Director Energy Operations - Generation

Job Description:

Director Energy Operations - Generation

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

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.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

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

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience operating and/or managing power plants fueled by varying fuel sources including natural gas, coal, nuclear or biomass or others
  
• Knowledge and experience operating and/or managing gas turbine power plants
  
• Knowledge and experience operating and/or managing GE LM6000 and GE 7FA gas turbines
  
• Experience with the management and oversight of jointly owned generating facilities
  
• Knowledge and experience operating and/or managing utility scale renewable power facilities
  
• Familiarity with wholesale power power markets
  
• - Ability to travel to more than one work location when needed
  

Notes to Candidate:

This position will provide direction, management and oversight for the operation of Austin Energy’s thermal power plant resources including natural gas, coal, nuclear and biomass facilities. Develops and implements business plans and processes for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the facilities under direct operational control or in conjunction with partners for jointly owned facilities.

Work hours may change according to departmental needs. Work hours may include after core hours of operation, holidays, and weekends.

Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hours may vary based on business needs

Salary: Commensurate based on experience and current City of Austin approved pay ranges

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Critical:

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held.
  
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on application.
  
• When completing the City of Austin employment application, the work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Candidates selected for interview(s) may be required to complete an assessment(s) approved by Municipal Civil Service process, Rule 4.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-23