Click on each position to learn more about its duties and position requirements. Current openings can be viewed here.
Accountant
Supports the finance management staff in carrying out the responsibilities of the Accounting Department and provides support in ensuring all processes and procedures are documented, efficient, and compliant with established accounting principles under FERC, GASB and GAAP. Under general supervision performs a variety of accounting functions in accordance with standard procedures and works closely with other departments in the exchange of information needed for the accuracy of financial transactions and reports. Position will assist the supervisor as a technical analyst with regards to compliance with internal/external audit, tax reporting, systems, and additional ad-hoc reporting and projects as needed.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Bachelors’ degree in related field is required.
Accounting Specialist – Accounts Payable, Purchasing and Fixed Assets
Under general supervision performs a variety of accounting functions from routine to intermediate complexity in accordance with standard procedures. Performs general banking duties, accounts payable functions, balance sheet reconciliations, budget vs. actual financial variance analysis, and creates miscellaneous invoices. Provides procurement assistance, creates purchase orders and conducts three-way match of invoices, purchase orders, and packing slips. Reconciles bank statements and balance sheet accounts. Accounts for work-in-progress and fixed assets. Responsible for verification of accuracy, completeness and consistency of accounting information received. May contact other departments and/or outside agencies to resolve common problems.
Education Requirements:
2 Year Associate Degree in Accounting is required.
Accounting Specialist – Billing & Payroll
Under general supervision performs a variety of accounting functions from routine to intermediate complexity in accordance with standard procedures. Generates customer billing statements, processes bi-weekly employee payroll, and validates and posts daily cash transactions. Checks details needed to prepare various reports, specific account reconciliations and journal entries. Responsible for verification of accuracy, completeness and consistency of accounting information received. May contact other departments and/or outside agencies to resolve common problems.
Education Requirements
2 Year Associate Degree in Accounting is required.
Responds to customer requests and represents OPU in the community primarily after business hours Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. Performs various maintenance and inspection tasks and other duties as assigned that can be interrupted when a customer request occurs. Insures OPU facilities are locked and secured after business hours.
Education Requirements
High School Diploma or GED is required. Electric Lineworker Technical College Certificate/Degree is desired. Associate/Technical/Certification in a Gas, Water, or Facilities Maintenance program is desired.
Under general supervision, performs maintenance and minor repairs on OPU buildings, facilities, fixtures, and equipment. Possesses a variety of skills encompassing the construction trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Assists water operators in operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment at central water works, remote wells, and storage reservoirs. Responds to alarms from water works SCADA system after-hours and takes appropriate actions.
Education Requirements
High School Diploma or GED is required. Associate/Technical Degree in HVAC, Plumbing, Water, or Facilities Maintenance Program is desired.
Develops and oversees a strategic communications plan for OPU that aligns with the organizations long-term goals and initiatives. Plans, directs, implements, and administers marketing strategies, goals, and programs for communication to customers regarding OPU programs, offerings, and public relations information. Directs, designs, and administers OPU’s advertising and promotion activities, monthly Customer Newsletter, website and social media. Directs OPU’s participation in various shows, fairs and other promotional booths; organizes OPU sponsored meetings as directed. Serves as the company’s information and communication coordinator including electronic communications both inside and outside the utility insuring information is accurate. Conducts regular analysis of the effectiveness of communication campaigns and strategies, recommending and making changes as needed.
As executive assistant to the General Manager this position performs job assignments including special projects, handling correspondence, prepares and monitors the administration budget annually, and interacts with external parties such as customers or contractors in the absence of the General Manager. This position is responsible for preparing the monthly OPU Commission book including the agenda and accompanying documents for their monthly Commission meetings and any additional work or information requested by the Commissioners. The Management team from time-to-time may request administrative work assignments to be completed. All of the above job responsibilities require a broad knowledge of OPU operations, policy, and a high level of discretion, as well as, advanced technology expertise, problem solving, critical thinking and managing of confidential information.
Education Requirements
Associate Degree in Business, Communications, or other related field is required. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a four-year college degree in communications, journalism, or similar course of study is preferred.
