Utilities Manager - Engineering

Job Summary

The Utilities Manager oversees the planning, execution, and quality control of maintenance operations related to electrical systems and the major utility commodity of natural gas. This role ensures reliable utility infrastructure performance by leading a team of technical personnel, managing service contracts, and executing capital and preventive maintenance projects across the property. The manager ensures all utility operations comply with applicable regulations, safety standards, and operational requirements.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plans, prioritizes, and directs daily work for maintenance personnel, ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion.
• Leads utility operations and maintenance efforts for critical infrastructure including electrical distribution, backup power systems, and natural gas supply.
• Oversees electrical work in compliance with California C-10 Electrical Contractor License standards; ensures all installations, repairs, and upgrades are performed to code and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates with internal stakeholders and external vendors on technical specifications, design reviews, and service-level agreements.
• Prepares cost estimates, technical scopes of work, and project documentation for maintenance and construction efforts.
• Reviews and administers service contracts; evaluates performance and ensures vendor compliance.
• Conducts field inspections and verifies adherence to regulatory codes, contract specifications, and safety requirements.
• Approves contractor invoices, monitors budget expenditures, and recommends corrective actions when needed.
• Assesses physical infrastructure conditions and recommends improvement strategies and capital investments.
• Leads maintenance planning for electrical systems, emergency generators, utility metering, co-generation and natural gas equipment.
• Supports facility resilience efforts through energy efficiency, conservation programs, and sustainability initiatives.
• Participates in hands-on maintenance and emergency response activities when required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support engineering and utility operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides effective leadership and mentorship to maintenance and engineering team members.
• Recruits, trains, and evaluates personnel; ensures adherence to company policies and safety standards.
• Drives team performance through clear expectations, performance monitoring, coaching, and corrective actions.
• Fosters a safe and compliant work environment, promoting continuous improvement and professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical and natural gas utility systems, including distribution, metering, and safety protocols.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and compliance documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously under time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance, contract administration, and project cost control.
• Proficiency in regulatory standards related to electrical and gas utility operations.
• Familiarity with energy management systems, building automation systems (BAS), and environmental sustainability best practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in utility management, engineering, or facilities operations.
• At least 2 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a similar setting.
• Experience managing large-scale electrical systems and natural gas infrastructure in commercial or hospitality environments.
• Strong project management, vendor negotiation, and budgeting experience.
• Professional certifications in Electrical Systems, Gas Utilities, HVAC, or Facilities Management preferred.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or large-scale commercial facility highly desirable.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must have successfully completed a background check and obtained a gaming license issued by the Morongo Gaming Agency, as required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must be able to read and interpret documents in English, such as instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Must also be able to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, management, and guests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with engineering staff, management, contractors, vendors, and regulatory personnel in person, by phone, and in writing; responsible for giving directives, reporting utility operations, and coordinating infrastructure projects.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally lifts and carries tools, mechanical components, blueprints, and inspection equipment weighing up to 40 pounds; may assist with troubleshooting or field support as needed.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequently uses hands and fingers to operate computers, control panels, meters, and technical documentation; occasional hands-on assistance with system diagnostics or field inspections.
• Mobility: Frequently walks across property and throughout mechanical rooms, rooftops, utility tunnels, and plant areas; must be able to access confined spaces, climb ladders, and traverse elevated platforms for inspections and oversight.
• Stationary Work: Frequently remains seated while reviewing infrastructure plans, generating reports, analyzing system data, or working within computerized building and utility management systems.
• Tool Operation: Regular use of building automation software, utility monitoring systems, diagnostic tools, and standard office equipment; occasional operation of hand tools and field inspection devices.
• Visual Acuity: Requires excellent near and distance vision for reading blueprints, analyzing control panels, identifying utility system performance trends, and conducting inspections with attention to safety and compliance.
• Working Conditions: Routinely operates in both office and industrial plant environments, including boiler rooms, HVAC zones, water systems, and electrical areas; exposed to loud noise, moving machinery, elevated temperatures, chemicals, and a smoking environment near or within public and operational areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires the ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The casino operates with moderate to loud noise levels and is a smoking environment, requiring team members to work comfortably in these conditions.

WORKING HOURS:

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; therefore, flexibility in scheduling is essential. Team members must be available to work shifts that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. Schedules are subject to change based on business needs and may include overtime, as well as work on both weekdays and weekends.