VP, Engineering

Summary

This position leads the management team that comprises Chugach’s engineering division. It sets a direction, develops and maintains a strong group of managers and senior managers who are responsible for all facets of engineering at Chugach. Creates and maintains strong internal and external working relationships through communication to align the engineering management team with corporate objectives.

Essential Functions

1. Provide direction and control for the engineering and construction of Chugach’s facilities.
2. Provide appropriate review and approval for design and construction of new electrical facilities in order to ensure the continuity of electrical service across the system.
3. Support annual and long-term construction plans, and related budgets to meet Chugach’s strategic objectives.
4. Review current practices, benchmarks against leading performers, and implement best practices to improve overall service levels and productivity; establishes performance indicators and measurement systems.
5. Identify new business opportunities and markets to achieve maximum efficiencies of operation. Develop and recommend new ideas for better work performance.
6. Develop, propose, and secure approval of an organizational structure and staffing to meet present operating requirements and to anticipate future needs.
7. Plan for the recruitment, training, and development of personnel at all levels; secure approval for proposed actions.
8. Participate and guide the development and approval of the annual Engineering divisional capital and expense budget.
9. Provide input and secure approval for short and long-range, design or construction plans, developed, and implemented by staff.
10. Develop work standards, productivity measurements, and performance review criteria.
11. Provide input and guidance for preparation of system planning and engineering studies as necessary to maintain adequate system capacity and security.
12. Oversee division labor relations. Recommend changes to bargaining unit agreements. Implement and enforce bargaining unit contracts in consultation with the VP, Human Resources. Prepare and/or recommend grievance responses.
13. Represent Chugach in the formulation of development projects with other utilities and agencies.
14. Provide leadership for attainment of divisional goals. Counsel, review, and evaluate managers and professional staff’s performance. Review managers’ appraisals of subordinates.
15. Review and update the professional engineer ethics and standards for the Division’s professional engineering staff.
16. Serve as professional witness where necessary to support Chugach’s interest.
17. Proactively implement safety programs to provide a safe workplace for Chugach employees.
18. Set policies and direction for the Engineering Division consistent with Chugach policies and management directives. Secure approval where necessary.
19. Participate in corporate strategic planning teams; works to develop Chugach’s strategic direction.
20. Act as a representative for Chugach in legal and agency matters as required.
21. Prepare and present formal materials and presentations to the Executive Offices, the Board of Directors, or other public or private forums as required.

Relationships

Internal

• Chief Operating Officer: Reports to, receive direction, guidance, and decisions from.
• Chief Executive Officer: Present reports and provide information to.
• Department Managers: Supervise, direct, assign work, provide guidance, review performance, and coordinate with.
• Other Chugach managers and staff: Coordinate activities with and provide information to.
• Board of Directors: Present reports and provide information to.
• Mentor junior staff for professional development.

External

• Bargaining Unit Representatives
• Railbelt Utilities, regulating bodies, local, state, and federal agencies: Provide operating and technical data as requested. Serve on committees with and exchanges information of joint concern. Maintain confidentiality of matters involving competitive operation.
• IBEW 1547: Discusses contract interpretation questions. Participate in grievances and arbitration.
• Chugach retail and wholesale members and the general public: Respond to complaints by telephone or personal contact.

Competencies

1. Must have a thorough working knowledge of electric utility systems operations, construction, and maintenance. Must have knowledge of the effect of cold weather on operating equipment.
2. Must have a practical working knowledge of tools, equipment, and materials utilized in construction and maintenance of electrical utility systems.
3. Must have a working knowledge of Uniform System of Accounts; RUS construction specifications; RUS Approved List of Materials; National Electrical Safety Code; OSHA Rules and Regulations; construction materials and practices; construction/material contracts; assembly and material specifications.
4. Must be knowledgeable with budgetary processes.
5. Familiar with applicable municipal, state and federal requirements.
6. Must have the ability to manage multiple priorities.
7. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
8. Ability to coach subordinates and resolve employee conflicts. Ability to prepare and administer employee performance reviews.
9. Must be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has supervisory responsibility for the managerial staff of the Engineering Department.

Work Environment

Office and fieldwork conditions, some of which may be under outage conditions requiring work at all hours until condition is resolved. Periodic field trips may be required. Occasional out of town travels.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in electrical engineering, required; power option preferred. Master’s degree in engineering management or business administration, desirable. Additional training in utility construction, planning, operation, maintenance, and accounting, preferred. Registered Professional Engineer, State of Alaska required. NRECA Management Intern Program certification, desirable.

Experience

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory responsibility, in engineering design, construction and maintenance of substations, transmission lines and distribution facilities, including underground systems, in the electric utility industry, required. Electrical, mechanical and architectural experience, required. Experience working in a union environment, preferred.