Director of Public Utilities - Unalaska, Alaska

Unalaska, Alaska (est. full-time pop. 4,195 plus seasonal influxes) is strategically located in the heart of the North Pacific and Bering Sea fisheries, 50 miles from the North Pacific Great Circle Shipping Route and 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. This coastal community in the Eastern Aleutian Islands seamlessly blends industry and history, connected by a 40-mile network of roads that link the bustling port, harbors, private docks, local businesses, and residential areas on Unalaska and Amaknak Islands.

Unalaska’s temperatures are pleasantly moderate and consistent, with summers ranging from 41-60° and winters ranging from 25-40°. Precipitation averages 60” annually, and snowfall tends to melt quickly. During the summer, Unalaska's scenery undergoes a remarkable change, with the hills bursting into vibrant shades of green and adorning themselves with an abundance of beautiful wildflowers and berries, creating a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere. 

Unalaska's DPU operates with five proprietary funds and an FY25 operating budget of $27.1 million. The DPU is also responsible for managing multiple capital projects in various stages of completion; the management of 36 full-time regular and three full-time temporary employees; maintaining current operating permits for all utilities; and submitting applications and questionnaires for project grants and funding.

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities is an executive-level position that functions as the general manager of public utilities. The City is seeking a Director experienced in power generation and distribution and who can assist with the management, planning, operation, engineering, and maintenance of the electric utility and distribution and systems. This position also provides planning and budgetary information to the City Council through the City Manager for its capital and maintenance projects. Unalaska's Deputy Director separately administers the water, wastewater and solid waste divisions with general oversight by the Director. 

Power Generation Development. Unalaska’s power demand is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years. With new customers and planned expansion projects requiring additional power, the City is pursuing several options and alternatives to increase power production. In an effort to meet this demand, the City is utilizing two strategies: maximizing efficiency and production from existing diesel generation, and expanding production through renewables. The City aims to shift to renewables by increasing its capacity with solar, wind and a BESS system. Additionally, the City plans to complete a geothermal power resource assessment of Makushin Volcano’s ability to generate electricity to power the island. If the assessment proves the volcano is a viable resource, then significant electrical distribution upgrades will be necessary and Unalaska would become the first community in the nation to be entirely powered by geothermal energy. 

Capital Improvement Projects. The City’s high-priority capital projects include: solid waste management, electrical distribution upgrades and clear water storage. For solid waste management, an $8.3 million gasifier project is being considered and would result in the gasification of anaerobic digestion as a waste reduction strategy. Another option would be to expand existing cells on the property. Electrical distribution upgrades will be necessary to ensure the grid can accommodate anticipated loads efficiently. Upgrading the City’s existing 200A circuit to a 600A circuit will play a key role in maintaining grid reliability. Lastly, expansion of the City’s clear water reserves is vital to its operations to optimize water production and increase availability to current and future consumers. 

The hiring salary range is $164,195 - $180,606. In addition, the City of Unalaska offers an outstanding benefits package which includes:

·100% employer-paid medical premiums (employee & dependents)

·100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)

·100% employer-paid medevac insurance (employee)

·Up to a $10,000 hiring bonus

·Up to $10,000 in relocation assistance

·Annual travel allowance of $2,000 after the first year of employment

·Personal Leave accrual begins at 16 hours per month and steadily increases to 32 hours per month on the 9th year of employment  

·9 paid Holidays and 4 floating holidays per year

·7 days bereavement leave

·Longevity bonus starting on the third year of employment

·Eligible for Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement

·Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare and Mutual of America

·City-owned vehicle to drive for work and personal use

·City-owned employee housing may be available for rent

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and progressively responsible professional leadership (ideally eight years), including experience in electrical/powerhouse operations, construction and/or utility management or a related field. Other combinations of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job duties may be evaluated. Preference will be given to specialized education/certification in electrical/powerhouse operations. Geothermal knowledge and union negotiation experience are a plus. The successful candidate must have, or be able to obtain, an Alaska driver’s license within 90 days of hire, possess the ability to pass all required pre-employment testing (i.e., criminal background, employment history, credit check, and drug testing), and must be eligible to work in the U.S.

The ideal candidate for this exciting role must embody a pioneering and adventurous spirit, as the position is located 800 miles from Anchorage amidst breathtaking natural beauty. If you seek retail stimuli in your non-work life, this may not be the ideal fit, as the closest large-scale entertainment and shopping opportunities are in Anchorage. Flexibility in both professional and personal life is essential, considering the challenges associated with the weather and the remote location.

This position is open until filled; however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply no later than April 4, 2025. 

For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze at Yolanda.Howze@bakertilly.com or 312-240-3401. 

For more information about Unalaska, visit: https://www.ci.unalaska.ak.us, https://www.ci.unalaska.ak.us/publicutilities, and https://www.facebook.com/Unalaska.DutchHarbor

The City of Unalaska is an Employer of National Service and encourages AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

Salary : $164,195 - $180,606