Engineering & Operations Manager

Northern Wasco County PUD • The Dalles, OR

2d

About The Position

Northern Wasco County PUD is looking for an Engineering & Operations Manager to lead and support our engineering team. This is a full-time, exempt position with a Monday-Thursday, 4/10 workweek.

The Engineering & Operations Manager provides leadership and oversight of the District's Engineering and Operations departments. This role serves as the primary management link between executive leadership and frontline supervisors, translating District strategy into executable work plans. The Engineering & Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of utility services while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and manage a diverse team of professional staff.
• Comprehensive understanding of electric utility engineering, operations, and maintenance practices.
• Proven ability to develop, monitor, and manage operating and capital budgets.
• Thorough knowledge of NESC, OR-OSHA, and public power regulatory requirements, including public contracting and procurement.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• High-level oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other diverse audiences while providing outstanding customer service
• Advanced use of Microsoft 365 and familiarity with utility-specific software such as GIS, CIS, and engineering modeling systems.
• Ability to coordinate large-scale emergency restoration activities under pressure.
• Maintains a positive, courteous, and respectful attitude in all interactions.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, construction management, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in an engineering or operations role within a utility environment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Valid and current driver’s license. Driving record must be acceptable and insurable by NWCPUD insurance carrier at standard group rates. An annual consent for a release of one's driving record is also required.

Nice To Haves

• Oregon Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience working in a public power environment.
• Familiarity with public contracting, procurement, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Personnel Management
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management of assigned staff.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and retention efforts for department personnel.
• Establish clear performance standards and priorities aligned with District goals.
• Hold employees accountable for safety, productivity, and compliance with District policies.
• Operational Oversight
• Oversee day-to-day Engineering and Operations activities to ensure efficient electric system performance.
• Coordinate efforts for project design, construction, maintenance, and outage response.
• Evaluate operational effectiveness and implement improvements to technical standards, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure strong collaboration between Engineering, Operations, and all other District departments.
• Administrative Oversight
• Lead the development of annual work plans and the preparation of operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and recommend corrective actions to maintain fiscal health.
• Support long-range planning for infrastructure investment and asset management.
• Represent the District in meetings with contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Safety & Emergency Response
• Reinforce a robust safety culture and ensure adherence to all District safety policies and protocols.
• Support emergency preparedness, storm response, and disaster recovery activities.
• Perform duties in a safe and efficient manner, serving as a model for subordinate staff.
• Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits, through the valuing and welcoming of cultural difference in all position responsibilities.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Participate in cross-departmental process improvement initiatives.
• All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.

Benefits

• Generous PTO Accruals
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 100% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary
• 401(k) 7.5% base + 7.5% match = 15% total possible employer contribution
• 457(b)
• 100% employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• HRA VEBA employee funded
• Wellness Incentive to HRA VEBA employer funded
• 100% Paid Business Travel Insurance
• Voluntary benefits

What This Job Offers

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