Water Utilities General Manager

Title: Water Utilities General Manager

Duration: FTE – Direct Hire

Location: Yuma, AZ

Description

• Under administrative direction, plans, organizes and directs the Foothills Utilities programs, projects and operations through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; assures compliance to state and Federal environmental regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies, procedures and goals.
  
• Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required.
  

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as principal advisor to the Foothills Utilities on public utilities programs and technical issues; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes operational and technical issues and policies and develops and implements solutions.
  
• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the Utilities operations, projects and programs; including water transmission & distribution, wastewater collection & treatment, and customer services; provides leadership, direction and guidance in strategies and program management.
  
• Directs operations through effective planning, budget management, and resource allocation; assures effective communication of Utilities issues with Foothills Utilities Management, government officials, community organizations, and the general public.
  
• Evaluates Foothills Utilities needs and prioritizes programs, projects, plans, and resource requirements; interprets Foothills Utilities concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, determines scope and priorities of programs and projects; encourages new ideas and collaborative approaches to solving problems.
  
• Directs, coaches and trains staff, and evaluates performance; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload, resource allocation, budgets, technical issues, quality standards, and services.
  
• Determines department goals and objectives, and evaluates progress toward achieving goals; evaluates staffing levels, resource availability and service demands, and allocates resources to optimize budgeted funds; manages administrative activities including budgets, contracts and activity reports.
  
• Analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and develops plans to meet future needs; assures utilities issues are properly addressed and resolved; monitors changes in regulations and legislation.
  
• Monitors operations, manages costs, and creates policies to increase efficiency and effectiveness of services; directs technical projects and utility rate studies; assures compliance with all regulations, standards and policies, including reporting requirements for state and Federal agencies.
  
• Responds to critical incidents, and takes command when appropriate; directs coordination of plans and issues with other state and regional agencies; explains and interprets programs, policies, and activities;.
  
• Supports the relationship between the Foothills Utilities and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and Foothills Utilities staff; promotes the Foothills Utilities goals and priorities, vision, values, and complies with all Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.
  
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and Foothills Utilities information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND six years of management experience in a large water/wastewater system; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  
• Directing and coordinating the Foothills Utilities operations.
  
• Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and Foothills Utilities policies and procedures.
  
• Developing and managing plans, budgets, policies, and procedures.
  
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
  
• Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and developing effective solutions.
  
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
  
• Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.
  
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Foothills Utilities employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.
  
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
  
• Preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports.
  
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
  
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
  

License and Certification Requirements

• A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.  
  
• Water Treatment or Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator's Grade 4 certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is required. 
  
• ADEQ certifications in both W/WW functions are preferred; additional technical training and certifications may be required.
  

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.