General Manager

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes and directs the Foothills Utilities programs, projects and operations through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; assures compliance to state and Federal environmental regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies, procedures and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as principal advisor to the Foothills Utilities on public utilities programs and technical issues; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes operational and technical issues and policies, and develops and implements solutions.
• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the Utilities operations, projects and programs; including water transmission & distribution, wastewater collection & treatment, and customer services; provides leadership, direction and guidance in strategies and program management.
• Directs operations through effective planning, budget management, and resource allocation; assures effective communication of Utilities issues with Foothills Utilities Management, government officials, community organizations, and the general public.
• Evaluates Foothills Utilities needs and prioritizes programs, projects, plans, and resource requirements; interprets Foothills Utilities concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, determines scope and priorities of programs and projects; encourages new ideas and collaborative approaches to solving problems.
• Directs, coaches and trains staff, and evaluates performance; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload, resource allocation, budgets, technical issues, quality standards, and services.
• Determines department goals and objectives, and evaluates progress toward achieving goals; evaluates staffing levels, resource availability and service demands, and allocates resources to optimize budgeted funds; manages administrative activities including budgets, contracts and activity reports.
• Analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and develops plans to meet future needs; assures Utilities issues are properly addressed and resolved; monitors changes in regulations and legislation.
• Monitors operations, manages costs, and creates policies to increase efficiency and effectiveness of services; directs technical projects and utility rate studies; assures compliance with all regulations, standards and policies, including reporting requirements for state and Federal agencies.
• Responds to critical incidents, and takes command when appropriate; directs coordination of plans and issues with other state and regional agencies; explains and interprets programs, policies, and activities.
• Supports the relationship between the Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff; promotes the Foothills Utilities goals and priorities, vision, values, and complies with all Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Foothills Utilities information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND six years of management experience in a large water/wastewater system; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Foothills Utilities organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a General Manager.
• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including performance management, personnel rules, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Federal and State codes and regulations governing public water & wastewater operations and projects.
• Principles and practices for managing water & wastewater operations and projects.
• Principles and practices of managing utilities infrastructure development and maintenance.
• Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient public works maintenance techniques.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating the Foothills Utilities operations.
• Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.
• Developing and managing plans, budgets, policies, and procedures.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and developing effective solutions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Foothills Utilities employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Water Treatment or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Grade 4 certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is required. ADEQ certifications in both W/WW functions are preferred; additional technical training and certifications may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.

An employee in this class is required to live inside the City of Yuma or the Foothills area within three months of appointment.


SALARY
$110,000 - $177,000 Annually

BENEFITS
Foothills Utilities, a NW Natural Water company is offering full-time regular employees the following benefits. A regular full-time employee is one who works greater than 30 hours per week. All benefits start on the first of the month following your original date of employment,

Medical and Rx: Company will pay 75% of the premium for employee plus eligible dependents. Provider is Regence for medical and Rx.

Dental: Company will pay 75% of the premium for employee plus eligible dependents. Provider is Regence for dental benefits.

Vision: Company will pay 75% of the for vision for employee plus eligible dependents. The provider for vision benefits is Reliance.

401K Benefit: Company match of 100% of employee’s first 3% of elective contributions and 50% of next 2% of elective contributions (up to a maximum of 4% of eligible compensation).

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Employees are eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Disability (AD&D):Company provides Basic Life/AD&D insurance equal one times annual salary up to $100,000. Provider will be Reliance. Employees may purchase voluntary supplement life insurance for themselves and buy life insurance for their spouse and children. Provider is Reliance.

Employee Assistance Program: Provided to all employees at no cost.

Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Short term disability benefits cover 60% of employee income up to $1,385 weekly for 24 weeks following a 14-day elimination period. This is a company paid benefit. Long term disability benefits cover 60% of employee income up to $7,000 monthly. This is a company paid benefit.

Accident Insurance: This is a voluntary insurance paid by the employee. Provider is Reliance for accident insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Health and Dependent Care FSA’s are available through Paychex. Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars each year for eligible health care and dependent daycare expenses.

Holidays: 9 Paid Holidays - 4 floating holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO): New Hires accrue 15 days PTO starting on day 1.