Perform customer relation duties of moderate complexity. Knowledge of all billing related processes, OPU operations, and OPU customer programs in order to accurately and efficiently respond to customer inquiries and complaints. Performs routine clerical and cashier duties as necessary, and is responsible for all monies received and paid out of the register. Responsible for set-up and maintenance of customer information in the customer billing system. Performs collection processes. Represents OPU through customer interaction and placing high priority on customer satisfaction.
Education Requirements
Associate Degree in Business or related field is required.
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Under general supervision, performs a variety of work coordination and scheduling tasks including assembling inventory items for field crews. Answers incoming service calls from OPU customers and makes decisions for the appropriate action/response including dispatching OPU personnel and notifying management when necessary. Monitors OPU’s SCADA system as directed, monitors and updates OPU’s Outage Management System coordinating and tracking outages to ensure power has been restored to all customers and maintains OPU’s Fleet Management program. Also, processes rebate requests from customers and serves as back-up to the waterworks operators.
Education Requirements
Associates Degree in Business or related field is required.
National Salary Range
$52,562 – $103,854*
Associate Electric Engineer
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This position is directly responsible for performing general engineering support tasks related to field engineering, maintaining engineering records/files, as-builts/GIS system records and assisting the coordination of new residential and commercial projects and services. Work will include coordinating between the engineering, maintenance and construction, purchasing, stores and accounting sections within the utility on various projects and engineering tasks. This position assists the Electric Engineer in evaluating electric distribution system improvement needs and analyzing utility data to promote system efficiency, reliability and customer support. This position assists the Director of Engineering in promoting, establishing and modifying the electric engineering procedures, work processes, and standards to meet OPU goals and objectives.
Education Requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or other closely related degree is required.
Electric Design Project Coordinator
This position is directly responsible for planning and directing activities concerned with electric infrastructure design to ensure proper installation, operation, maintenance and service. Work will include the lead responsibility for coordinating these projects from inception through completion, including coordination with other utilities as well as coordination between the engineering, maintenance and construction, purchasing, stores and accounting sections within the utility. This position assists the Director of Engineering in promoting, establishing and modifying the electric engineering procedures, work processes, and standards to meet OPU goals and objectives.
Education Requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or other closely related degree is required.
Electric Engineering Technician
This position is directly responsible for performing general engineering support tasks related to field engineering, maintaining engineering records/files, as-builts/GIS system records and coordinating new residential projects and services. Work will include coordinating between the engineering, maintenance and construction, purchasing, stores and accounting sections within the utility on various projects and engineering tasks.
Education Requirements
2 Year Degree/Certificate in the Electrical field is required ie; Electric Engineering, Electric Lineworker Program Degree/Certificate, Electrician Program Degree/Certificate or other related degree is required.
Electric Foreman
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Collaborates with Engineering, assigns crews, and schedules work for the electric department. Safely directs others in (and sometimes performs) skilled line work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. Works on or near energized conductors and electrical equipment.
Education Requirements
Electric Lineworker Technical Training Certificate/Diploma is required.
Lead Lineworker
The Lead Lineworker oversees/directs the daily Electric work Assignments and the Apprentice Lineworkers and Joruney Lineworkers that are on his crew. This position Safely performs skilled line work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. Works on or near energized conductors and electrical equipment.
Education Requirements:
Electric Lineworker Technical Training Certificate/Degree is required.
Journeyman Lineworker
Safely performs skilled line work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. Works on or near energized conductors and electrical equipment.
Education Requirements
Electric Lineworker Technical College Certificate/Degree is required.
Apprentice Lineworker
Safely performs skilled line work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. Works on or near energized conductors and electrical equipment.
Education Requirements
Electric Lineworker Technical Training Certificate/Degree or Northwest Lineman College Electrical Lineworker Program Graduate is required.
