General Manager Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1
The Board of Commissioners of Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 (Jefferson PUD) headquartered in Port Townsend WA seeks a communityfocused utility leader with outstanding communication skills proven strategic leadership ability an established track record of developing and empowering employees and a solid grasp of finances to serve as our next General Manager. The Jefferson PUD Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the GM search process.
About Jefferson County PUD
Jefferson County PUD No. 1 is a communityowned utility that serves residents and businesses in east Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula. After a positive public vote in 2008 the utility negotiated the purchase of Puget Sound Energys (PSE) electrical assets in 2010 and took over electric service for approximately 20000 customers in 2013 from PSE an investorowned utility. Since then it has been the sole electric provider for most of Jefferson County. Jefferson PUD also operates multiple small water systems serving around 5000 customers and two community septic systems in the county.
This summer the PUD will begin operation of the newly built triarea sewer treatment plant owned and constructed by Jefferson County. In addition given the countys geography and need for connectivity the PUD in recent years successfully applied for and receivedover $60 million in state and federal funding and is actively working to expand access to highspeed broadband especially in underserved rural areas.
Jefferson PUD currentlyemploys78 individuals in a variety of roles includingline workers water distribution managers administrative support staff customer service representatives accountants engineers and more.
Jefferson PUD anticipates operating revenue of $54.7 million for 2025 and has an additional $20 million in grant funding for Broadband. AlsoJefferson PUDis in the process of submitting a $60 million work plan to RUSto upgrade electrical infrastructure and enhance system reliability.
The General Manager acting as the Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson PUD reports to a 3member Board of Commissioners and is entrusted with leading the utility in a way that supports both its employees and its customers.
The Ideal Candidate Leadership Competencies:
Exceptional communication skills both formally and informally: Listens relates and communicates in a manner that is effective and supports mutual understanding
Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Persuades and motivates others towards an outcome alignedwith the organizations mission vision and values
Relationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams
Ability to Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identifiesand actively manages change and risk throughout the organization
Vision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a comprehensive longterm view that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its customers
Analytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically conceptually and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the utility to achieve desired goals
Industry Knowledge and Leadership:Has extensive knowledge of the utility industry and uses this knowledge to guidethe future direction of the organization
Understanding of Financial Issues: Has an excellent understanding of the key financial opportunities and risks entailed in operating a public utility as well asintimate familiarity with the budgeting process
Utility understanding: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the rapidly changing landscape and issues of the electric broadband water and/or wastewater utility operations in the Pacific Northwest
Experience and Expertise:
Bachelors degree in business or public administration engineering finance or similar relevant field is strongly preferred
An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable
At least five 5 years of progressive leadership is required
At least seven 7 years of utility experience is required preferably with electric utilities
Completion of an advanced Leadership Development program is preferred
An equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of a degree
An understanding of and identification with public power values will set you apart as a candidate
Our Location
Nestled on Washingtons stunning Olympic Peninsula Jefferson County offers an exceptional quality of life surrounded by natural beauty. With easy access to the Olympic National Park Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca its a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking kayaking sailing cycling and exploring scenic hiking trails. The area is internationally known for Port Townsend an authentic Victorian seaport framed by both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Port Townsend supports a vibrant local culture thriving arts scene community theater farmers markets two boatbuilding schools and a variety of community events all within a tranquil picturesque setting. Port Townsend also benefits from being in the Olympic rain shadow resulting in half the annual rainfall of the greater Seattle area.
Jefferson County boasts a strong sense of community a commitment to sustainability and a slower pace of life thats ideal for those seeking balance and a deeper connection to nature. With mild weather low crime and a supportive creative environment its an inspiring place to live work and thriveperfect for candidates looking to make an impact while enjoying a high quality of life.
The Board will require that the new General Manager to live in Jefferson Clallam or Kitsap counties.
Benefits
Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes family medical dental and vision coverage with the PUD covering the full monthly premiumregardless of the number of enrolled dependents. Additional benefits include a Health Reimbursement Account with monthly PUD contributions of $75 11 paid holidays and Paid Time Off starting at 20 days per year. The PUD also offers limited matching of 457(b) deferred compensation contributions up to 4.5 and participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement Plan.
This position offers a very competitive salary ranging from $275000 to $375000 annually commensurate with experience.
Disclaimer: Drjobpro.com is only a platform that connects job seekers and employers. Applicants are advised to conduct their own independent research into the credentials of the prospective employer.We always make certain that our clients do not endorse any request for money payments, thus we advise against sharing any personal or bank-related information with any third party. If you suspect fraud or malpractice, please contact us via contact us page.