To apply for this position, visit: https://prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3216

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the overall operations of the Electric Utility Department by developing, planning, organizing, and directing improvements, extensions, operations and maintenance of the utility ensuring the efficient functioning and modernization of the power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

Under the supervision of the Municipal Administrator, the Electric Utility Director exercises independent judgment and discretion in the leadership of all aspects of the Electric Department. The work is performed independently and based on technical expertise with discretion subject to compliance with the law. The Electric Utility Director directly supervises four employees: Generation Systems Manager, Project & Regulatory Engineer, Transmission & Distribution Systems Manager, and Office Administrator.

The Electric Utility Director position is a management employee who assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the Municipal Administrator and other department heads who formulate, determine, or effectuate management policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, directs, and oversees all activities within the Electric Utility Department
• Manages the development of goals and objectives, policies and procedures for electric utility activities and program
• Manages the development, implementation and monitoring of strategies to maintain and enforce production, safety and work standards, and to improve system reliability
• Prepares and recommends short-term and long-term planning initiatives, including capital improvement projects, to advance utility infrastructure consistent with the CBS Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Plan
• Recommends strategic, budget, and administrative actions for implementation of approved plans and projects
• Prepares solicitations for and procures and negotiates contracts for various agreements, leases, and projects related to the department
• Manages outside consultants, private contractors, and suppliers, including project oversight of contracts for adherence to required specifications
• Develops, reviews, and submits the annual budget for approval and monitors fiscal year departmental expenditures within established budget parameters
• Analyzes quarterly operating reports and implement initiatives to enhance financial and service delivery efficiencies
• Provides technical guidance regarding utility programs and operations to the Municipal Administrator, Assembly, and other departments
• Supervises, motivates, trains, and evaluates the performance of direct reports and oversees the performance of other department staff
• Collaborates with the Municipal Attorney on legal matters affecting the Department

Represents the Municipality on various boards and before federal and state regulatory bodies

• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Electric generation, transmission, and distribution operations and maintenance
• Engineering principles and practices governing the operation of an electric utility system
• Laws, ordinances, regulations and statues which govern an electric utility system
• Management principles and practices
• Local government processes, organization, and budgeting
• Safety and occupational hazards and accident prevention methods related to the operation of an electric utility system

Skills in:

• Communicating with a variety of groups both inside and outside of an organization
• Managing an organization, including change management situations, effectively
• Presenting variety of information, both technical and non-technical to diverse audiences
• Preparing and implementing strategic planning
• Managing large-scale projects in addition to managing day-to-day operations
• Analyzing complex problems and developing innovative solutions
• Decision making as a manager in a complex operation
• Supervising a diverse team of professional, technical, and clerical staff

Ability to:

• Recognize and maintain confidential information
• Work effectively with elected officials, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other utilities, employees, and the general public
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred; and
• Ten years of experience in electrical utility operations, and
• Five years of experience in management, with a utility, preferred; and
• Professional Engineer registration in State of Alaska, preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, a driver’s license issued by the State of Alaska

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed both in a general office environment and outdoors often in inclement weather with related hazards

Specific Physical Requirements:

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Working in front of a computer screen for long periods of time on a daily basis
• Some walking, lifting (up to 50 pounds), bending, and reaching during the workday

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate well with other employees and the general public
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to review written materials and inspect utility work and work locations
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate a computer keyboard and use small tools
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to visit and inspect a wide variety of work sites and CBS locations

BENEFITS 

• PERS Defined Contribution Retirement
• SBS Annuities program - 6.13% match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance (employee and dependents)
• Medical Dental Vision (90%/10% employer/employee paid) (employee and dependents)
• Annual Leave & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Eligible for 457 Retirement Plans
• Eligible for Supplemental Insurance Plans

The City and Borough of Sitka is an Equal Opportunity Employer