Bessemer Utilities Assistant Operations Manager

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

07/07/2025

PAY GRADE:

Grade 32

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bessemer Utilities Assistant Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the Bessemer Utilities Operations Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the Utilities Department, which provides essential water and electric services to over 40,000 customers. This role involves both strategic and operational responsibilities, including the implementation of long-range infrastructure plans, regulatory compliance, staff supervision, interdepartmental collaboration, project coordination, and safety oversight. The Assistant Manager plays a critical role in ensuring reliable utility service delivery, workforce training, and the operational efficiency of systems and resources.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited university or college.
• Experience supervising employees, to include conducting performance appraisals, correcting employee deficiencies, recommending disciplinary action, and making hiring recommendations.
• Experience working in a private or public utility following state rules for safety, National Safety Codes, OSHA guidelines, and/or ADEM guidelines.
• Experience managing and/or designing distribution construction projects to include consulting with engineers to determine project specifications for newly installed power or water distribution systems.
• Experience planning and implementing safety and training sessions.
• Experience preparing and monitoring an annual budget to include reviewing and approving purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and preparing bidding specifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by the City of Bessemer. These qualifications may be considered by Bessemer when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.

• Advanced training or certification in utility management, project management, or related fields.

• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SCADA, or other utility technology platforms.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provides operational support and strategic leadership across electric and water utility functions, ensuring high service standards and regulatory compliance.
• Assists in the preparation, monitoring, and administration of the departmental budget. Reviews expenditure reports, tracks spending, and ensures budget alignment with operational goals.
• Directs the planning, execution, and evaluation of electrical and water utility projects, including infrastructure improvements, maintenance schedules, and system upgrades.
• Oversees staff by assigning work duties, monitoring performance, providing coaching and feedback, and ensuring adherence to departmental policies and procedures.
• Leads the development and implementation of staff training programs related to utility equipment, safety protocols, and service standards.
• Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and goals to enhance operational efficiency, emergency preparedness, and organizational development.
• Collaborates with internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to resolve service issues, manage projects, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Evaluates tools, equipment, and resource needs to maintain safety and efficiency across field operations.
• Stays informed of industry best practices, local/state/federal regulations, and emerging technologies to guide continuous improvement efforts.
• Engages in professional development and represents the department at relevant industry and community meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job involves occasional moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted mostly indoors in office setting using standard office equipment, such as a computer and phone. This work is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Some duties are conducted during field visits to outdoor worksites such as near roadways and power distribution sites. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as near roadway traffic or near animal or wildlife such as snakes, rodents, etc.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Each Merit System member city/agency operate its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at ... or phone at ... (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.