Electric Utilities Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
This role involves planning, directing, and overseeing the activities of the electric divisions of a multi-service utility
organization including its construction, operation, and maintenance. The position requires strong leadership managing
both professional and technical staff, ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable service while adequately preparing for the
future.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Manage departmental operations to create an environment that is safe, maximizes employee productivity while
ensuring high levels of customer service. Oversee ongoing training of assigned employees to maintain a highly skilled
workforce.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and administer activities of the electric division of Starkville Utilities in compliance with
applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Ensure staff have necessary training and equipment for safe duty
performance.
• Advise subordinates on major projects, review schedules, project requirements, work priorities, and procedures.
Address personnel and organizational issues.
• Oversee the metering division which includes a variety of types of meters, equipment, communication devices and
personnel to provide accurate and timely billing data and information.
• Ensure the electric utility’s transmission, and distribution systems operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. Maintain a
dependable power supply to meet customer needs and expectations.
• Assist and provide input on capital improvement planning and necessary improvements to prepare for the future.
• Develop and implement policies, objectives, and procedures for electric utility activities.
• Oversee division budgets, monitor financial controls, and implement strategies to keep operation and maintenance
costs down.
• Prepare designs, RFPs, develop bid specifications, coordinate bid processing, and approve major purchases.
• Monitor and enforce safety, production, and work standards while improving system reliability.
• Coordinate with the line crew to establish work priorities for system maintenance, upgrades, and other system
improvements.
• Lead and implement the department’s safety program to ensure compliance with safety standards and fostering a
safety culture across the entire organization.
• Represent the City in electric utility-related meetings, presenting to officials, staff, and the public about utility issues,
programs, and projects.
• Conduct rate studies and analysis for prospective customers and industries.
• Manage contractors performing capital work, set priorities, and monitor project spending, progress, and quality.
• Develop and maintain disaster and emergency preparedness plans for the organization and assist in leading the efforts
of recovery after a storm event.
• Oversee electrical system design and engineering, coordinate contracted power engineering for system modifications,
and manage project designs, schedules, and compliance with safety regulations.
• Direct the design of work projects, including feasibility studies, cost estimates, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Develop reports for power, system analysis, and operations.
• Provide leadership to engineers and line crews in the construction, installation, and maintenance of substations and power lines, ensuring proper inventory and field reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE of, SKILLS AND ABILITIES to:
• Knowledge of the theories and practices involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of electrical transmission systems, electrical distribution systems, subsystems, and electrical theory.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing municipally owned electrical systems.
• Knowledge of the functions, use, and maintenance of tools and materials for electrical line work, feeder circuits, and substation equipment, along with safety precautions for working on high-voltage electrical lines.
• Knowledge of different types of electric meters, their applicability and functionality, ability to troubleshoot and determine metering components that are not functioning properly.
• Provide expertise and leadership for metering platforms and systems and maintain on-going effort to improve metering systems and prepare for future technology enhancements.
• Ability to plan and coordinate divisional work objectives with other departments, divisions, and contractors; supervise and train subordinates in their roles.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with personnel at all levels within the city, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public; represent the city with regulatory agencies.
• Ability to set an example of high ethical standards, provide strong leadership, engage in strategic and tactical planning, and manage change. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to motivate others.
• Ability to maintain a positive community image and engage effectively with elected officials, customers, competitors, and the public.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in the electric utility industry, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory capacity.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of the specified educational requirements.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in a municipal electric utility environment, with extensive experience in electric utility management.
• Professional Engineering License in the State of Mississippi.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Environment: Mobility to work in typical office settings and use standard office equipment. Ability to interact effectively with others and adapt to high-stress situations.
• Physical: Ability to perform heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), prolonged standing or sitting, and physical activities such as crawling, pushing, and climbing. Work may involve uneven terrain and requires stamina for sustained physical exertion.