Deputy Director of Public Utilities

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
 

OPEN DATE:    September 15, 2025

CLOSE DATE:     October 15, 2025

POSITION:   DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

POSITION HIRING RANGE:     $129,400 – $142,341

POSITION SALARY RANGE:    $129,400 – $181,161

The City of Unalaska is accepting applications for Deputy Director in the Department of Public Utilities.  Located in the central Aleutian Islands, Unalaska, Alaska, is a multicultural coastal community of approximately 4,250 full-time residents and is home to the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  This position is under the supervision of the Public Utilities Director.  In coordination with the Director, implements operational and administrative activities of the department to include overseeing the development and administration of policies, procedures, programs, services, goals, and objectives. Ensures the City follows applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards related to Utility operations. Ensures compliance with UCO Title X. Provides input into establishing Departmental budget and approving expenditures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Provides leadership to division supervisors and employees; assigns tasks, reviews work and manages performance.
Develops work plans and strategies to meet Department needs and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, polices, procedures, and work standards.

·         Assists with the development, implementation and monitoring of the annual budget, forecasts necessary funding for staff, equipment, material and supplies.

·         Ensures the monitoring and reporting requirements for the water, wastewater, solid waste, and electric utilities are met. Monitors changes to laws and regulations that may affect utility operations and prepares comments on draft bills and regulations.

·         Performs oversight for daily operations and maintenance of the water, wastewater, solid waste, and electric systems. Reviews contractor performance and establishes performance criteria.

·         Compiles and analyzes a variety of data related to utilities and uses data to provide comprehensive reports; makes recommendations for operational and procedural changes. Assists in the development and presentation of information to City Council, City Manager, division supervisors, and other utility staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

·         Knowledge of Water Distribution Systems and their operation and maintenance; Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities and their operation and maintenance; Wastewater Collection Facilities and their operation and maintenance; and Power Generation and Distribution Facilities and their operation and maintenance.

·         Knowledge of municipal project facilitation, coordination and contract execution related to environmental and infrastructure projects.

·         Knowledge of management and supervisory practices and principles; ability to make employment recommendations, manage performance, prepare performance evaluations, manage time off, and maintain personnel records.

·         Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports; ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently to meet deadlines.

·         Demonstrated success analyzing organizational issues and implementing appropriate solutions, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships inside and outside of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

·         A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, engineering or a related field.

·         Five (5) years’ experience to include some combination of electric generation and distribution management and utility permitting and regulations experience; three (3) years in a supervisory role.

LICENSES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must be at least 21 years of age

·         Must have, or be able to obtain an Alaska Driver’s License within 90 days of hire

·         Successfully pass a background check, which includes criminal, professional, and reference checks, and pass a pre-employment drug test

·         Must be eligible to work in the US; requirements by Federal Law if hired must complete employment eligibility verification form (I-9).

BENEFITS:

·         100% employer-paid medical premiums (employee & dependents)

·         100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)

·         100% employer-paid medevac insurance (employee)

·         Up to $10,000 in relocation assistance

·         Annual travel allowance of $2,500 after the first year of employment

·         Personal Leave Accrual starting at 16 hours a month

·         9 holidays and 4 floating holidays per year

·         Longevity bonus starting on the 3rd year of employment

·         Eligible for Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement

·         Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare and Mutual of America

·         Flexible Spending Account (FSA) –  Employees can utilize the Health FSA for up to $3,300 per plan year and the Dependent Care FSA for up to $5,000 per plan year (optional benefit)

·         Free membership for Parks, Culture, and Recreation (employee only)

·         City-owned vehicle to drive for work and personal use

TO APPLY:

Submit the following application documents:

1.   Cover Letter
2.   Resume
3.   City of Unalaska Application Form
4.   Pre-employment Info. & Voluntary Identification of Disability Form (optional)

All necessary forms are available at City Hall, Administration Department, or by downloading at https://www.ci.unalaska.ak.us/hr/page/employment-application-forms.

Please return the completed forms to the City of Unalaska: Administration P.O. Box 610, Unalaska, AK 99685, or email [email protected] or fax (907) 581 4469.

Questions? Please call us at (907) 581-1252.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER