Electric Systems Manager

Performs difficult technical and administrative work planning, organizing and managing the electrical distribution system for the City. Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this class plans for current and future electric system needs, organizes and manages the work of the division, performs administrative tasks, and provides guidance to field services staff engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the overhead and underground electric utility lines, substations and other equipment. The employee works with management in planning and directing all work activities including long and short range planning, capital and operating budget development and administration and customer service issues. Work includes hiring, orienting, training, ensuring safety and performance coaching and evaluation of divisional staff. Work involves determining priorities; assigning work to crews directly and through subordinate supervisors; inspecting work in the field; and overseeing maintenance and repair activities. Work requires availability outside regular business hours during emergencies, major power outages and extreme weather events.. The employee is subject to work in both inside and outside environments, extreme temperatures and exposure to hazards associated with electrical line work. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated based on conferences, review of records and reports, and observation.

Essential Functions

Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the Electric Division including distribution system construction, maintenance and repair; load management; customer service, and the work of employee and contracted crews; plans work, sets priorities, and inspects work of contractors, crews and staff; develops division and customer service policies.

Plans and manages various capital construction, maintenance and repair projects; determines technology needs; determines priorities for construction and maintenance.

Researches and recommends strategies, marketing approaches, customer service policies, extension approaches, and related issues; interprets and applies territorial assignment laws; advises management on related issues; participates in development review for appropriate infrastructure planning and quality control; plans for future system development.

Evaluates, researches and recommends strategies, technology, methods, etc. to ensure system effectiveness and efficiency.

Represents the City with various local, regional and state boards and committees.

Plans the work of the division including acquiring necessary equipment, materials, and supplies; investigates work needs and lays out work steps for staff; works with City Management and consultants to develop long range and capital plans.

Coordinates electrical distribution activities with outside agencies including contractors and engineers on field projects, prepares and monitors specifications for lines and line locations.

Oversees the use of division resources including the effective use of personnel, equipment, technology and materials; projects budget needs; evaluates programs and investigates new efficiency methods; manages inventory of equipment, tools and materials; leads and participates in rate analysis and recommendations.

Manages and participates in the hiring, employee orientation and training, coaching and evaluation of division staff; works with management on discipline, organizational structure, career development, and other similar issues; ensures divisional safety practices.

Ensures city meets industry reporting requirements related to electric systems. Coordinates emergency power restoration efforts and emergency preparations for forecasted events.

Establishes and maintains a variety of records and reports as assigned.

Backs up other staff as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of electric distribution and transmission systems and of electrical system operation, maintenance, repair, loading, capacity, and basic design.

Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of underground and overhead electric distribution lines and related equipment.

Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and related safety practices involved in the work and ability to assure safe working conditions for system employees.

Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the division and ability to implement and operate a variety of technical resources for the electrical utility system.

Considerable knowledge of governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices.

Considerable management knowledge and skill in hiring, training, leadership, motivations, communications, collaborative conflict resolution, and performance coaching and evaluation.

Working knowledge of personnel laws and regulations related to employment and safety.

Skill in public speaking, customer service excellence and collaborative conflict resolution.

Ability to perform long and short range planning and to conceive and articulate a vision of future/improved system design and performance to higher management levels.

Ability to read and interpret engineering designs, drawing, and specifications related to electrical distribution work.

Ability to prepare complex records and reports.

Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of other staff including effective communication, motivation, and performance coaching.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials, employees, contractors, utility companies, and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. Desirable Education and Experience Graduation from college with a major in electrical technology, engineering, or related field and considerable progressive experience in managing an electrical utility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirement Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform very light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must possess visual acuity to inspect plans, designs, and written reports; prepare figures and data; use measurement devices and perform visual inspections; and operate various equipment, computers, and motor vehicles.