Director of Public Utilities - Unalaska Alaska
Director of Public Utilities - Unalaska Alaska
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$ 169121 - 186025
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Job Description
This position is open until filled.
Unalaska Alaska (est. fulltime pop. 4195 plus seasonal influxes) is strategically located in the heart of the North Pacific and Bering Sea fisheries50 miles from the North Pacific Great Circle Shipping Route and 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. This coastal community in the Eastern Aleutian Islands seamlessly blends industry and history connected by a 40mile network of roads that link the bustling port harbors private docks local businesses and residential areas on Unalaska and Amaknak Islands.
Unalaskas temperatures are pleasantly moderate and consistent with summers ranging from 4160 and winters ranging from 2540. Precipitation averages 60 annually and snowfall tends to melt quickly. During the summer Unalaskas scenery undergoes a remarkable change with the hills bursting into vibrant shades of green and adorning themselves with an abundance of beautiful wildflowers and berries creating a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere.
Unalaskas DPU operates with five proprietary funds and an FY25 operating budget of $27.1 million. The DPU is also responsible for managing multiple capital projects in various stages of completion; the management of 36 fulltime regular and three fulltime temporary employees; maintaining current operating permits for all utilities; and submitting applications and questionnaires for project grants and funding.
Under the general direction of the City Manager the Director of Public Utilities is an executivelevel position that functions as the general manager of public utilities. The City is seeking a Director experienced in power generation and distribution and who can assist with the management planning operation engineering and maintenance of the electric utility and distribution and systems. This position also provides planning and budgetary information to the City Council through the City Manager for its capital and maintenance projects. Unalaskas Deputy Director separately administers the water wastewater and solid waste divisions with general oversight by the Director.
Leadership OpportunitiesPower Generation Development. Unalaskas power demand is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years. With new customers and planned expansion projects requiring additional power the City is pursuing several options and alternatives to increase power production. In an effort to meet this demand the City is utilizing two strategies: maximizing efficiency and production from existing diesel generation and expanding production through renewables. The City aims to shift to renewables by increasing its capacity with solar wind and a BESS system. Additionally the City plans to complete a geothermal power resource assessment of Makushin Volcanos ability to generate electricity to power the island. If the assessment proves the volcano is a viable resource then significant electrical distribution upgrades will be necessary and Unalaska would become the first community in the nation to be entirely powered by geothermal energy.
Capital Improvement Projects. The Citys highpriority capital projects include: solid waste management electrical distribution upgrades and clear water storage. For solid waste management an $8.3 million gasifier project is being considered and would result in the gasification of anaerobic digestion as a waste reduction strategy. Another option would be to expand existing cells on the property. Electrical distribution upgrades will be necessary to ensure the grid can accommodate anticipated loads efficiently. Upgrading the Citys existing 200A circuit to a 600A circuit will play a key role in maintaining grid reliability. Lastly expansion of the Citys clear water reserves is vital to its operations to optimize water production and increase availability to current and future consumers.
Compensation and Benefits
The hiring salary range is $169121 $186025. In addition the City of Unalaska offers an outstanding benefits package which includes:
100 employerpaid medical premiums (employee & dependents)
100 employerpaid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)
100 employerpaid medevac insurance (employee)
Up to a $10000 hiring bonus
Up to $10000 in relocation assistance
Annual travel allowance of $2000 after the first year of employment
Personal Leave accrual begins at 16 hours per month and steadily increases to 32 hours per month on the 9th year of employment
9 paid Holidays and 4 floating holidays per year
7 days bereavement leave
Longevity bonus starting on the third year of employment
Eligible for Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement
Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare and Mutual of America
Cityowned vehicle to drive for work and personal use
Cityowned employee housing may be available for rent
Desired Qualifications
This position requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related field and progressively responsible professional leadership (ideally eight years) including experience in electrical/powerhouse operations construction and/or utility management or a related field. Other combinations of education and experience providing the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to perform the job duties may be evaluated. Preference will be given to specialized education/certification in electrical/powerhouse operations. Geothermal knowledge and union negotiation experience are a plus. The successful candidate must have or be able to obtain an Alaska drivers license within 90 days of hire possess the ability to pass all required preemployment testing (i.e. criminal background employment history credit check and drug testing) and must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The ideal candidate for this exciting role must embody a pioneering and adventurous spirit as the position is located 800 miles from Anchorage amidst breathtaking natural beauty. If you seek retail stimuli in your nonwork life this may not be the ideal fit as the closest largescale entertainment and shopping opportunities are in Anchorage. Flexibility in both professional and personal life is essential considering the challenges associated with the weather and the remote location.
Special Instructions
This position is open until filled.For more information please contact Yolanda Howze ator.
For more information about Unalaska visit: and CITY OF UNALASKA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Unalaska is an Employer of National Service and encourages AmeriCorps Peace Corps and other national service alumni to apply.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
