Electric Utilities Director - City of Washington

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE $110,000 - $120,000

Summary
Responsible for the expansion, construction, maintenance and repair of a municipal-owned electrical utility system to facilitate a safe, efficient and effective delivery of reliable electric service to customers. Responsible for planning, organizing and developing the objectives and work of personnel in the Electrical Utility Division. Manage the work of supervisory and non-supervisory personnel, budget development and administration, as well as planning and implementing the installation and maintenance of the city's electrical distribution infrastructure. Develop and implement plans for the expansion of the electrical infrastructure as an alternative to public regulated utilities and to ensure adequate power supplies for residents and businesses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

• Coordinates priorities and objectives on new or revised installation projects involving compliance with specific designs or specifications with engineering personnel.
• Oversees capital budgeting and planning of service extensions.
• Monitors and evaluates activities of employees for effectiveness, completeness and compliance with safety standards; inspects work in the field; reviews daily work reports and provides feedback.
• Conducts safety training and safety meetings to ensure staff remain aware of safety issues.
• Develops budget estimates of hours worked including forecasting future requirements for personnel, materials, supplies and equipment; authorizes requisitions and purchase orders for supplies or equipment.
• Prepares monthly reports of work accomplished, work in progress and operational costs.
• Coordinates the planning and construction of new sub-stations by consulting with engineering staff; identifies the need for change orders, specification development and materials needed; inspects work performed by outside contractors.
• Establishes annual maintenance and performance objectives for the electrical utility division; develops division and employee performance objectives.
• Prepares as-built maps of the electrical distribution system; trains subordinates in reading and understanding mapping system.
• Understands the local political environment and effectively communicates with Washington's City Manager, City Council, City Staff and public on all public power issues, operational, financial, electric rates, distribution system long-range planning, economic development and territorial matters.
• Provides technical, administrative and supervisory guidance for the day-to-day operations of the Electric Department, including personnel matters (e.g. hiring and terminations, timesheet approvals, expense reports, etc.).
• Responds to and evaluates citizen inquiries and complaints to determine responsibility and develop methods to resolve problems.
• Trains and develops employees, provides feedback and responds to employee relations issues in order to maintain a competent and motivated workforce.
• Serves as the primary technical representative for the City on state and regional public and private electrical infrastructure initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University in Engineering, preferably Electrical, or a minimum of (10) ten years of progressively responsible work experience, preferably in a municipal electrical utility environment, which includes extensive experience in electric utility management. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.

Special Requirements

• Valid N.C. driver's license and acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theories and practices of construction, repair and maintenance of high and low voltage electrical distribution systems, subsystems and electrical theory.
• Knowledge of the various state/federal regulations pertaining to municipal-owned electrical systems.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to development and administration of annual operating and capital budgets, contract negotiations and public relations.
• Knowledge of the functions, use and care of tools and materials used in electrical line work, house circuits and substation equipment, as well as safety precautions necessary when working on high voltage electrical lines.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes and safety orders relating to electrical line work.
• Knowledge of theories/practices of electrical distribution design and maintenance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical distribution construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to plan and coordinate divisional work objectives with other departments, divisions and contractors; ability to train and supervise subordinates in their work roles.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of personnel in the city, contractors, regulators and the public; ability to represent the city with various regulatory agencies.
• Ability to set the example and culture of high ethical standards, leadership stature, strategic and tactical planning; a talent for managing change, problem-solving and decision-making skills; tenacity and an ability to motivate.
• Ability to maintain a positive community image and effectively communicate and interact with elected officials, customers, competitors and the public.
• Ability to promote the value of the Washington Electric System and build and maintain positive, professional and productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Physical Requirements
Work in this position is characterized as light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Although considered as a management official, the employee may be required to perform fieldwork with electrical crews and be able to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, see clearly, bend body downward and forward, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles, reach with hands and arms, ascend and descend stairs or ladders. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions
Working conditions are predominately in an environmentally controlled environment typical of office workers. However, the employees in this class are also exposed to both inside and outside environmental conditions where protection from the environment may be required. Employees may be subject to physical workplace hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts or vehicles, electrical current and wires, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to extremes of heat, cold, rain and snow, and potential exposure to chemicals as well as atmospheric conditions including fumes, odors, dusts, dirt, mists, gases, poor ventilation as well as moderate to high noise levels. #J-18808-Ljbffr