Energy Services Director

Job Description

Job Description

Energy Services Director

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists

To serve as the department head for public utilities associated electric and natural gas providing leadership and direction related to all associated operations and services within the City. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards, controls, and policies necessary to administer and coordinate the various programs and services provided by the Energy Services Department. Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a large public utilities operation focused on ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electric and natural gas service to our customers. As a whole, Energy Services is responsible for all aspects of the electric and natural gas distribution and operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, restoration and emergency response.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class serves as the principal manager responsible for overseeing municipal utility operations associated with electric and natural gas services. This includes the operation and maintenance of electric distribution services, electric generation, electric / natural gas SCADA, natural gas distribution, smart meters and dark fiber network. Emphasis of the work is on management of personnel, budgeting, allocation of personnel, development of annual work programs, safety training, employee rewards and disciplinary actions, and employee performance management. Work also includes short-range and long-range planning for infrastructure and supply needs and system integrity; working with engineers to design electric and natural gas infrastructure to meet current customer and future demands; planning for financial effectiveness of the system; and monitoring growth within different customer classification This classification is a key management official and reports to the Assistant City Manager. Work is evaluated on the basis of meeting budget goals, attainment of individual and departmental performance objectives, consistent, high-quality operations (minimum violations), positive employee morale, and preventing and addressing complaints from residents and the general public.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Plans, organizes, and manages the functions of the Energy Services Department including electric distribution services, electric generation, electric / natural gas SCADA, natural gas distribution, smart meters and dark fiber network; ensures coordination and collaboration with other departments; oversees special projects and on-going activities
• Performs and oversees a number Human Resources functions including, but not limited to, selection, promotion, training, mentoring, team building, coaching and performance management of department staff in collaboration with subordinate supervisors; meets frequently with supervisors to solve more complex problems; set priorities and deadlines and provides guidance and direction
• Reviews and approves time sheets
• Hold staff meetings to keep staff informed, goal-oriented, customer-focused, and to solve problems and issues that broadly affect the department and staff
• Makes field inspections of public utilities projects to review progress and ensure completion;
• Participates with management and elected officials for long-range planning for infrastructure development, expansion, and replacement, and environmental compliance
• Confers with municipal officials in the process of resolving complaints from residents or the general public including property owners, contractors, and others
• Attends meetings of various boards, commissions, groups, and associations to respond to questions and provide technical information and advice as may be required
• Prepares and reviews departmental capital and operating budgets; including estimation of project and program related fees; monitors and approves expenditures
• Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with design professionals and contractors; participates in technical plan review
• Prepares the annual operation budget; submits recommendations to the Assistant City Manager for capital improvements for electric distribution services, electric generation, electric / natural gas SCADA, natural gas distribution, smart meters and dark fiber network
• Prepares specifications for the purchase of specialized public utilities equipment; authorizes routine purchase orders
• Reviews and manages consulting engineering services for the City including plans and specifications for new construction, repairs, and modifications of public utilities facilities related to electric and natural gas infrastructure; makes recommendations regarding contracted consultants as required
• Supervises the creation and retention of necessary records and preparation of required reports
• Researches and recommends rate structures; monitors and adjusts rates as necessary and coordinates with billing staff; classifies customers.
• Reviews all plans and specifications regarding electric and natural gas utility systems
• Reviews and approves subdivision and land development plans for compliance with regulations and sound utility practices related to design of electric distribution services, electric generation, electric / natural gas SCADA, natural gas distribution, smart meters and dark fiber network required as part of the Technical Review Committee
• Performs other duties, as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Requirements

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the physical exertion of 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or negligible force constantly to move objects. The employee must have the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned as well as to recognize dangerous situations at field work sites when making project inspections and assessment of work progress.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions in which the employee is subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment creating fumes, odors, and dusts and atmospheric conditions with extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time. Employee is subject to a level of noise requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. In addition, the employee is subject to a chance of injury from walking or standing in a construction site. Work also involves emergency call-back service. The employee must exercise judgement and initiative in carrying out assignments

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited community college or university with an Associate Degree in Electric Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Businesses Management, or a related field is desired; graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Electric Engineering or a related field is preferred; 7 - 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the management and supervision of public utilities is required; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in public sector utility construction, installation, and maintenance providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.

Special Requirements

Salary Range

Pay Grade (39) $114,620 – 171,930 (effective 1 / 1 / 2025)

FLSA Status : Exempt (primary duty is management of a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the City; customarily and regularly directs the work of two or more full time equivalent employees; and has the authority to hire or fire employees or whose suggestions and recommendations as to hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, or other change of status of other employees are given particular weight).

Disclaimer

This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from position to position. The employer reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.