City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Energy Operations Director

Under general direction, this position is responsible for management, oversight, and direction of a division of Austin Energy's (AE) Power Production business unit. Areas of responsibility may include Plant Operations consisting of natural gas, coal, and nuclear power plants; On-Site Energy Resources; or related areas.

1. Bears responsibility for the safe, compliant, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of AE's wholesale energy facilities including operations, maintenance, and construction.
2. Bears responsibility for the financial viability of the business unit’s products and services including development and growth of the business.
3. Manages compliance to all applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and legal requirements associated with the unit’s functions.
4. Ensures provision of business unit services at competitive prices and manages customer relations for district energy customers.
5. Directs and manages new facility construction, which includes new build or expansion of existing facilities.
6. Directs project management activities including planning, public involvement, permitting and regulatory approvals, procurement, construction, installation, startup, commissioning, and closeout.
7. Manages annual Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and revenue budgets, including preparing short- and long-term spending plans the operations.
8. Serves on governance committees for AE co-owned facilities including the Fayette Power Project and the South Texas Electric Generating Nuclear Operating Company.
9. Directs activities associated with the Quality Management Systems (QMS) for ISO 9001 certification and North Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance programs.
10. Bears responsibility for management of the division’s Business Plan, including development and alignment of performance measures, budgets, and projects.
11. Provides input and makes recommendations to the AE Executive Team on industry issues and trends.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of electric utility industry concepts, processes, and practices.
• Knowledge of energy production, combined heat and power, distributed generation, district cooling, and energy storage.
• Knowledge of applicable engineering and business principles.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local regulations applicable to construction, operation, and environmental compliance
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of reporting concepts, budgeting, purchasing, and preferred business practices.
• Knowledge of best practice project management methodologies to ensure project delivery is on time, on budget, and as designed.
• Knowledge of risk management and compliance programs.
• Knowledge of strategic business planning methods.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships internal and external stakeholders including employees, partners, contractors, and the public.
• Skill in managing the design, construction, operation and maintenance of large industrial facilities.
• Skill in project management, budget/schedule control, and supplier management.
• Skill in risk management, negotiation, commercial terms, and contract management.
• Skill in deploying quality systems and improvement methods.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to understand evolving energy markets and needs
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, Business, or a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of related electric utility experience, including at least two (2) years of experience in a managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two (2) years of non-supervisory/management experience.