Director-Utility Services

Little Rock, AR     

Directs and coordinates the activities of the Utility Services Department, which includes line construction, substation construction, vegetation management, fleet services, and other utility services, ensuring work is performed safely, economically, with good quality and in accordance with customer’s request. Responsible for financial performance of Utility Services managing productivity of crews, replacement of equipment, and other expenses to produce acceptable margins. Maintain good customer relations and expand business opportunities for AECI.

• Directs the activities of the Utility Services Department working with and through functional managers to provide right-of-way, construction, fleet management, and other services to AECI’s members and customers.
• Manages the financial performance of Utility Services. This includes preparing capital and O&M budgets, monitoring financial performance throughout the year, and taking necessary actions to achieve expected financial performance.
• Contacts customers and consulting engineers on a routine basis regarding day-to-day activities of crews engaged in work for the customers. Takes action, as necessary, to correct identified issues with quality or service.
• Conducts routine field inspections to review the quality and quantity of work being performed and give direct guidance to foremen and managers. Recognizes crews who are exceeding customer expectations.
• Directs the development and final preparation of bids and quotations. Tracks crew production relative to bids submitted and works with functional managers to improve future bids and quotations.
• Directs staff in the documentation of work completed and the preparation of invoices for work. Works with Accounting to clarify any billing issues and expedite payment of invoices.
• Oversees maintenance of equipment to assure that it is kept in proper working condition and meets safety regulations. Reviews evaluations of equipment needs, solicitations for bids on equipment, and makes recommendations for purchases.
• Evaluates all employees under his/her direction and makes recommendations for salary adjustments.
• Works with Utility Services staff, Safety Department staff, member cooperatives, and outside agencies to coordinate crews during emergency situations.
• Works with Utility Services staff and other departments to develop and implement job and safety training programs to include employee orientation, career development, and skills mastery.
• Promotes and enforces environmental, safety, and health standards and compliance with local, state, and federal, regulations.
• Keeps the Chief Commercial Officer informed at all times of matters important to the Cooperative, particularly where member cooperatives are involved, and submits all policy decisions for advice and approval. Keeps the Chief Commercial Officer informed of all department activities, progress, and problems together with recommendations for action.
• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
• The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Construction Management or related field, plus 15 years related experience and/or training, and 10 years related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

A Valid driver's license is required.

Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within one year.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Advanced degree in business administration or other management training.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Moderate diversity, moderately physical. Work activities which allow for a moderate amount of diversity in the performance of tasks which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the state of Arkansas, as well as surrounding states, and stay overnight as required to complete work assignments. Must be able to work extra hours when necessary and report to work whenever needed during non-scheduled working periods. Must have general mechanical knowledge of vehicles used in vegetation management, the construction of lines and substations.  Must have working knowledge of construction plans and specifications, RUS approved construction materials, OSHA safety regulations, National Electric Safety Code, and all other national safety codes, State and local labor regulations. In pursuant of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act 593, this position is a designated safety-sensitive position according to AECC/AECI standards and processes.

About Arkansas Electric Cooperatives

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) is an organization with a rich history and a bright future. As a leader in the energy industry we look to our employees to help us grow, change, and provide power to over 500,000 members of our 17 electric distribution cooperatives.

Connections working at Arkansas Electric Cooperatives