Assistant Director of Public Utilities (Admin Division)

City of Fresno•Fresno, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities is currently recruiting for an Assistant Director position in Public Utilities Administration. This is an unclassified position in which the incumbent serves at the will of the Department Director. This Assistant Director position in Public Utilities Administration leads and manages the Department’s financial and administrative operations. This Assistant Director works directly with the Director of Public Utilities, administrative staff, and the operating utilities’ business management teams to advance the mission of delivering essential utility services to the City’s customers. Incumbent leads the preparation of the annual budget and routine financial reports, leads and oversees the analysis of the operating utilities’ cost of service and rate revenue requirements, leads and manages rate report preparation and the Proposition 218 process, provides oversight of grant pursuits and management, reviews and prepares new and updated department policies, coordinates with outside agencies, and provides support and oversight to the Department’s three operating utilities in the areas of finance, business management, and administration. The Department seeks an individual with exceptional managerial and leadership skills to serve as an Assistant Director in Public Utilities Administration. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong communications skills with staff at all organizational levels, and be able to remain focused, proactive, and steady in a fast-paced, politically dynamic environment. A levelheaded individual with strong crisis management skills and a collaborative approach to management is desired. An appreciation of diversity and the strength that diversity brings to the workplace is essential. The selected Assistant Director should also be sensitive to labor-related matters and have demonstrated experience working effectively with labor organizations. The Assistant Director exercises considerable judgment and discretion in directing and administering the Department and its operations. In addition, the Assistant Director acts as technical advisor to the Director of Public Utilities and City Manager, and attends meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees relevant to public utilities and related services. The Assistant Director participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets and is expected to coordinate activities with other City of Fresno departments, the operating utilities, and outside agencies.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in finance administration, public administration, civil engineering, sciences, or a closely related field.
Eight (8) years' experience of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large public utility providing water, sewer, solid waste, or utility planning services.
Possession, at time of appointment and continued maintenance, of a valid California Driver License.

Nice To Haves

Masters in Finance Administration
Certification in California as a Certified Public Accountant
Registration in California as a Professional Engineer
Exceptional managerial and leadership skills
Strong communications skills with staff at all organizational levels
Ability to remain focused, proactive, and steady in a fast-paced, politically dynamic environment
Levelheaded individual with strong crisis management skills
Collaborative approach to management
Appreciation of diversity and the strength that diversity brings to the workplace
Sensitivity to labor-related matters and demonstrated experience working effectively with labor organizations
Entrepreneurial-minded individuals with a capacity for independent, innovative solution-oriented thinking
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in leading the day-to-day public utilities operations with a thorough understanding of compliance and legal mandates
Record of straightforward and open communication
Willingness to make effective decisions within the parameters of the position
Ability to act calmly and quickly in emergency situations or under adverse conditions
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day operations of public utility services
Strong management and planning skills
Ability to communicate effectively with executive management, technical resources, and partner agency liaisons
Thorough understanding of compliance with legal mandates
Ability to implement and sustain a comprehensive information and technology environment by developing and implementing strategic plans for continuous expansion and improvement of utility services.

Responsibilities

Leads and manages the Department’s financial and administrative operations.
Works directly with the Director of Public Utilities, administrative staff, and the operating utilities’ business management teams to advance the mission of delivering essential utility services to the City’s customers.
Leads the preparation of the annual budget and routine financial reports.
Leads and oversees the analysis of the operating utilities’ cost of service and rate revenue requirements.
Leads and manages rate report preparation and the Proposition 218 process.
Provides oversight of grant pursuits and management.
Reviews and prepares new and updated department policies.
Coordinates with outside agencies.
Provides support and oversight to the Department’s three operating utilities in the areas of finance, business management, and administration.
Acts as technical advisor to the Director of Public Utilities and City Manager.
Attends meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees relevant to public utilities and related services.
Participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Coordinates activities with other City of Fresno departments, the operating utilities, and outside agencies.

Benefits

Retirement: Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems.
Health Insurance: PPO plan through the City of Fresno Health and Welfare Trust. The City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, prescription, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.
Flexible Spending Account Program: IRS Section 125 Plan that includes spending accounts for health care and dependent care.
Auto Allowance: Dependent upon provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2-2.
Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available which allows tax contribution up to IRS determined limits.
Management Leave: 80 hours (pro-rated) per fiscal year with an annual cash out provision.
Supplemental Management Leave: Up to 32 hours at the discretion of the City Manager. This leave may be placed in a retiree Heath Reimbursement Arrangement account.
Annual Leave: Accrue 15.50 hours per month, with cash out provisions.
Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.
Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.
Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): Optional, voluntary program that allows for retirement benefits deposited in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno. To participate, must be at least age 50 with 5 years of service. Benefits include: ownership of DROP account monies; compound interest earnings; and alternative distribution options.