KNRD - Utility General Manager

Kalispel Tribe Careers•Usk, WA

34d

About The Position

Summary of Functions: The Tribal Utility General Manager provides strategic direction to the tribe’s electric utility, provides input into tribal energy strategies, and oversees the operation and management of the electric utility. The General Manager reports to the Tribal Administrator) and takes strategic direction from a Management Committee. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serves as the executive responsible for efficient, safe and professional electric utility operations. Acts as planning lead, project manager, and procurement lead for projects required to expand the capabilities of the KTU electric system (including software upgrades and implementation) and to connect new customer loads to the system. Develops and implements utility policies, goals, objectives, procedures, budgets, cost controls, utility rates, financial reports, and utility priorities. Represents the utility before Tribal Council, customers, and third parties. Negotiates and administers electric utility contracts (including agreements with the Bonneville Power Administration) for products and services. Hire and supervise employees, while assuring training in professional utility operations. Represents the tribe and KTU in regional and national government and energy industry forums, while advocating for policies favorable to the tribe and the utility. Applies for and administers grants and manages other financial tools to further utility opportunities. Administers Bonneville Power Administration agreements for electric energy efficiency measures deployed by KTU customers. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of energy and utilities and develops and proposes new utility services and related opportunities which will benefit KTU’s customers and the tribe. Performs other related duties as assigned or as needed.

Requirements

The Tribal Utility General Manager will demonstrate familiarity with:
Electric operations and maintenance practices (particularly underground facilities), customer service, purchasing/inventory control, and general activities of an electric utility.
Concepts, theories, principles, and practices of utility administration and operations.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Utility business practices and financial systems (including accounting, purchasing, inventory management, and general ledger software).
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and tribal laws, codes, and regulations including laws and regulations related to electric utility operation and safety.
Principles and practices of customer service, including Customer Information System software, billing, collections, communications (including websites and other forms of electronic communications), and advanced metering systems (AMI).
Principles and practices of project management, administration, and coordination.
Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrate a broad and diverse range of energy industry relationships, particularly with individuals employed by the Bonneville Power Administration, Avista Utilities, and public power utilities.
Move seamlessly among tribal offices and work well with people of all educational levels.
Negotiate, draft, and administer various complex and high value agreements.
Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and tribal policies, laws, and regulations.
Oversee the establishment and maintenance of accurate operational record keeping systems.
Understand the organization, operation, and services of the tribe and of outside agencies that affect electric utility operations.
Ensure adherence to established safety rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the public tactfully and courteously.
Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Demonstrate excellent public speaking skills before tribal groups and in response to outside requests and in public meetings and conferences.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business, economics, finance, engineering, or a related field; or completion of a certified electric utility lineman or electrician journeyman program coupled with at least 10 years of experience working on electric power lines and substations.
Ten years of increasingly responsible management experience in a position with utility engineering, customer service, power supply, maintenance, and/or operational responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a master’s degree and/or utility-related certification is desirable.
Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer is desirable.

Responsibilities

Serves as the executive responsible for efficient, safe and professional electric utility operations.
Acts as planning lead, project manager, and procurement lead for projects required to expand the capabilities of the KTU electric system (including software upgrades and implementation) and to connect new customer loads to the system.
Develops and implements utility policies, goals, objectives, procedures, budgets, cost controls, utility rates, financial reports, and utility priorities.
Represents the utility before Tribal Council, customers, and third parties.
Negotiates and administers electric utility contracts (including agreements with the Bonneville Power Administration) for products and services.
Hire and supervise employees, while assuring training in professional utility operations.
Represents the tribe and KTU in regional and national government and energy industry forums, while advocating for policies favorable to the tribe and the utility.
Applies for and administers grants and manages other financial tools to further utility opportunities.
Administers Bonneville Power Administration agreements for electric energy efficiency measures deployed by KTU customers.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of energy and utilities and develops and proposes new utility services and related opportunities which will benefit KTU’s customers and the tribe.
Performs other related duties as assigned or as needed.