Field Operations and Engineering Manager

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under the administrative direction of and in support of the Electric Division Manager, this senior management position directs the daily operations of the Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU) electric system and provides engineering oversight, construction and other project management expertise. This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and directing the electric system engineering, planning, protection, and operation functions; overseeing power quality assurance and testing;

coordinating electric division activities with other utility divisions, City departments, and outside agencies in order to provide safe and reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy to the citizens and businesses of the City of Ketchikan and the surrounding Borough.

The Electric Division of Ketchikan Public Utilities provides generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy to the industry, business, and citizens of the City and Borough. The Field Operations and Engineering Manager must perform his/her duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City of Ketchikan and the Division.

• Oversees and directs the Electric Division's transmission and distribution and engineering functions, including planning, system protection, and daily system operations, and implements and maintains the power quality assurance program and testing.
• Manages an Electric Division staff of approximately 20 line and professional employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, and regularly communicating with staff; assigns daily work; reviews and evaluates staff performance, and initiates improvement plans and discipline as appropriate.
• Provides professional level electric engineering and project management oversight, including preparing preliminary and final plans, designs, cost estimates, schedules, and specifications for electric utility projects.
• Develops the Electric Division's capital and operations annual budget for the TDandE department, including forecasting funds for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and evaluates expenditures for approval and implements adjustments.
• Administers procurement and construction contracts for field operation projects; coordinates these and engineering projects with other City departments, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to ensure the successful and timely completion of the projects.
• Serves as the Electric Division's liaison to address, respond, and resolve sensitive or controversial inquiries, complaints, claims, and other issues raised by citizens, customers, or other outside parties including federal, state, or local agencies or regulatory bodies; coordinates with other KPU divisions and City departments as necessary for a proper response; informs Electric Division Manager of critical or significant issues and elevates challenging situations as appropriate.
• Develops the Electric Division's goals, objectives, and priorities with other senior management and effectively and timely communicates them to FOandE staff.
• Assists Electric Division Manager as directed, which includes conducting or overseeing organizational or operational studies, investigations, developing and maintaining designated data, records, policies, procedures, processes, programs and modifying the same, as appropriate.
• Monitors industry trends, developments, and best practices; recommends modifications, upgrades to equipment and service delivery methods; oversees installation of approved modifications, upgrades and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Represents the Electri Division on a variety of boards and commissions; participates in appropriate related professional association activities, including attending meetings.
• Acts as the Electric Division Manager in his/her absence.
• Performs related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

• Electric power systems operations and the electric utility industry.
• General operation of hydroelectric and diesel generation facilities.
• Physical characteristics of electricity as required to generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power.
• Principles and best practices of SCADA, electric metering, and power systems engineering.
• Electrical and mechanical devices used to generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power.
• Methods and techniques of engineering an electric power system.
• Principles and best practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, performance evaluation, and progressive discipline.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and KPU policies.

• Operate office equipment including desk and laptop computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Prepare clear and…