IT Division Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Under limited direction, this position has the overall responsibility for technical priorities, standards, and procedures, and to plan, organize, and control assigned resources of Moorhead Public Service’s (MPS’) utility‑wide information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure, including communications, cyber and physical security, video surveillance, electronic access control, and Geographic Information System (GIS) and infrastructure in order to meet those requirements. This position is accountable for operating results that are consistent with established policies and objectives, operating procedures that ensure compliance with regulations intended to protect human life, the natural environment, and MPS’ investment in plant property;

not public information; cyber and physical security threats; and North American Electric Reliability Corporation Conservation Improvement Program standards; as well as having comprehensive knowledge of systems design, analysis, programming, hardware maintenance, networking, and computer operations; comprehensive knowledge of the functions and operations of MPS’ IT Division; and the ability to determine the IT Division’s and system‑wide needs of an information system and formulate an effective program to meet these needs.

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supervises and coordinates staff in the preparation of studies, plans, and designs for additions to, and modifications and rehabilitation of, information and GIS technologies so adequate facilities will be available to meet expected organizational needs.

Administers and directs the construction, operation, and maintenance of network, server, storage, database, cybersecurity and physical security, GIS, and telecommunications infrastructure, and coordinates with MPS’ managers and others on the operation and upgrading of the electric and water SCADA systems in accordance with established industry best practices.

Establishes documented practices, procedures, and standards for MPS’ IT infrastructure that are designed to accomplish the objectives and implement the policies established by the General Manager and the Moorhead Public Service Commission. Develops, revises, interprets, and enforces both cyber and physical security regulations. Reviews and approves requests for non‑standard services.

Directs and assists in the preparation of annual personnel, capital, and operating budgets for the IT Division; exercises management control to adhere to adopted budgets; and recommends budget adjustments when required.

Reviews the current conditions and long‑range strategic position of MPS’ IT Division’s operation and reliability, which includes employee concerns. Assists in P&S Staff’s development, update, and presentation of a long‑range strategic plan and the short‑range strategic modifications to that plan.

Evaluates alternatives and develops forecasts of future IT and security requirements and coordinates plans for the operation, expansion, and upgrading of MPS’ IT infrastructure to ensure reliable and economic delivery of services to customers.

Directs and assists staff and consultants in the design and construction management of major IT projects, including contract negotiation, design criteria, specification review, progress review, and invoice approval. Assists with IT infrastructure planning for existing facilities and projects, as well as new facilities.

Recommends the hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, discipline, direction of work, and adjustment of grievances of subordinate personnel.

Periodically reviews the adequacy of the organizational structure and staffing of the IT Division to effectively manage the IT Division’s responsibilities essential to the fulfillment of the total utility business purpose. Recommends changes, where needed, to improve the performance of existing functional areas and/or to accomplish additional functions.

Provides strategic direction for operating systems, data communications, research and development of MPS systems and applications, as well as…