Responsible for the overall management of the PUD and functions as the Chief Executive Officer. This position reports to an elected three-member Board of Commissioners and is responsible for keeping the Commission informed as to the financial health of the District, personnel matters, system reliability and important and relevant local and regional electric industry issues. Provides supervision to the Management Leadership Team and develops and implements strategic plans to ensure the District is responsive to its customers, employees and the electric utility industry.

Is responsible for knowledge of the District’s Mission, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles and for demonstrating them during the normal course of business through example and action and for applying them whenever situations arise that cannot readily be resolved by application of department procedure or District policy. The District’s Values include: Customer Focus, Forward Focus, Integrity, Personal Responsibility, Respect and Teamwork.  

Leadership: Responsible for the direction of the District and developing and implementing the District’s biennial operating plans. Encourages open and honest communication. Is responsible for providing clear direction and setting specific goals.   Defines objectives, identifies and evaluates trends and options, chooses a course of action, and evaluates outcomes.

Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, engineering, or related field. Requires ten years of progressively responsible work experience in the electric utility industry and includes at least five years of senior level management experience. 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 may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of public utility systems including operations, management, planning, maintenance, construction and personnel requirements. A thorough understanding of the contemporary issues affecting the electric utility industry in the Pacific Northwest is mandatory. Other skills include effective oral and written communication, ability to make public presentations to a variety of audiences, proven leadership and independent judgment.

Character of Supervision Given: General direction is provided to direct reports on a continual basis. Supervisory activities consist of one-on-one discussions, answering questions, offering advice or insight into daily issues. Group supervision occurs during staff meetings where information is shared and work is collaborative.

Responsibility for Confidential Matters: Routinely handles information related to personnel records, salaries and labor negotiations. Works in a confidential manner with city, county, port and other officials for economic development and other issues within the community. Maintains relationships based on trust with the Commission, employees and community members. Understands and balances the need for confidentiality with the public’s right to information.

Responsibility for Accuracy and Effect of Errors: Maintains a high level of accuracy.   Judgment errors may have far-reaching impact on the District, including breach of confidentiality or compliance, public relations consequences or financial impacts. 

Responsibility for Getting Along with Others: Is responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with employees, consultants, other utilities, local, state and regional agencies and other community leaders.  

Pressure of Work: Pressure and stress arise through the interaction with the press, between departments, Board or customer expectations, deadlines and decision ramifications.  The General Manager is ultimately responsible for the decisions and actions of the staff.

Travel/Unusual Working Conditions: Extensive travel, by either air or automobile, is required.  The General Manager’s presence is required at meetings locally, regionally and nationally.  Representation at certain events may be delegated to the appropriate staff.

A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.

• Works mainly indoors and sits for extended periods.
• Possess finger dexterity to operate office machines including personal computers with keyboards, calculator, copier and telephone.
• Possess visual abilities necessary to discern images on a computer screen and operate a motor vehicle.
• Possess verbal and auditory abilities to communicate effectively in person and on the telephone.
• Lift, carry, push and pull up to 10 pounds.