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Lead Gas & Water Serviceworker
This position has full and active responsibility and is accountable for the daily operations of the Gas and Water Distribution systems at Owatonna Public Utilities. Directs, plans, organizes, guides, and instructs employees of the Gas & Water crew in completing work projects as assigned by the Operations Supervisor. Directs and performs a wide variety of gas and water construction, operation, and maintenance tasks. Operates equipment. Responds to customer requests for service. Safely restores gas and water service to customers. Insures all Safety rules are followed. Directs and performs general maintenance of buildings, grounds, and facilities including carpentry, masonry, snow removal, and repairs.
Education Requirements
High School Diploma or GED is required. Associate/Technical Degree in a Gas, Water, or Facilities Maintenance Program is desired.
Gas & Water Serviceworker
Performs a wide variety of gas and water construction, operation and maintenance tasks. Operates equipment. Responds to customer requests for service. Safety restores gas and water service to customers. Performs General maintenance of buildings, grounds and facilities including carpentry, masonry, snow removal and repairs.
Education Requirements
Associate/Technical Degree in a Gas or Water Maintenance Program is desired.
Gas & Water Design Engineer
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Supports the Engineering Management staff in carrying out the responsibilities of the Gas/Water Engineering functions and is the Company’s main knowledge resource for gas and water engineering, system design, specifications and procedures for new and rebuild project construction needs. Under General Supervision performs a variety of engineering functions in accordance with standard procedures and works closely with other departments in the exchange of information needed for a variety of projects.
Education Requirements
Associates Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering is required.
Gas & Water Engineering Technician
Support the Engineering staff in carrying out the responsibilities of the OPU Gas and Water Systems. To assist the Engineers with documentation, CAD support, and be a resource for gas and water engineering, system design, specifications, and procedures for new and rebuild project construction needs. Completes residential plan review of private new construction projects which can include all utilities. Is the liaison between the city, developers, builders, and contractors to insure new services and/or rebuilds are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Assists Engineers and Operations Manager with with project budgeting, project administration and department workload. Provide customer service on various concerns regarding gas, water, and electric utility procedures and requirements. Collaborates with other departments in coordinating and scheduling Engineering and construction projects. Assists with the administration of the Water Service Line Protection program, backflow prevention program, lead and copper rule and wellhead protection plan.
Education Requirements
2 Year Degree/Certificate in an Engineering field or equivalent work experience is required.
GIS Analyst
Create and maintain geodatabases for electric, water, gas and fiber utility systems, assuring quality and accuracy in systems and connections to other systems such as NISC and AMI. Enter edits from GPS data collection and work completed. Fulfill data and mapping requests from other departments. Stay up-to-date on new spatial analysis products and trends, and promote data literacy throughout the organization through training and outreach to other departments. Assist the GIS Coordinator in managing the Esri Enterprise system, creating and maintaining mobile inspections and maintenance reports, and all other duties that fall under the GIS Coordinator’s responsibilities.
Education Requirements
Two (2) year Associates Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related field is required. Four (4) year Bachelor Degree in GIS or related field preferred.
GIS Coordinator
Responsible for ensuring OPU utilizes best practices for GIS data management, data processing and analysis. Works with Engineering and other departments to identify, define project scope, and implement GIS solutions to business applications utilizing both out-of-the-box GIS capabilities and/or developing customized functionality to achieve results. Manages the Esri Enterprise system, coordinating with the City of Owatonna and OPU’s IT department to maintain Esri licensing agreements and assure that GIS systems are in compliance with OPU standards for data integrity and cyber security. Develops future strategic plan for GIS department to prioritize spatial projects that align with business needs.
Education Requirements
BS Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Computer Science or related field is required.
Performs and is responsible for ensuring all human resources procedures and processes are documented and kept up-to-date, all employee payroll changes are entered accurately for each payroll, wage theft forms are completed, accurate training records for each employee and requests for travel arrangements to seminars and conferences. Responsible for OPU’s annual open enrollment for all employee benefits, new employee benefit enrollments, terminating employees’ records updates and COBRA Administration. Insures all required filing or reports are completed and filed on time such as IRS, state of MN, Federal ACA , etc. Coordinates and administers the employee recognition program. Assists the Human Resources Manager with labor relations, updating union contracts, Minnesota Pay Equity requirements, recruiting and hiring new employees, and other duties as assigned. Assists the Safety Coordinator in writing safety policies and procedures, OSHA required training, monthly safety committee meetings, and other safety duties as assigned.
