Assistant General Manager – Municipal Utilities

SUMMARY:

Highly responsible administrative and professional work in directing the activities of the Municipal Utilities Department. Work involves responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing municipal utilities, safety water, and sewer operations. Plan, organize, assign, coordinate, and direct operations, including training, assigning work, and performance evaluations. Ensures all work complies with EPA and other applicable regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and manage all aspects of Municipal Utilities.
• Formulate and recommend basic policies and programs, including financial and budgeting programs, for approval of the Board of Public Utilities through development of an annual budget and long-range plans.
• Undertake speeches, appearances, and other opportunities for contact with various local, state, and regional organizations.
• Monitor and evaluate legislative issues and actions that will or could impact the city’s utilities.
• Direct the development of specific procedures and programs to implement the policies and activities of Municipal Utilities and further ensure that these procedures and programs are effectively administered and controlled; and authorize all office policies and procedures.
• Assure that sound plans of organization are maintained and that major additions, eliminations, or alterations in the organizational plans of operation are properly controlled and oversee the direction and coordination of all approved programs, projects, and major activities of the staff.
• Provide for optimum development of key staff members and ensure that the organization is staffed with competent people; that key staff members are delegated authority and are equitably compensated, and that appropriate limitations of their authority are defined and understood with respect to policy, commitment, expenditures and actions affecting personnel.
• Direct the development and maintenance of standards of performance with respect to all programs and services for Municipal Utilities.
• Authorize and execute such contracts, agreements, and commitments as may be authorized by the City Council or established policy.
• Wherever possible, promote interest and active participation in community activities by employees.
• Develop, maintain, and appropriate budgetary procedure and oversee the authorized and proper expenditure of funds, and assure that all funds, physical assets, and other property of Municipal Utilities are appropriately safeguarded and administered.
• Execute other general responsibilities as may be assigned by the Utilities Board.
• Responsible for the conduct of key staff and all departments in guiding and coordinating operations and activities of Municipal Utilities and employees. Secure the advice of key personnel in formulating plans and programs and always stands ready to render advice and support to staff.
• Exhibit a high level of professionalism and integrity in all personal and business activities.
• Keep the City Council and the Utilities Board informed and knowledgeable about important issues impacting Municipal Utilities and its customers.
• Collaborate with private, public, and not-for-profit organizations on matters that concern Municipal Utilities, as well as promote the growth of the community.
• Establish the utility’s goals and objectives with the Board, including, but not limited to, energy and water conservation, and manage successful implementation of such goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience in the management of staff that concern a wide range of programs and activities;
• Strong leadership skills and excellent collaboration skills;
• A strong background in the operation and management of a fully integrated electric system which includes generation, transmission and distribution;
• A strong background in the distribution, operation and management of a fully integrated water and sewer system, including water supply and treatment;
• Experience and extensive knowledge of the structure and operation of federal, state, and local governments, including experience in legislative, administrative agency rule-making procedures, and establishment of rates;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variable;
• Must be a person of high ethics and integrity with exceptional writing and presentation abilities; and,
• Must be able to present materials publicly to small and large groups of professionals and/or non-professionals that is understandable to both the technical and non-technical person.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES AND/OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED); bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or business from an accredited college or university;
• 10 years supervisory and managerial experience with electric, water and sewer utilities, including a clear record of career growth through a history of being entrusted with increasing managerial responsibilities;
• 15 years of experience as a director or general manager in an electric, water and sewer utility may substitute for a college degree; and,
• Valid Missouri driver’s license.