and the ability to supervise, discipline mentor, coach, and provide appropriate work direction in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of a large, complex potable water transmission and storage system.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of a sanitary sewer system and treatment of effluent.
- Ability to develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
- Ability to exercise sound, expert independent judgment within policy guidelines.
- Ability to apply strategic thinking and analysis to data and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on complex management and administrative issues.
- Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors and staff.
- Ability to effectively communicate with customers, consultants, district staff, stakeholders, elected and appointed governmental officials, and other industry and business representatives.
- Ability to exercise high levels of tact, diplomacy, and discretion in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to water quality, engineering, environmental science, public administration, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum of five years of management level experience with responsibility for operations, administration, budgeting, HR, and public accountability.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater, public works, utilities, or related infrastructure operations.
- Minimum of three years of executive or second level management experience in the public sector, public utility, or similarly complex organization.
- Demonstrated experience working with or reporting to a governing board.
- Knowledge of water and wastewater regulatory requirements.
- Working knowledge of financial systems, budgeting, procurement, and project management.
Desired Qualifications
- Water and Wastewater Facility Operation Certifications, Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado, and higher education are beneficial but not required.
Licensing & Certifications
- Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of fulltime employment and be insurable under the District’s policy.
Benefits
- Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic field visits.
- Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
- Frequent driving is required.
- Position requires attention to detail, deadlines, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
How/Where to Apply
More Information: GMP Consultants is assisting Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District with this search. Learn more at gmphr.com. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First Review is April 27, 2026.
For questions on this position, please contact:
Linda Woulfe
GMP Consultants
lwoulfe@gmphr.com
(612) 965-0237
