Utility Manager

Salary : $103,480.00 - $144,809.60 Annually

Location : Soldotna Waste Water Treatment Plant

Job Type: Regular full-time

Job Number: 202400071

Department: Utility

Opening Date: 10/02/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

The City of Soldotna is recruiting for a regular full-time Utility Manager.

To apply, complete the City application and attach a cover letter and resume.

This position is open until filled with a first review of applications on October 22, 2024.

Utility Manager - Lead the Future of Soldotna's Utility Systems

Are you a seasoned utility professional ready to make a significant impact on a thriving community? The City of Soldotna is looking for a passionate and driven Utility Manager to oversee the comprehensive management of our Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Treatment System, Water Distribution System, and Wastewater Collection System. Reporting to the City Manager, this executive-level position offers the opportunity to shape the future of our utility services through innovative leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

In this key role, you will lead the planning, budgeting, organizing, and evaluation of the city's utility systems, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. If you're ready to take on a pivotal leadership role with far-reaching impact, we invite you to apply and help build the next chapter in Soldotna's development.

Why Join Soldotna?

Nestled in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna boasts stunning natural beauty and a welcoming, vibrant community. As Utility Manager, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the sustainability and growth of our city while enjoying a high quality of life with endless recreational opportunities. Join us and help create a brighter future for Soldotna's residents!

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Impact: Be at the forefront of ensuring Soldotna's utility systems meet the evolving needs of the community.
• Challenge & Growth: Tackle exciting projects and challenges while developing your expertise in the latest technologies and best practices.
• Community Contribution: Play a key role in maintaining and improving essential services that directly impact the quality of life for Soldotna's residents.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career in a beautiful, outdoor-focused environment where work and life balance seamlessly.

Take the next step in your career and help us build a sustainable future for Soldotna. If you're an experienced leader with a passion for utilities and community service, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Soldotna's continued growth and success!

Detailed Work Activities

• Strategic Planning: Develop short and long-term strategic plans for the Utility System, ensuring alignment with the city's goals and regulatory requirements.
• Capital Improvement & Budgeting: Prepare a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and annual capital budget for the Utility System. Oversee the department's operating budget and exercise budget authority as appropriate.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, evaluate, and direct the activities of all Utility Department employees. Ensure operators receive the training and certification needed to excel in their roles.
• Operational Management: Lead the prioritizing, planning, and coordination of plant improvement projects, overseeing design decisions, and ensuring smooth operation of all treatment systems.
• Preventative Maintenance: Establish and implement preventative maintenance programs and standard operating procedures to maximize system efficiency and lifespan.
• Staffing & Scheduling: Establish work schedules, staffing assignments, and department policies to ensure smooth operations across all areas of responsibility.
• Safety Oversight: Formulate and implement the department's safety program, adhering to OSHA standards. Lead or provide training for Utility personnel to ensure a safe working environment.
• Procurement & Asset Management: Procure parts and supplies for operations and maintenance. Manage the custody and accounting of utility assets, conduct inventory checks, and prepare reports as needed.
• Public Interaction: Serve as the face of the Utility Department when interacting with the public, contractors, agencies, and other city departments. Conduct plant tours and resolve customer complaints or concerns.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Public Works Director on scheduling and executing capital projects, and coordinate with the Finance Department on billing issues, rate setting, and collections.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal permitting requirements, including Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) permits and related wastewater sampling and laboratory testing.
• Innovation & Technology: Stay up-to-date on regulatory changes, new technologies, and best practices in utility management to continuously improve operations.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Be flexible and ready to take on additional responsibilities as they arise to support the overall success of the Utility Department and the City of Soldotna.

Comprehensive Duties:

• Leadership & Management: Strong supervisory skills with a proven track record in effective team leadership, employee development, and motivation.
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on knowledge of wastewater treatment systems, water distribution, and the regulatory framework surrounding municipal utilities.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to electrical, hydraulic, air, and mechanical systems.
• Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of state and federal regulations, including APDES permitting and environmental safety standards.
• Communication & Public Relations: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with the public, city officials, and regulatory bodies.
• Innovation: Ability to adopt new technologies and methods to enhance utility operations and regulatory compliance.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Leadership & Management: Strong supervisory skills with a proven track record in effective team leadership, employee development, and motivation.
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on knowledge of wastewater treatment systems, water distribution, and the regulatory framework surrounding municipal utilities.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to electrical, hydraulic, air, and mechanical systems.
• Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of state and federal regulations, including APDES permitting and environmental safety standards.
• Communication & Public Relations: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with the public, city officials, and regulatory bodies.
• Innovation: Ability to adopt new technologies and methods to enhance utility operations and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in utility system operations, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory role.
• Education: A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, but an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Certifications: Alaska DEC Level III certifications in Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection, and Level II in Water Distribution. If not currently certified, the ability to obtain these certifications within a specified timeframe is required.
• Driver's License: A valid Driver's License. Must have, and maintain, a good driving record; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for heavy trucks is desired.

Work Environment: Primarily in an office environment with frequent field trips to construction sites, and other sometimes hazardous locations.
Physical Demands:

Physical Demands: The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus while performing the duties of this job. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, stand and sit, walk, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; frequently required to reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Soldotna is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.