General Manager

Position Opens: 2023-04-04

Full-Time

Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County, Washington (the PUD) seeks a General Manager who can continue the PUD’s track record of consistently elevating performance and services for the benefit of customers and the community.  Established in 1936, the PUD is a municipal corporation governed by an elected three‐person Board of Commissioners who serve six-year staggered terms.   Commissioners represent their respective districts and are the legislative authority of the PUD and responsible to establish policies for the utility. The PUD's operations consist of the Box Canyon Production System, Electric System, Community Network System, and nine community Water Systems. The Box Canyon Project is a run-of-river dam producing 50 average MW (aMW). The Electric System distributes  electricity
to approximately 9,800 customers across a 1,400-square-mile rural service territory. The Community Network System provides wholesale broadband communication services.

As Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager directs, manages, and administers all activities of the PUD within a framework of approved policies, programs, and budgets established and adopted by the Board of Commissioners. The General Manager recommends strategic initiatives to the Board, and determines operational  procedures, systems, and organizational structure to ensure the PUD meets its
goal to deliver reliable, responsible, and affordable power to the community. He or she supervises 77 dedicated employees and oversees combined Operating and Capital Budgets projected at approximately $115 million for 2023.

The General Manager must be an effective and proactive communicator who will forge strong relationships and work collaboratively and transparently with the PUD’s Board of Commissioners, employees, community leadership, customers, industry peers, and other critical stakeholders such as the Kalispel Tribe, the Bonneville Power Administration, and Seattle City Light. The GM must ensure the Commissioners are fully apprised of emerging financial and operational challenges, as well as regulatory,
legislative, and technological changes and trends. He or she is also expected to be an accomplished manager who builds strong teams and offers a track record of employee development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Represent, manage, and direct the PUD’s operations consistent with its goals and objectives, policies, and budgets established by the Commission.

  • Identify key industry trends, strategic opportunities, organizational issues and/or policies that need attention, and present recommendations and plans to the Commission to deal with such issues.

  • Supervise executive staff and establish employee training and development programs.

  • Develop and implement plans to ensure an effective working relationship with the Board of Commissioners.

  • Establish policies and procedures that ensure and foster open communication with customers and the community.

  • Evaluate the organizational structure and propose organization measures to assist in meeting strategic and operational goals and objectives.

  • Ensure statutes and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to or affecting PUD operations are enforced.

  • Direct preparation of annual budget estimates. Recommend to the Commission both operational and developmental short- and long-range plans.

  • Recommend to the Commission rates and service policies that will ensure fiscal soundness of the PUD.

  • Establish and maintain good relationships with the citizens of Pend Oreille County, community businesses, industry organizations, PUD stakeholders and employees of the PUD.

The Successful Candidate

Ideal candidates will offer at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in an electric utility setting, which includes serving for five years in a key managerial role. This should include knowledge of operational aspects of electric utility management, along with the ability to establish, execute, and achieve the PUD’s financial goals. Knowledge of hydroelectric operations is a plus, as is expertise within the Pacific Northwest marketplace.

The PUD will require a leader with outstanding oral and written communication skills who will maintain and foster a high level of integrity, trust, and credibility with all stakeholders. He or she must maintain meaningful employee engagement by empowering, mentoring, and developing employees. The PUD also expects the General Manager to possess a strong customer service mentality and enthusiastically engage in the community. He or she must reside in Pend Oreille County.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in business, engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is preferred. The PUD is also targeting individuals with the following knowledge and skills:

  • Demonstrated background in management of an organization similar in size to the PUD with a technically oriented work force where operational decisions and planning are based on an analysis of technical alternatives and long-range cost impacts.

  • Experience working with a governing/policy setting board such as a Board of Commissioners, city council, or other elected officials who take an active policy role. Experience working with a public sector organization with direct accountability to the community, including community relations/information programs.

  • Demonstrated ability to: resolve conflict in a complex organization with a sensitivity to political dynamics; deal with complex legal/jurisdictional issues and legal contracts; implement strong employee development programs.

  • Knowledge of the issues/problems facing the public utility industry.

Compensation, Benefits and Relocation

The total compensation and relocation package is competitive and dependent upon qualifications and experience. The PUD’s established salary range for the General Manager position is $152,705 to $254,508. 


The PUD offers a benefits package that includes participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); 401a and 457b plans with employer match; affordable medical, dental, and vision plans; twelve paid holidays; personal leave (starting at 21 days per calendar year); an HRA VEBA plan; health care and dependent care FSAs;
worker's compensation insurance; life and AD&D insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and an option for long-term care insurance.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to pprouse@mfpllc.us no later than September 22, 2023.

Patrick Prouse
Mycoff Fry Partners LLC
PO Box 1310
Conifer, CO 80433
(800) 525-9082

 

Full version of the position announcement can be viewed here - GM Position Announcement

 

The Public Utility District of Pend Oreille County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.