General Manager

Organization: Gulf Shores Utilities Board
Salary: Anticipated salary and benefits include a highly competitive beginning salary commensurate with experience
Close Date: Open Until Filled. A first review of resumes is scheduled for April 22, 2019.

Job Description:

The Gulf Shores Utilities Board was created in 1967 as "The Water Works Board of the Town of Gulf Shores" as a public, nonprofit corporation to acquire and distribute potable water to its service area. In 1969, the City of Gulf Shores began construction of the first sewer system within the incorporated areas of the City. In 1984, the City of Gulf Shores established the Governmental Utilities Service Corporation (GUSC) Board to operate the sewer system and facilitate financing and expanding the sewer system. In 1989, the Water Works Board and GUSC were consolidated and established the current entity called The Utilities Board of the City of Gulf Shores.

The Utilities Board of the City of Gulf Shores (GSU) is a municipal corporation governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Board members are appointed by Gulf Shores City Council for a six-year term (renewable) and serve without pay. Once appointed by City Council, a board member may not be removed by the City Council. The Board operates independently of the City of Gulf Shores. The Board is empowered to set usage rates, policies and procedures by which GSU operates. GSU's primary source of revenue is from the operation of water and sewer utilities. No other funding is provided by the City, County, State or Federal Government.

GSU provides water and wastewater services to both incorporated and unincorporated areas around the City of Gulf Shores. Its customer base is largely comprised of single-family residential units, condominiums, retail stores, restaurants, general business and governmental agencies. GSU does not provide wholesale water to other utility entities. Water billing rates are based on meter size of each entity. Wastewater billing is based on water consumption for customers with both services. Wastewater customers not serviced by water are billed at a fixed rate.

GSU's service area is a tourist community that generates a high volume of activity during the warmer months from spring to fall. It is common for water and sewer demands to be more than two times the average daily flows during these peak months. Therefore, GSU's infrastructure, production and treatment capacity and overall system operations are designed to meet these peak periods rather than an average daily demand.

GSU is an award-winning water and wastewater utility. Its water production system includes three ground water treatment plants, one ground water well, eight ground water supply wells, five elevated storage tanks and two ground storage water tanks. GSU's total water treatment capacity is 9.72 million gal/day. The water distribution system operates 130 miles of water lines, 11, 881 customer meters and serves approximately 20,000 residential units. The wastewater treatment system serves about16,000 residential units and has a total permitted capacity of 4.0 MGD with an approximate design capacity of 6.0 MGD. Its infrastructure includes two 3 MGD aeration basins, four clarifiers, two 3-6 MGD tertiary filters and two 3-6 MGD ultraviolet disinfection. Sewage collection is accomplished through approximately 90 miles of sewer lines and fifty-two lift stations. There are 7,435 metered wastewater customers. GSU employs 40 FTEs. GSU's total revenues and income as of FYE September 30, 2018 was $10,317,988 with total expenditures before depreciation of $5,969,811. FYE September 30, 2018 capital expenditures were $3,346,416.

The General Manager (GM) is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The GM is responsible for the overall daily operation and performance of the utility's production and distribution of water and the collection and treatment of wastewater systems. He or she provides leadership and direction to the departmental leaders and staff members, guides overall Board operations and provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors. The GM implements policies adopted by the Board of Directors and ensures full compliance with State and Federal regulations and with Board goals and objectives. With assistance from departmental leaders, the GM plans for growth and the development of GSU's systems to meet current and future customer needs and to safeguard GSU assets. The GM oversees and manages GSU's financial division which requires reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting standards, the preparation of monthly financial statements, cash projections and both operations and capital budgets. Employee safety is GSU's 1st priority. The GM=s most important responsibility is to promote and follow safe practices and enhance safety awareness. He or she is required to exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion based upon knowledge of field operations and administrative policies as well as a thorough understanding of the specific performance required of staff and consultants. Community relations activities are integral to this position and the ability to interact well with others is essential.


GSU's current highly regarded General Manager has announced his retirement after twenty-three years in the position. For additional information about Gulf Shores Utilities please visit www.gulfshoresutilities.com

Requirements include a strong record of team building and building of positive relationships with other levels of government, the community and staff. Additional requirements are a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university combined with at least 10 years of industry-related work experience to include management level experience in a public utility or similar commercial entity; experience in budgeting, finance, personnel administration, public relations, and permit requirements; demonstrated leadership in organizing, developing and implementing capital projects; experience with the EPA and/or other regulatory agencies; demonstrated excellent communication skills with subordinates, Board members, customers, the community and other governments; demonstrated excellent leadership skills (has led subordinates who manage large teams or has led large team projects); experience working with local government and economic development agencies and the ability to plan for the future development and growth of the system.

Preferences include an advanced degree in business administration, public administration, civil, environmental, chemical, electrical or mechanical engineering and familiarity with the State of Alabama and United States Environmental Protection Agency permitting process, rules and regulations.

Anticipated salary and benefits include a highly competitive beginning salary commensurate with experience; participation in the Retirement System of Alabama's (RSA) defined benefit retirement system; health and dental insurance; a Health Flex Spending plan, RSA Deferred Compensation (voluntary); relocation assistance and more.

To Apply: The position will remain open until filled. A first review of resumes is scheduled for April 22, 2019. Please send a letter of application, detailed résumé and current salary to:

Robert E. Slavin or David Kings
SLAVIN MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
3040 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite A-1
Norcross, Georgia 30071
Phone: (770) 449-4656
Fax: (770) 416-0848
E-mail: slavin@bellsouth.net

Electronic responses are highly preferred


The Utilities Board of the City of Gulf Shores is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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