Director of Energy Services

Town of Front Royal • Front Royal, VA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Energy Services is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, operation, maintenance, and strategic management of the Town's electric utility and related energy services. This position plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the activities of the Energy Services Department, including electric power transmission and distribution systems, substations, traffic signals, lighting, SCADA systems, building maintenance, inventory, safety, and related infrastructure. The Director provides leadership and supervision to departmental personnel; develops and administers operating policies, procedures, goals and objectives; oversees departmental budgets and expenditures; ensures compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations; and coordinates activities with the Town Manager, other Town departments, governmental agencies, energy providers, vendors, consultants, equipment manufacturers, consumers, and the public. The position requires sound judgment, strong leadership and communication skills, technical knowledge of electric utility operations, and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies, including major power outages. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, energy management, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• Significant progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations, energy services, electrical infrastructure, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory and management experience, including responsibility for personnel, budgets, projects, and operations.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working for a municipal electric utility or other public power organization.
• Experience managing electric transmission and distribution systems.
• Experience with SCADA systems, substations, traffic signals, and utility infrastructure.
• Experience with municipal budgeting and capital improvement planning.
• Experience interpreting and implementing State and Federal utility regulations.
• Experience responding to major electric outages and other utility emergencies.
• Professional engineering license, utility management certification, or other relevant professional credential.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric power transmission and distribution systems, substations, street lighting, and traffic signal systems.
• Plans, organizes, directs, oversees, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Energy Services Department.
• Coordinates departmental activities and projects with the Town Manager and other Town departments to support effective and efficient municipal operations.
• Establishes, implements, and maintains departmental operating policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Oversees the recruitment, screening, hiring, training, evaluation, counseling, discipline, and supervision of departmental employees in accordance with Town policies and applicable laws.
• Oversees the preparation, administration, and review of departmental operating and capital budgets; monitors expenditures and analyzes project costs to ensure responsible use of Town resources.
• Directs and oversees the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signal systems.
• Investigates accidents, service interruptions, electric service quality concerns, and other incidents involving departmental operations or infrastructure.
• Oversees the operation, maintenance, security, and reliability of the department’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and equipment.
• Reviews site plans and related development plans to ensure appropriate consideration of electric utility infrastructure, service requirements, easements, equipment, and applicable Town standards.
• Oversees building maintenance and related facilities operations assigned to the department.
• Oversees departmental training and safety programs and promotes a strong culture of workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and operational accountability.
• Directs and oversees departmental inventory, including materials, equipment, tools, supplies, and other utility resources.
• Responds to and coordinates departmental activities during major electric outages and other utility emergencies; provides leadership and direction to personnel during emergency situations.
• Works with insurance companies, vendors, contractors, consultants, equipment manufacturers, and other external organizations as necessary to support departmental operations and resolve issues.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to citizen inquiries, service concerns, and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Participates in public relations activities and communicates with citizens, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders regarding Energy Services operations and projects.
• Represents the Town at trade association meetings, governmental meetings, industry events, and other professional or public forums as assigned.
• Reviews, interprets, and monitors State and Federal laws, regulations, standards, and legislation governing electric utility operations and ensures that the Town’s utility operations remain in compliance.
• Serves as a key coordinator and liaison between the Energy Services Department and other Town departments, governmental agencies, energy providers, equipment manufacturers, consultants, contractors, consumers, and other stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director