Assistant Director of Utility Operations

Assistant Director of Utility Operations (Electric Department) The Electric Department has an immediate opening for an Assistant Director of Utility Operations. The City is seeking a candidate with experience in power supply, resource planning, and contract negotiation, as well as an understanding of utility operations. Candidates should possess excellent leadership skills, regulatory and legislative experience, financial, budget, and rate expertise, and knowledge of engineering, safety, and system oversight. The role requires governance, reporting, and external coordination with other entities, as well as the ability to manage employees, staff, and work well with others. If this sounds like you, please apply ASAP. The first review of applications will be on or around January 15, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to include a cover letter, resume tied to work history, and uploads of certifications, degrees, and/or licenses with their online application. Definition Under the general direction of the Electric Utility Director, this position oversees daily operations of the municipal electric utility, including transmission and distribution, substations, system engineering, reliability, safety programs, and emergency response. The Assistant Director assists with resource planning, legislative and regulatory review, and contract negotiations with agencies, vendors, and joint action authorities. Operational decisions align with regulatory requirements, power supply needs, asset management strategies, and customer service standards. The Assistant Director serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence. Distinguishing Characteristics The Assistant Director of Utility Operations is a management-level class responsible for day-to-day utility operations with delegated authority for staffing, operational policies, outage management, safety programs, field activities, resource supply, and related duties. The role provides leadership in legislative and regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, power supply initiatives, and interagency coordination. The Assistant Director serves as second-in-command and may represent the City and Utility before regulatory bodies, legislative committees, and joint action agencies. Supervision Exercised Exercises direct and functional supervision over professional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Accept management responsibility for activities, operations and services of the Electric Utility Department, including financial analysis, capital and operating budget development, and administration. Oversee and/or participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of the Electric Department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; ensure divisional goals are achieved. Negotiate, administer, and ensure compliance with energy contracts, interconnection agreements, easements, licenses, construction contracts, joint agency participation, and long-term financial obligations. Support and lead components of power resource planning, procurement evaluations, renewable portfolio standard compliance support, emissions reporting, and project development negotiations with the Electric Utility Director and outside advisors. Represent the utility in regulatory proceedings, legislative workgroups, and joint action agency committees, communicating operational impacts and policy positions. Monitor, interpret, and respond to legislative and regulatory matters impacting public power utilities, including NERC, FERC, CAISO, CEC, CARB, and state legislative activities. Draft position statements, technical comments, and correspondence related to regulatory matters. Lead efforts in resource planning with other agencies and businesses requiring negotiations involving complex terms and conditions for power resources. Manage the power resource generation planning process. Acquire emission allowances, congestion revenue rights, and renewable energy credits to meet state renewable portfolio standard requirements. Make regulatory filings before the California Energy Commission and Air Resources Board. Establish relationships with consultants and other agencies to facilitate joint collaborative action on operational, regulatory and legislative matters affecting power resources. Assist in monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Identify opportunities for improvement and develop recommendations. Assist in developing overall policies, financial resources, and facility plans for electric utilities in conjunction with key staff and consultants. Participate in City meetings with representatives of governmental and regulatory agencies, developers, contractors, and business groups; attend and participate in SCPPA and community meetings as necessary. Serve as a technical advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and department heads concerning electric utility operations; provide information and staff assistance to the Utilities Commission. Monitor developments in the operations and maintenance field, techniques, and evaluate their impact on City services. Understand management of 24-hour staff, rotating shifts, standby program, troubleshooting, emergency operation and response, customer supply outages, union relationships, and memorandum of understanding matters. Ensure compliance with NERC/WECC reliability standards. Review plans and specifications of electric utility projects. Represent the City in joint action agencies and lobbying groups such as Southern California Public Power Authority and the California Municipal Utilities Association. Administer annual operating and capital budgets; assist in monitoring budget, revenue, and expenditure trends; measure and evaluate organizational effectiveness. Conduct and lead special studies on utility rates. Develop and present recommendations for changes in rate and fee structures. Manage energy contracts. Prepare and present reports to the City Council and Utility Commission. Consult with attorneys, financial advisors, investment bankers, and engineering consultants on capital improvements, contracts, resources, financing, and litigation. Coordinate division activities with other City departments and outside agencies. Oversee the selection, training, and evaluation programs for all Electric Department personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; execute discipline and/or termination procedures as required. Maintain familiarity with all aspects of a generation, transmission and distribution utility. Maintain prompt and regular attendance. Perform other duties as required or assigned. Training and Experience Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Electric Engineering, public or business administration, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree or professional engineer designation is highly desired. Experience: Five (5) years of directly related experience in electric utility operations, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. Experience in electric utility management is required. Special Requirements Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record. Knowledge and Ability Applicants should possess knowledge of applicable regulatory codes and laws regarding the development, construction and operation of public utilities; City organization, operations, policies and procedures; customer service standards and protocols; General Orders (CPUC) rules; construction and maintenance of overhead and underground electric supply and communication systems; methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in construction, operations, inspection, design and maintenance of electric utilities; occupational hazards and standard safety procedures; complex principles and practices of electrical engineering; operations of joint power agencies; principles and practices for operating public electric; administrative management; contract administration and project management; emergency operations and mutual assistance processes; and California ISO, FERC and NERC requirements. Ability to build effective teams, foster teamwork, communicate effectively, handle public interactions tactfully, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, direct subordinate staff, foster cooperative relationships, formulate and present policy recommendations, interpret city, state and federal policies, investigate and resolve complex issues, make decisions aligned with city goals, manage resource budgeting, maintain complex records, and operate relevant computer applications. Recruitment and Selection Process Candidates that possess the most desired qualifications and best meet the Department needs will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview process. Successful candidates will have their names certified to an eligibility list valid for one (1) year. Background checks, including pre‑employment physical, Live Scan fingerprinting, work history, education, experience, and credit checks, will be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr City Of Colton