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6.7. ERMUSR 01-13-2009ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES January 7, 2009 POSITION TITLE: General Manager POSITION SUMMARY: Under broad policy guidance from the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission performs high- level administrative, technical, and professional work in directing and supervising the administration of the Elk River Municipal Utilities. Plans and directs the operations of the utilities to maintain a competitive position in the delivery of electric and water commodities to its customers. Establishes current and long range objectives, plans, and policies for the utilities. Insures adequate plans for future development and growth of the utility are in place to meet the utilities' customer needs. Maintains reliable electric and water services. Explores and implements new revenue generating programs and insures ERMU's financial structure remains sound by the setting of rates based on costs and market. Plans and directs cash flow management and funding of long term capital projects. POSITION RESPONSIBILITY: Provides leadership and direction in the development of objectives, short and long term plans, policies, and procedures for the Utilities. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations to the Commission. Exercises considerable independence in establishing methods and procedures to attain organizational goals and objectives determined by the ERMU Commission. Provides professional advice to the ERMU Commission and Department Heads. Insures that utility policies are uniformly understood and properly interpreted and administered by subordinates. Represents the utility in its relationships with customers, State and Federal governmental agencies, professional societies, and similar groups. Makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public as requested. Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures to staff and general public. Reviews and monitors utility revenues and expenditures to assure sound fiscal control of the utilities and oversees ERMU cost control activities. Advises the ERMU Commission of financial conditions and current and future utility needs. Directs the utility to be aggressive in its financing and investment efforts without risking financial stability. Plans and oversees ERMU cash flow management and the funding of long term capital projects. Directs and submits an annual budget to the Commission for approval in October. Administers the adopted yearly budget assuring effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. Responsible for strategic development, implementation, and coordination of programs including conservation improvement programs (CIP). Directs ERMU and staff in proactive approaches to customer services, reliability, price, community advocacy, environmental stewardship, building consensus through democratic governance, and promoting human resource excellence. Works to continually improve and upgrade the utility service and distribution capabilities in accordance with the one and 5 year budget plan of ERMU in operations and capital. Establishes ERMU rates at mid-point for comparable size Minnesota cities and comparable size cities in adjourning states while maintaining the utility sound financial structure. Reviews and approves the appointment, employment, transfer, or termination of all employees of the utility. Monitors and reviews Department Head performance and takes corrective action when needed. Working with the management team develops subordinates to assume manager's responsibilities in his/her absence. Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and responsibilities to ERMU employees, maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances, and assists subordinates as requested in performing duties. Makes weekly rounds to all departments to obtain feedback of employee concerns and morale issues. Conducts regularly scheduled staff meetings to keep staff and employees aware of current affairs. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive customer inquiries and complaints as needed. Seeks new business, develops new markets for our commodities, and continually encourages the most economical utilization of the utilities both for ERMU and its customers. Takes an active role in power purchase contracts ensuring our customers are the main focus by controlling costs and providing the best customer service possible. Serves as a member of various organizational committees. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission SUPERVISES: Financial Director, Engineering Manager, Line Superintendent, and Water Superintendent. TYPICAL EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field. TYPICAL EXPERIENCE: Five (5) to ten (10) years experience working in a responsible managerial position in the Utility industry, preferably a multiple electric and water utility company. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Considerable knowledge of utility industry, marketing, financial administration, and budget management; knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and methods as applicable to a utility setting. Considerable knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and personnel management; working knowledge of accounting principles and practices, knowledge of computer system applications; knowledge of applicable policies, laws, and regulations affecting utility activities. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing, with staff, media consultants, other governmental agency representatives, utility officials, and the general public. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers, employees, officials, vendors, contractors, and the general public. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. Ability to project a positive image for the Elk River Municipal Utilities. Ability to operate a personal computer (word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs) calculator, telephone, and radio. Willingness to relocate and reside within Elk River City limits and become quite involved in civic activities is a definite plus. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of Specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. The position Guide does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of Elk River Municipal Utilities and the requirements of the job change.