SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES: The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and management of Districts operations, community relations, environmental compliance, engineering, finance, contracting, personnel, field, office, customer service, and other functions. Acts as liaison between the policy-setting body, employees, and consultants. Provides advice and counsel to the Board of Commissioners regarding management options, implements policies adopted by the Board of Commissioners, and interprets policies for use as guidelines in day-to-day operations. 

REPORTING DIRECTLY TO: Elected Board of Commissioners. This position directly supervises the activities of the Assistant General Manager, Finance Director, Engineering Director, IT Manager, and Executive Assistant.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Responsible for standards, organization, management philosophy, contracting and compliance with state, federal, local laws, and regulations.
• Provides leadership, direction, and mentoring to District employees.
• Communicates with the Board of Commissioners to keep them informed of issues facing the District, internally and externally.
• Responsible for the management of all District personnel in coordination with respective Director/Manager/Supervisory level staff (hiring, promotions, disciplinary, termination etc.).
• Recommends all compensation and benefits changes to the Board. Establishes administrative procedures for effectively managing District personnel.
• Attends meetings and workshops of the Board; facilitates and implements Board direction and policies; and provides staff support and policy advice to the Board.
• Prepares and presents reports to the Board; oversees preparation of agendas and meeting information.
• Recommends policies, procedures and priorities to the Board of Commissioners and carries out directives and policies of the District.
• Leads and facilitates, in conjunction with the Board, the District’s short-term and long-term planning, community relations, environmental, financial, personnel, budget, and implementation plans.
• Represents and negotiates on behalf of the District, when appropriate, before legislative, public and private groups, and industry associations and partnerships.
• Plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, reviews progress and directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of personnel management and supervision.
• Local government management principles and practices in a diverse organizational setting.
• Public finance with a concentration on public water and sewer financing.
• Fiscal and budget principles, practices, and procedures.
• General labor relations and local government personal principles and practices.
• Water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Skill in:

• Analysis, planning, and organization.
• Interpersonal and written communication and the ability to work effectively at all levels, in a collaborative team environment.
• Motivating others to initiate action to meet the goals and objectives.
• Work on multiple complex, highly visible, and politically sensitive projects.
• Budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Recommending changes too, and creating new policies, procedures, and practices.
• Operating in a political environment and understanding the interests of public and private stakeholders.

Ability to:

• Operate a personal computer with Microsoft Office suite and all other office electronics.
• Understand Federal and State laws and regulations governing the operations of water and wastewater districts.
• Empathize with differing points of view and mediate conflicts.
• Handle difficult citizen and staff complaints and concerns.
• Develop and implement work rules and safety procedures, ensuring consistency within the District.
• Interpret complex guidelines, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures that apply to the District.
• Recognize organizational, operational, and training needs and implement effective changes.
• Make decisions under difficult and demanding circumstances involving legal or financial liability and sensitive community issues.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both written and orally.

            Experience/Education:

• Ten years of employment in the public sector and in a management and planning capacity.
• Supervise multiple departments and supervisors for at least five years.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, public administration, finance, or related field.
• Washington State Water Distribution Manger IV desirable, but not required.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain NIMS ICS-100, NIMS ICS-200, NIMS IS-700, and NIMS IS-800 certifications within 12 months from date of hire. Ability to obtain NIMS ICS-300 and NIMS ICS-400 certifications within 18 months from date of hire.

 WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily in an office environment, generally during the normal operating hours. Occasional local, regional, or national travel for business related meetings and training.  Can be expected to visit staff and District operations in the field as needed.  Work will involve evening meetings.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment and a personal computer.  Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 25 pounds.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.  May be exposed to upset customers.  Wear protective equipment, follow safety procedures, and exercise caution during inspections.  Occasional travel to seminars and evening work is required.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.