General Description
The Utility Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Hardwick Electric Department’s electric distribution system, substations, hydroelectric facilities, and related infrastructure. The position provides leadership and supervision to utility operations personnel and oversees construction, maintenance, emergency response, system improvements, and capital projects.
Working under the direction of the General Manager, the Utility Operations Manager exercises considerable independent judgment in managing day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements. This is an exempt, salaried position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct and supervise line crews, hydro personnel, meter technicians, and other operations staff.
- Oversee the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution, sub-transmission, substation, and hydroelectric facilities.
- Plan and manage capital projects, system improvements, new services, relocations, and extensions.
- Develop work plans, schedules, cost estimates, and project budgets.
- Review engineering plans, easements, and development proposals affecting utility facilities.
- Procure equipment, materials, and contracted services.
- Assist with employee hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline.
- Promote and enforce safe work practices and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Respond to outages, emergencies, customer concerns, and operational incidents as required.
- Monitor departmental expenditures and assist in the preparation and administration of budgets.
- Maintain effective working relationships with customers, contractors, regulators, and public officials.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager.
Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of electric utility construction, operations, maintenance, and safety practices.
- Knowledge of hydroelectric generation systems and equipment.
- Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and applicable regulations.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, maps, and technical documents.
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with common business and utility software applications.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, utility management, business, construction management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of electric utility experience with direct line work experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory responsibility at an electric utility.
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
- Valid Vermont driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in both office and field environments and includes exposure to weather, energized electrical equipment, noise, uneven terrain, and other conditions common to electric utility operations. The position requires participation in emergency response activities and may involve evening, weekend, and holiday work.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Hardwick Electric Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Terms of Employment
Employment is governed by Hardwick Electric Department personnel policies and applicable laws, contracts, or collective bargaining agreements. External hires are subject to a six-month probationary period.
This description is intended to describe the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Management reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.
