KNRD - Utility General Manager

Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.
Summary of Functions
The Tribal Utility General Manager provides strategic direction to the tribe’s electric utility, provides input into tribal energy strategies, and oversees the operation and management of the electric utility. The General Manager reports to the Tribal Administrator) and takes strategic direction from a Management Committee.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the executive responsible for efficient, safe and professional electric utility operations.
• Acts as planning lead, project manager, and procurement lead for projects required to expand the capabilities of the KTU electric system (including software upgrades and implementation) and to connect new customer loads to the system.
• Develops and implements utility policies, goals, objectives, procedures, budgets, cost controls, utility rates, financial reports, and utility priorities.
• Represents the utility before Tribal Council, customers, and third parties.
• Negotiates and administers electric utility contracts (including agreements with the Bonneville Power Administration) for products and services.
• Hires and supervises employees, while assuring training in professional utility operations.
• Represents the tribe and KTU in regional and national government and energy industry forums, while advocating for policies favorable to the tribe and the utility.
• Applies for and administers grants and manages other financial tools to further utility opportunities.
• Administers Bonneville Power Administration agreements for electric energy efficiency measures deployed by KTU customers.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of energy and utilities and develops and proposes new utility services and related opportunities which will benefit KTU’s customers and the tribe.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as needed.
• The General Manager of the Utility shall be appointed by Kalispel Business Committee.

Qualifications
The Tribal Utility General Manager will demonstrate familiarity with:

• Electric operations and maintenance practices (particularly underground facilities), customer service, purchasing/inventory control, and general activities of an electric utility.
• Concepts, theories, principles, and practices of utility administration and operations.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Utility business practices and financial systems (including accounting, purchasing, inventory management, and general ledger software).
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and tribal laws, codes, and regulations including laws and regulations related to electric utility operation and safety.
• Principles and practices of customer service, including Customer Information System software, billing, collections, communications (including websites and other forms of electronic communications), and advanced metering systems (AMI).
• Principles and practices of project management, administration, and coordination.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.

Other Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrate a broad and diverse range of energy industry relationships, particularly with individuals employed by the Bonneville Power Administration, Avista Utilities, and public power utilities.
• Move seamlessly among tribal offices and work well with people of all educational levels.
• Negotiate, draft, and administer various complex and high value agreements.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and tribal policies, laws, and regulations.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of accurate operational record keeping systems.
• Understand the organization, operation, and services of the tribe and of outside agencies that affect electric utility operations.
• Ensure adherence to established safety rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public tactfully and courteously.
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Demonstrate excellent public speaking skills before tribal groups and in response to outside requests and in public meetings and conferences.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business, economics, finance, engineering, or a related field; or completion of a certified electric utility lineman or electrician journeyman program coupled with at least 10 years of experience working on electric power lines and substations.
• Ten years of increasingly responsible management experience in a position with utility engineering, customer service, power supply, maintenance, and/or operational responsibility.
• Possession of a masters degree and/or utility-related certification is desirable. Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Standard office setting, with some work from home allowed
• Occasional warehouse duties, which may involve lifting up to 30 lbs. of line material.
• Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.
• Overtime and attending meetings outside of regular work hours may be required.
• Work is performed indoors in an office and warehouse; and outdoors observing projects and equipment.

Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.