What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager position at Jefferson County PUD?
JOB
The Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 (Jefferson PUD) headquartered in Port Townsend, WA seeks a community-focused utility leader with outstanding communication skills, proven strategic leadership ability, an established track record of developing and empowering employees and a solid grasp of finances to serve as our next General Manager. The Jefferson PUD Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the GM search process. About Jefferson County PUD.Jefferson County PUD No. 1 is a community-owned utility that serves residents and businesses in east Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula. After a positive public vote in 2008, the utility negotiated the purchase of Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) electrical assets in 2010 and took over electric service for approximately 20,000 customers in 2013 from PSE, an investor-owned utility. Since then, it has been the sole electric provider for most of Jefferson County. Jefferson PUD also operates multiple small water systems serving around 5,000 customers and two community septic systems in the county.This summer, the PUD will begin operation of the newly built tri-area sewer treatment plant owned and constructed by Jefferson County. In addition, given the county’s geography and need for connectivity, the PUD, in recent years, successfully applied for and received over $60 million in state and federal funding and is actively working to expand access to high-speed broadband, especially in underserved rural areas.Jefferson PUD currently employs 78 individuals in a variety of roles, including line workers, water distribution managers, administrative support staff, customer service representatives, accountants, engineers and more.Jefferson PUD anticipates operating revenue of $54.7 million for 2025 and has an additional $20 million in grant funding for Broadband. Also, Jefferson PUD is in the process of submitting a $60 million work plan to RUS to upgrade electrical infrastructure and enhance system reliability.The General Manager, acting as the Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson PUD, reports to a 3-member Board of Commissioners and is entrusted with leading the utility in a way that supports both its employees and its customers. The Ideal CandidateLeadership Competencies: Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and communicates in a manner that is effective and supports mutual understandingAbility to motivate and positively influence others: Persuades and motivates others towards an outcome aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and valuesRelationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teamsAbility to Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organizationVision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a comprehensive, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its customersAnalytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the utility to achieve desired goalsProcess Management: Develops and monitors processes and organizes resources to achieve desired resultsIndustry Knowledge and Leadership: Has extensive knowledge of the utility industry and uses this knowledge to guide the future direction of the organizationUnderstanding of Financial Issues: Has an excellent understanding of the key financial opportunities and risks entailed in operating a public utility as well as intimate familiarity with the budgeting processUtility understanding: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the rapidly changing landscape and issues of the electric, broadband, water and/or wastewater utility operations in the Pacific NorthwestExperience and Expertise: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, engineering, finance or similar relevant field is strongly preferredAn MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirableAt least five (5) years of progressive leadership is requiredAt least seven (7) years of utility experience is required, preferably with electric utilitiesCompletion of an advanced Leadership Development program is preferredAn equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of a degreeAn understanding and identification with public power values will set you apart as a candidate
The Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 (Jefferson PUD) headquartered in Port Townsend, WA seeks a community-focused utility leader with outstanding communication skills, proven strategic leadership ability, an established track record of developing and empowering employees and a solid grasp of finances to serve as our next General Manager. The Jefferson PUD Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the GM search process. About Jefferson County PUD.Jefferson County PUD No. 1 is a community-owned utility that serves residents and businesses in east Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula. After a positive public vote in 2008, the utility negotiated the purchase of Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) electrical assets in 2010 and took over electric service for approximately 20,000 customers in 2013 from PSE, an investor-owned utility. Since then, it has been the sole electric provider for most of Jefferson County. Jefferson PUD also operates multiple small water systems serving around 5,000 customers and two community septic systems in the county.This summer, the PUD will begin operation of the newly built tri-area sewer treatment plant owned and constructed by Jefferson County. In addition, given the county’s geography and need for connectivity, the PUD, in recent years, successfully applied for and received over $60 million in state and federal funding and is actively working to expand access to high-speed broadband, especially in underserved rural areas.Jefferson PUD currently employs 78 individuals in a variety of roles, including line workers, water distribution managers, administrative support staff, customer service representatives, accountants, engineers and more.Jefferson PUD anticipates operating revenue of $54.7 million for 2025 and has an additional $20 million in grant funding for Broadband. Also, Jefferson PUD is in the process of submitting a $60 million work plan to RUS to upgrade electrical infrastructure and enhance system reliability.The General Manager, acting as the Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson PUD, reports to a 3-member Board of Commissioners and is entrusted with leading the utility in a way that supports both its employees and its customers. The Ideal CandidateLeadership Competencies: Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and communicates in a manner that is effective and supports mutual understandingAbility to motivate and positively influence others: Persuades and motivates others towards an outcome aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and valuesRelationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teamsAbility to Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organizationVision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a comprehensive, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its customersAnalytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the utility to achieve desired goalsProcess Management: Develops and monitors processes and organizes resources to achieve desired resultsIndustry Knowledge and Leadership: Has extensive knowledge of the utility industry and uses this knowledge to guide the future direction of the organizationUnderstanding of Financial Issues: Has an excellent understanding of the key financial opportunities and risks entailed in operating a public utility as well as intimate familiarity with the budgeting processUtility understanding: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the rapidly changing landscape and issues of the electric, broadband, water and/or wastewater utility operations in the Pacific NorthwestExperience and Expertise: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, engineering, finance or similar relevant field is strongly preferredAn MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirableAt least five (5) years of progressive leadership is requiredAt least seven (7) years of utility experience is required, preferably with electric utilitiesCompletion of an advanced Leadership Development program is preferredAn equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of a degreeAn understanding and identification with public power values will set you apart as a candidate
