Energy Services Director
The City of Ellensburg is hiring an Energy Services Director.
We are looking for an accomplished, innovative, and collaborative professional to be the Director of the new Energy Services Department.
Will perform complex executive work planning, organizing, and directing of the activities, assets, operation, and personnel of the Energy Services Department, and related work as apparent or assigned; provide oversight and administrative direction for electric, natural gas, and telecommunications systems; setting policies and goals to implement regulatory compliance for utility services under the direction of the City Manager.
CORE VALUES:
All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
All of the following are to be performed while adhering to City of Ellensburg operational policies, safety rules, and procedures. This position requires regular and consistent attendance to accomplish the following essential functions:
- Plan, organize and direct the activities and operations of the Energy Services department; develop, implement, direct, and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures; coordinate departmental activities with other City departments; demonstrate and ensure organizational teamwork; prioritize and be accountable for performance and outcomes of department programs and projects.
- Manage staff resources and ensure adequate breadth of knowledge and skills within the department; develop department work program with assistance of department leadership; assist with integration of department program into city-wide work program; assign staff to work within resources and ensure work completion; ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements; participate and/or assist HR in negotiating agreements with labor unions.
- Develop and implement utility safety program meeting electrical and natural gas utility industry standards and best practices as well as conforming to Citywide safety policies.
- Direct and ensure compliance with environmental regulations for the department; plan, control and direct energy efficiency and conservation programs, as well as the design construction, maintenance, repair, and operations of electric, natural gas, and telecommunications municipal systems.
- Respond to major utility system outages; assume or delegate command and direct appropriate actions; advise City Manager of critical issues, decisions, and actions.
- Oversee planning and security of long-term energy supply and infrastructure for City utility to ensure resiliency and decarbonization goals and meet future demand.
- Direct and review research and analysis including rates, cost of service, and system load; prepare and present written and oral reports to City Council, Utility Advisory Committee and other City boards and commissions; prepare and present long-range planning activities potentially impacting utility and municipal operations; prepare, select, and administer consultant contracts for design, improvements, or modifications of utility facilities; negotiate a wide variety of contracts with suppliers and commercial customers; review and develop telecommunications rates/fees; oversee energy (electric and natural gas) purchases, rates, fees, and contracts for utility enterprise services.
- Monitor government activities that could affect the City of Ellensburg’s utilities. Participate in state and federal government affairs in cooperation with the City Manager.
- Manage financial resources and City assets to ensure fiscal responsibility and cost consciousness; develop and appropriately defend long range and annual department budget; monitor revenues and control expenditures staying within budget; take appropriate action with unexpected project adjustments; ensure integrity of systems which collect or expend funds; prepare and implement long range capital plans, 6 year and annual capital budgets relative to plans; ensure appropriate maintenance and legal use of city property and equipment.
- Represent the department and City at industry meetings and conferences; serve as a liaison between internal and external organizations, agencies, groups, and the general public; facilitate, lead, and/or participate in meetings and committees with peers in business, community, and other government entities to encourage cooperative problem solving and joint approaches to problems; ensure quality customer service and work with citizens and citizen groups to resolve problems; deliver speeches and/or presentations representing the City as assigned; work with the PIO to provide information to media as needed.
Directly supervise employees in the Energy Services Department including engineering, operations, energy resources, sustainability, and telecommunications business activities. Responsibilities include developing/maintaining accurate department job descriptions ensuring assignments are within job limits; hiring, onboarding, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; coaching and evaluating performance; working with employees to correct deficiencies, succession planning; providing commendations and working with HR to administer discipline when needed; addressing complaints, grievances, and resolving problems; and ensuring cross-departmental cooperation for excellent internal and external customer service. These duties will be performed in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and/or City policies.
Other duties may be assigned.
This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.
This is a full-time, benefited position. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Retirement under the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), HRA VEBA, Paid Time Off (PTO), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.
This position closes 01/15/25. In addition to completing the employment application, applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, resume, and answer the supplemental questions. All documents can be uploaded when completing the application form.
Salary: 2025 Wages - $164,100 - $185,652 annually ($13,675-$15,471/month) FLSA Exempt. Excellent benefits.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, economics, business administration, or a field related to this position
- Five (5) years in a progressively responsible and/or a senior management role, including supervision of employees
- Five (5) years of electric and/or natural gas utility experience
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License; must maintain an insurable driving record
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- This position is required to be part of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safey Administration (PHMSA) drug testing program.
- Previous leadership experience in public sector electric and natural gas utility, including broad experience in business/finance management, power resources, operations, and engineering
- Previous experience leading teams in a union environment
- Master’s Degree in a related field
- Bilingual English/Spanish
To apply for this position and view the supplemental questions, a complete job posting, and brochure please visit the employment section of our website at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us. This position closes January 15, 2025. EOE. PLEASE NOTE: A completed City of Ellensburg employment application, letter of interest, resume, and answering the supplemental questions is required. All documents can be uploaded when completing the application form.
