Assistant Utility Director (Gas)

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Job description

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

This is highly responsible professional administrative work planning and directing the operation of the City's natural gas distribution system.

An employee in this class is responsible for directing the functions of the natural gas distribution system to ensure a continuous supply of natural gas to all customers. Major responsibilities of this position are to promote the use of natural gas by all classes of customers in the service area, design system expansions, when desirable, to connect new major customer or areas, and to foster and maintain excellent public relations. Responsibilities include assisting and advising the Utility Department Director and the City Manager regarding the development of policies, and the continuous analysis and review of the policies and objectives in order to measure operational effectiveness for the development of new techniques designed to augment the quality and quantity of services of the City. Supervision is exercised over a staff of employees through assignment and review of work and providing assistance with difficult problems. Direction is received from the Utility Director, who holds the incumbent responsible for the effective management of City gas activities and for the professional management of the Utility Department Gas Division.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans and directs all phases of the construction, maintenance and operations activities of the gas distribution system, including some engineering and design when necessary.
• Determines the necessity, financial feasibility, location and size of gas mains and services with necessary plans and specifications.
• Prepares preliminary annual budget for the division including all income and expenditures. Conducts and supervises efforts to obtain additional natural gas customers.
• Prepares estimates of future growth of all customer classes together with gas volume requirements and sales revenue with necessary rate changes.
• Participates in cases before the Federal Power Commission affecting natural gas rates and any other proceedings regarding gas supply for the City.
• Prepares annual reports for Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Florida Public Service Commission (DOT) annual report.
• Prepares annual budget and manages expenditures.
• Forecasts future needs of natural gas usage to analyze purchased gas contracts with the transmission company, and also prepares rate studies.
• Analyze requests for main extensions to serve new residential and commercial customers to determine customer contribution toward construction, if any.
• Maintains close contact with builders and real estate associations to inform them of the availability of natural gas, as well as the economical advantages, and the needs and desires of their prospective customers.
• Makes decisions and recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; reviews performance reports prepared by subordinates and rates employee performance; authorizes leave and overtime; counsels subordinates on work related problems; exercises authority for departmental personnel actions consistent with collective bargaining agreements, City personnel rules and all other applicable rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Graduation from an ABET certified and accredited university with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration or a closely related field; a Master's degree preferred.
• PROOF OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional level experience directing or assisting in the direction of a large-scale public utilities program involving responsibility for a Natural Gas Distribution System.
• Preferred certifications: Registered Gas Distribution Professional (RGDP)

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Corrosion Control Training and Certification (N.A.C.E.) and an industrial safety course required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical:

• Moderate work, which may involve some, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to twenty (20) pounds.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Work hours may vary as operations required and may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Duties may require visiting multiple locations throughout the City.

Sensory:

• The ability to perceive and differentiate visual cues or signals. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Requires ability to adapt to frequent changes in workload and to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate while completing tasks within established periods. It also requires interaction with employees from all City departments/divisions and the public.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the engineering principles and practices utilized in the expansion, maintenance and operation of a natural gas distribution system.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the expansion, maintenance and operation of a natural gas distribution system.
• Thorough knowledge of Gas Division rates, credit procedures and billing practices.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and policies related to customer service activities.
• Through knowledge of factors involved in providing new or modified gas service to prospective residential and commercial customers.
• Thorough knowledge of the use and operation of instruments, such as gascope, odormeter, voltage meters, Holiday detector, line locators, carbon monoxide analyzer, millivolt meter, and other instruments used for gas service.
• Considerable knowledge of the terms and conditions pertaining to the sales of natural gas and natural gas appliances, including knowledge of rates for natural gas.
• Considerable knowledge of existing distribution facilities of the department.
• Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of residential and commercial pipe systems, plumbing fixtures and the operating principles of gas meters.
• Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of all personnel employed in the operation and maintenance of a gas distribution system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior City management, officials of other City departments, representatives of private organizations and the general public.
• Ability to evaluate plans and designs of physical facilities relating to gas distribution systems.
• Ability to exercise judgment in interpreting departmental and City policies, rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and feasibility studies relating to gas send out and projected usages.

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