Supervisor of Municipal Utilities

Department Head level executive position responsible for the overall operations and management of a multi-service municipal utility system including electric, water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment. The Supervisor implements the directives of the Board and ensures compliance with policies. The Supervisor will coordinate the efforts of the town Utilities employees to maximize efficiency and quality of service to our customers; will make recommendations to the Board with regard to rates and policies and then see that the Board's directions are carried out; and will listen to the suggestions, complaints, and concerns of our customers and attempt to respond to their needs as is practical and appropriate.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manages the overall operations of the Utility.
• Responsible for preparation of the Utilities annual capital and operating budgets and long-term financial plan.
• Prepares, documents, and presents code and ordinance changes, utility rates, fees, and other utility business policies and practices to internal and external stakeholders to ensure objectives are met.
• Initiate and conduct studies to forecast future utility needs, including facility and capital expenditure and use studies to support recommendations to the Board.
• Ensures utility’s electric power, water and wastewater operations are in compliance with all city ordinances/policies and applicable Federal, State, Municipal statutes, guidelines, rules regulations and public utility principles/practices.
• Represents the City’s interests in overseeing and evaluating consultant recommendations and monitor work performed by outside firms.
• Executes leadership, oversight, and supervision responsibilities over the Utilities Leadership Team, which includes Administration staff, Customer Service, Billing/AMI, Finance and Operations
• Creates and oversees utilities customer policies, customer service programs and associated outreach communications.
• Monitors billing and account structure and resolution of billing disputes including collaboration with utility billing, finance and operations.
• Leads and manages technology and business process improvements projects in the position’s span of control. Identifies, evaluates, and implements process and technology improvements.
• Creates a culture of accountability and excellence, providing motivation and performance feedback, recognizing contributions, and encouraging staff training and development.
• Recruits, selects and supervises employees within the Departments.
• Attends City Council Meetings and advisory board meetings as needed and responds to questions and complaints from General Public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of all aspects of public utilities—electric and water.
• Working knowledge of the TVA power Contract and Regulation
• Proven Knowledge in planning, operations, construction practices used in design, engineering and construction of electric distribution systems and water/wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of utility rate development and application.
• Familiar with Federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws and regulations related to electric, water, and wastewater utility systems.
• Knowledge of municipal financial planning, budgeting, and management
• Proven experience in developing and leading teams of people to accomplish public utility tasks, setting goals and objectives, work organization, delegation and employee supervision.
• Possess and apply strategic thinking skills, including having the ability to clearly define objectives, generate an action plan, define necessary resources, effectively anticipate change, brainstorm, troubleshoot and generate solutions.
• Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including active listening skills, conflict resolution, seeking clarification as needed, building relationships and where possible creating “win-win” outcomes using positive reinforcement and diplomacy.
• Capable of being coached, open to feedback, and engaged in continuous improvement as it relates to knowledge, skills and abilities associated with this position and as an employee of the department.
• Effective time management skills.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business administration, or related field.
• Ten (10) years responsible experience in utility systems.
• Six (6) years in a management supervisory capacity.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License

PREFERED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Master's Degree in Engineering or Business administration, or related field.
• Principle of Engineering (PE) License.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed primarily in an office or a shop environment. Work involves everyday risks or discomforts which requires normal safety precautions. Work also requires physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs or body for the operation of vehicles, electronic and mechanical equipment