Utility Chief Operating Officer
Become part of this prestigious utility company dedicated to delivering a wide array of City-owned and operated utility services, including electricity, natural gas, water, sanitary sewer, and commercial fiber optic services, to residents and businesses alike.
The Position
The utility’s COO will oversee three direct reports and indirectly manage five additional personnel. Their primary focus will be on upgrading the entire electric system, including numerous fiber projects. They will collaborate closely with Assistant Directors, engaging in negotiations, acting as peacemakers, and demonstrating soft skills in fostering a shared vision. The COO should be adept at introducing new ideas and taking a holistic view of the organization. Additionally, they will be responsible for overseeing and contributing to the labor relations strategy, particularly concerning the unions—Labor SEIU 521, a professional union UMPAPA with 42 members, and negotiations associated with it. This individual will be positioned among management professionals.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the COO position must possess a background in electric utilities, with at least seven years of experience in supervisory, managerial, or directorial roles. They should also have knowledge of gas, water, wastewater, and fiber systems. Additionally, the COO must have a strong understanding of electric operations, regulations, technical compliance abilities, and specific state regulations such as general order 95 for overhead construction, general order 128 for underground compliance, and general order 165 for reporting compliance related to maintenance of overhead, substations, and underground systems. They should also be familiar with national NERC and WECC regulations, as well as federal compliance requirements for water, wastewater systems, and Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight of gas systems under code 192.
Minimum Qualifications:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering, business, public administration, or a field directly relevant to the management of a utility.
- Professional Engineering License and/or Master’s degree in public or business administration or a related field is preferred.
- Seven years of experience in engineering, operations, and/or business in a multi-utilities organization, five years of which should be in a senior management capacity.
- A progressive career with supervisory and growing responsibilities for broader elements of the organization.
Compensation Benefits
*The salary range for this position is $200,004.60 - $333,341 annually. Placement within this range is dependent upon the qualifications. In addition, the City also provides a competitive benefits package described in more detail here that includes but is not limited to:
Work Schedule –9/80 work schedule available.
Retirement – CalPERS 2% @ 60 formula for Classic employees with an 8% employee contribution; 2% @ 62 formula for New Members with an employee contribution of 50% of the normal cost (currently 7.25%).
Medical Insurance – The city pays a flat rate contribution (in 2023, up to $2,260 per month for family coverage) and the employee pays in accordance with the health plan option selected, between $0 to $888 per month.
Dental and Vision – Fully paid.
Vacation – 120-200 hours annually, depending on years of service, with an option for cash out once a year.
Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year.
To Apply
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact:
Jenna Flanagan
(916) 304-6663
jenna@jpowersinc.com
Filing Deadline
The filing deadline for this position is on June 17, 2024.
The City of Palo Alto is an equal-opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
