General Manager

Overall Function and Responsibilities

Provide total guidance to Etowah Utilities system (electric, water, wastewater and natural gas) and approximately 50-75 employees. To plan, direct, organize and control the distribution or sale of utility services, and the properties, agencies and facilities used for such purpose or purposes in accordance with Etowah Utilities policy, or as directed by the Board. Proven executive leadership and management skills in operation controls, employee relations, strategic planning, conflict resolution, project management, administrative procedures and reporting procedures.

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Municipal Laws, OSHA regulations and Public Utilities regulations to meet regulatory compliance standards.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental business, public administration, business management or related field.
• A master's degree in public administration (MPA) or business administration (MBA) is preferred.
• Will consider certifications such as Certified Public Manager (CPM) or similar credentials, with combined operations management in utility operations.
• Minimum of (8) eight years’ experience in management positions, preferably with a full-service utility system.
• Minimum (5) five years’ supervisory experience on the senior management level.
• Experience in economic development, budgetary/financial and communication skills are required.
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of regulatory compliance and public policy related to utilities in all sectors, including electric, water, waste, and gas.
• The drive to stay updated on industry trends and technologies through continuous education and training.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem solving skills required.

1. Safety and Workforce:

A. Strengthen employee engagement and development by providing regular workforce development and training program opportunities; allowing employees to perform their duties within a safe manner and environment. Additionally, develop and execute a robust succession planning strategy to ensure stability of all sectors within the utilities.

B. Ability to obtain/maintain certifications;
Red Cross or equivalent certification of proficiency in adult CPR, First Aid, and utilization of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), Title IV Certification, etc.

2. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:
Oversee compliance in areas such as environmental initiatives and progress. Ensure that any compliance issues are resolved in a timely manner.

3. Customer and Community Value:
Maintaining customer satisfaction through community engagement updates. Ability to deal with complaints while demonstrating high-impact resolutions in a professional manner.

4. Reliability and Resilience:

A. Poses an understanding and experience in measuring a System Average Failure Index (SAFI) and the Saidi Index; utilize that knowledge to meet regulatory requirements and assess utility performance and make informed industry decisions based on this data to drive Etowah Utilities improvement.

B. Knowledge of or ability to learn and understand EUB’s: geographical area, Occupational Hazard and Safety Program, Employee Handbook, APPA Safety Manual for an electric utility, National Electrical Safety Code, etc.

5. Financial Stewardship:
Ability to recognize cost drivers and variances, assess capital project progress and risks, funding, grants or regularity financial updates.

6. Operational Excellence:
Maintain a standard of reporting across all sectors of the Utilities. Ensure that departmental superintendents are being proactive in areas such as maintenance, repairs, crew productivity and completion of work assigned.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger and key board; sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, walk; reach with hands and…