Vice President, Field Operations

Job Description

Summary

The Vice President, Field Operations will provide overall direction to the Field Operations department managing transmission and distribution assets. Additionally, this position will be responsible for the planning, approval, revising, and implementing overall policies and strategies in alignment with Chugach objectives.

Essential Functions

• Ensure the seamless operation of the transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution assets.

• Coordinate and manage the long-range and short-term work plans and budget.

• Monitor and evaluate industry trends and changes related to utility operations, provide analysis and recommendations to modernize electrical infrastructure and operation.

• Oversee programs, procedures, and work processes to maximize the life of existing infrastructure and recommend replacement of assets at the end of life, within system reliability and service level commitments.

• Review current practices and benchmarks and KPIs against leading performers and implement best practices to improve overall service levels and productivity. Establish performance indicators and measurement systems.

• Submit capital improvement recommendations that enhance service, improve productivity, and meet Chugach’s strategic objectives.

• Manage and oversee development of long-range financial requirements for revenue planning.

• Represent Chugach’s interests in inter-utility technical committees and studies.

• Oversee and implement strategic planning to enhance reliability and economy of operation, including the opportunities afforded by new technology.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and federal, state and local laws.

• Prepare and administer Department budget. Develop annual action plan and assist management team in the identification of resources.

• Evaluate strategies of resource allocation among divisions to maximize the effectiveness of funds.

• Provide leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of processes, procedures, solutions and optimization for the department functions.

• Oversee the training and development of staff to include identifying training needs, allocating direct and indirect resources to allow for training opportunities, and evaluating investment of training.

• Manage adherence to policies and procedures.

• Participate in corporate strategic planning with executive and board leadership.

• Prepare and present reports to a variety of audiences including senior leadership, the board of directors, and other utilities.

• Participate in emergency response planning and take a leading role in storm restoration, natural disasters and other emergency events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Relationships

Internal

• Chief Operating Officer: Report to; receive direction, guidance, and decisions.
• Board of Directors: Give and receive information.
• Division Managers and Leadership: Confer with, give and receive information.

• Other Managers and Staff: Confer with; give and receive information.

External

• Bargaining Unit Representatives
• State and Federal Agencies: Coordinate with, give and receive information.
• Other Utilities: Exchange information and provide technical assistance.

Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of utility transmission, sub-transmission, and distibutions system operation, construction, maintenance, and economics.

• Familiar with Rural Electrification Administration (REA) system of accounts and REA Guidelines, National Electric Safety Code, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

• Knowledge of project management, software development lifecycle, and risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks.

• Knowledge in budgeting practices, financial controls, and the ability to anticipate budget requirements and evaluate financial performance.

• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices, as well as network and server hardware and system architecture practices.

• Knowledge of insurance concepts, terms, placement, administration, policy provisions, and claims handling.

• Ability to manage customer and vendor relationships, build consensus, and resolve conflicts in challenging project environments.

• Ability to apply logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of policy and procedure development, implementation, and tracking.

• Knowledge of utility accounting procedures and procurement practices, including materials, equipment, and services relevant to the electric utility industry.

• Technical knowledge of distribution and transmission line as well as substation design and construction techniques.

• Proven leadership, mentoring and facilitation skills, with ability to guide, motivate and develop teams.

• Ability to perform in a fast paced and deadline-oriented environment.

• Ability to organize workflow, manage multiple priorities, and effectively utilize resources.

• Ability to apply tactical applications and decision making to long-term and strategic objectives.

• Effective verbal, written, and negotiation skills with the capability to clearly convey both technical and strategic information to various audiences.

• Proven ability to uphold ethical and professional conduct.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has supervisory responsibility for the Line Operations, Meter, Relay, and Substation departments.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Periodic field travel to include outside meetings and inspections. Some field trips by aircraft may be required. Occasional out of state travel for meetings or training. Must be available for duty during major outages and system emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, required. Professional Engineering license, preferred.

Experience

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory, in electric utility operation, maintenance, design, and construction, required. Additional, experience to include supervising union craft work teams and departments, utility construction, planning, operations, maintenance , engineering design, contract administration, oversight of major construction projects and related budgets. Experience working in a union environment, required.

Substitution

Additional professional experience in a similarly complex electric utility operation role or related field may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Company Description

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.

A little more about us: Chugach has been around for a long time, recently celebrating 75 years! We are a stable company, in a stable industry. And while we may have stability, we are modern, sustainable and forward-thinking to ensure that we provide reliable services for generations to come. We also pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. We have several 20, 30 and 40 + year tenured employees who continue foster an inclusive, innovative corporate environment. Find your spark!

Chugach's corporate vision:
Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's corporate mission:
We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's corporate values:
Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

Chugach Electric does not sponsor employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application and throughout employment. Employees must be able to provide documentation to Chugach Electric to show their identity and authorization to work.

Benefits

HEALTH BENEFITS

Premium & Deductible are paid for by Chugach Electric. The plan includes coverage of:

• Medical, RX, Dental & Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Telemedicine

FINANCIAL SECURITY

• 401K Plan
• Defined Benefit (Pension)
• Retirement Investment services
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Flex Spending Account (Health, Limited Use, Dependent Care)

WORK, LIFE & HEALTH

• 20 days vacation for first year of employment
• 10 Paid Holidays + 3 Float Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation