Public Utilities Director

Salary : $117,603.20 - $140,004.80 Annually
Location : Brainerd, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20240117
Department: Brainerd Public Utilities
Opening Date: 01/17/2024
General Definition of Work
Provides leadership and direction relating to the Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) Department municipal utilities systems including electric distribution and hydro generation, water treatment and distribution, and wastewater treatment facilities. Requires a high degree of communication skills to establish and maintain a positive and productive work environment. Work is performed under the supervision of the City Administrator with oversight and guidance from the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission. Exercises general and administrative supervision over all BPU employees either directly or through supervisory staff.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please note:
2024 Hiring Range: $56.54 - $63.00 per hour depending on qualifications.
2024 Pay Range: $56.54 - $67.31 per hour.
*2024 Performance based pay opportunity: Up to $75.38 per hour.
*The City of Brainerd/BPU utilizes a performance-based pay system as noted above. Our system provides an opportunity for additional pay steps based on merit. Contact the HR Department if you would like to learn more about our system.
Please note first review of applications will be conducted on February 9, 2024.
Essential Functions

• Supervises all BPU Department staff directly or indirectly through department division managers including training, inspecting and assigning work, developing staff schedules, coaching, and counseling; completes annual employee performance evaluations; disciplines when needed in accordance with City policies; oversees and/or participates in the selection of employees; recommends hiring and terminating personnel to the City Administrator with final determination by the City Council.
• Plans, organizes and administers the BPU Department to meet the goals and objectives established by the BPU Commission.
• Confers with division managers regarding work priorities, operating policies and problems, and field operation issues.
• Oversees the Public Utilities operation including personnel, equipment, programs, methods and facilities to ensure BPU customers promptly receive reliable and efficient service.
• Develops an annual budget and capital budget proposal; Controls budgeted expenses for all divisions; Prepares, coordinates, and implements the 30-year Public Utility Department facility improvement plan including capital facility project planning with applicable division managers.
• Evaluates potential projects, programs, and services to determine feasibility and impact on utility operations and makes recommendations to Commission; Oversees cost-of-service and rate design studies for BPU.
• Prepares and analyzes quotes and bids for products and services; recommends selection of firms or individuals to provide products and services; executes or recommends execution of contracts to Commission for approval; develops and issues administrative rules, policies and procedures necessary to ensure proper functioning of the BPU Department.
• Negotiates long-term Purchase Power Agreements with power provider and service territory boundary agreements subject to Commission approval.
• Responds to concerns, issues, complaints, and questions from the public and employees; mediates disputes and resolves issues as appropriate.
• Provides information to State agencies and the public regarding utility operations; Has coordination responsibilities with Public Utilities Division Managers, City Administrator, City staff, consultants, neighboring power and utility agencies, Township officials, County Engineer, Minnesota Department of Transportation Engineers, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff; Works with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on hydro dam license requirements.
• Maintains active membership in local, state, and national associations in order to remain current on issues and trends of the industry and improve effectiveness of the utility's management.
• Assists with bargaining unit agreement negotiations as directed by City Administrator
• Attends and participates in all Commission meetings and other official meetings as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned or when necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
• Ability to effectively formulate and execute Commission policies and programs to ensure successful and efficient operations that support strategic initiatives.
• Supervise staff and delegate work; Is a team builder with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop all direct reports.
• Strong knowledge of codes and regulations including Minnesota state rules and statutes, MPCA, MDH, MPUC, and FERC.
• Sound understanding of information technology and experience with appropriately investing in capital equipment.
• Proficient in the use of PC's and relevant business software.
• Strong leadership skills including problem solving and decision making.
• Fundamentals of electricity and electric substation operation.
• Maintenance and repair knowledge of hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of electric utility markets including generation, transmission and distribution.
• Basic understanding of methods, materials and equipment used in electrical underground and overhead construction, hydroelectric plant generation, water treatment and distribution, and wastewater treatment including maintenance and repair of hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems as well as fundamentals of electricity and electric substation operation.
• Basic understanding of the principles and practices of civil engineering and GIS/AutoCad drafting software.
• Ability to read equipment manuals, construction plans and specifications, policy manuals, letters and regulations.

Qualifications and Competencies
Education, Experience and Special Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, public administration, business administration or an equivalent field.
• Five (5) years of senior level management municipal and/or utility related experience of which two (2) years of experience must be as a department manager or supervisor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as determined by the City Administrator.
• Valid MN driver's license.
• Utility supervisory experience and knowledge of sustainable and renewable energy is preferred. Water and wastewater operations experience is desirable.

Other Requirements and Supplemental Information
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds and force and the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, reaching with hands and arms, lifting and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating office equipment, operating motor vehicles or engineering equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and vibration.
For the most part, work will be done in a typical office environment with ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment. The noise level is usually moderate. The duties of this position may require occasional exposure to operations areas where personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses or hearing protection is required.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Compensation
Compensation rates are governed by the City's Salary Administration Plan. Information regarding the City's pay program is available in the Human Resources Department.
Holidays
The 10 calendar holidays that are observed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, and Christmas Day. Employees also received two additional "floating" holidays of their choice.
Vacation
Vacation is earned at the rate of 10.00 hours per month (3 weeks per year) for the first year of employment. After the first year, monthly accrual rate is increased per the Employee Policy Manual. Maximum vacation balance is 240 hours. Vacation is accrued, but generally not available for use, for the first six months of employment.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 8 hours per month with a maximum sick balance of 960 hours. Payout of 100% of sick leave balance allowed as severance if immediately eligible to draw PERA pension or due to a written doctor-verified disability.
Health Insurance
Health Partners is our current health insurance provider. Coverage takes effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire. We currently offer three High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) insurance plans.

• Plan 1 is a $3,000 single/$6,000 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2023 monthly cost being $64.36 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $418.67 per month.
• Plan 2 is a $1,500 single/$3,000 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2023 monthly cost being $71.69 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $464.54 per month.
• Plan 3 is a $5,850 single/$11,700 family deductible policy. The employee pays 3% of the single premium with the 2023 monthly cost being $32.88 per month. The employee pays 15% of the family premium or $270.08 per month.
• Plan 4 is a $7,500 single/$15,000 family deductible policy. The employer pays 100% of the single premium. The employee pays 10% of the family premium or $166.67 per month.

NOTE: For all three of the above HDHP, the employee also receives an additional annual employer HSA contribution depending on coverage elected (amounts are prorated and deposited in monthly increments) into the employee's Health Savings Account.
Dental/Optical Insurance
Dental and optical insurance benefits are available.
Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
An employer paid $100,000 life insurance and long-term disability insurance policy is provided by the City the 1st of the month following the initial-six months waiting period of eligibility.
Retirement Plan
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). The 2023 EMPLOYEE contribution rate is 6.5%. The 2023 EMPLOYER contribution rate is 7.5%.
01
Which of the following best describes the highest level of education that you completed?

• High School Diploma
• 1 Year Certicate
• 2 Year Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None of the above

02
Which of the following best describes the field of study for your certificate or degree?

• Business
• Public Administration
• Engineering
• Other

03
Please list your degree and what school you received it from. If this does not apply, enter N/A.
04
Do you have five years of senior level management municipal and/or utility experience with two of those years being a department manager or supervisor.

• Yes
• No

05
If you stated yes for question #4, please list your Agency(ies) and employment dates that you received this experience. If this does not apply, enter N/A.
06
Do you currently have a valid MN driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question