Education Requirements
Associates Degree in Human Resources or related field and 3 years of related work experience is required or an equivalent combination of education and work experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed. A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management is desirable.
Under limited supervision, performs the functions needed to procure, secure. and maintain an accurate materials inventory, excluding transformers and meters, for the Owatonna Public Utilities to ensure material is available to OPU departments when needed. This includes, but not limited to, locating key suppliers, maintaining vendor relationships, researching product specifications, procuring material, receiving material, distributing material, performing inventory control functions, storing hazardous waste, ensuring the accuracy of all inventory computerized systems, and operating warehouse equipment. The position requires direct knowledge of all the inventory processes, procedures, and inventory computerized systems.
Education Requirements:
High School Graduate or GED is required. Associates Degree in Business or related field is desirable.
Information Technology Infrastructure Administrator
The primary function of this position will be the design, documentation, analysis, implementation, and administration of the Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) server infrastructure, network infrastructure, and all supported computerized systems/hardware providing a secure/reliable foundation on upon which all OPU systems rely. The OPU environment includes technologies such as Microsoft Windows Servers, Active Directory, Cloud-based systems (Office 365), Microsoft System Center, Microsoft InTune, Microsoft Hyper-V, Device Encryption (BitLocker), Mobile Device Management, Cisco Networking, VoIP Systems, Clusters, DR Systems (Veeam), SQL/SSRS, PowerShell Scripting and Storage Area Network (SAN) systems.
Education Requirements:
BS Degree in Computer Science or 2 Year Associates Degree in Computer Science. Certifications in Networking, Information Security, or similar desired
Infrastructure Technology Systems Administrator
The primary function of this position will be the administration of the Owatonna Public Utilities CSM/CIS system (NISC-National Information solutions Cooperative). NISC (National Information Solutions Cooperative) and associated computerized systems/hardware. The OPU environment includes technologies such as Microsoft Windows Servers, Microsoft SQL Servers, and Microsoft Clustering technologies.
Education Requirements:
BS Degree in Computer Science or 2 Year Associates Degree in Computer Science plus 2 years related work experience is required.
Manages, develops, implements, and administers OPU’s conservation programs working closely with its Triad Marketing Group. Serves as a liaison to the Minnesota Department of Energy Resources and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Also, serves as OPU’s representative and spokesperson on its conservation and utility programs, as well as, is OPU’s point of contact for existing and new key account, industrial, commercial, and residential customers when dealing with energy issues, energy conservation, new products, and rebates. Responsible for managing and reducing energy consumption by OPU and the City of Owatonna. Develops, manages, and markets Demand Side Management (DSM) and other utility programs to commercial and industrial customers. Establishes and manages the Conservation Investment Plan (CIP) budget and tracking for the Triad Marketing Group and fulfills the mandated State CIP reporting requirements. Develops and implements energy conservation, custom energy-use solutions, rebate programs, and value added non-commodity offerings to be included in OPU’s customer programs.
Education Requirements
BS in Business, Engineering or similar educational discipline.
Manager, Electric Operations & Dispatch
Supervises the Electric Operations activities of the Electric Line Distribution crew, the Afterhours Serviceworker, and the Substation Utility Technician. This includes the y on-site operations of the Electric Linecrew and Substations. Oversees the Electric Linecrew on maintenance and new construction of the electric distribution system. Develops and implements electric lineworker and substation procedures in conjunction with the Director of Engineering. Oversees all projects for electric distribution and substations including contracted projects insuring they are completed according to specifications. Oversees bidding processes on electric and substation projects insuring the process is complete, the required advertising is in order, reviews the construction bids and makes recommendations based on the lowest and best bids and competency of the vendors and/or consultants. Participates in evaluating electric and substation system loads, reliability, contingency and future needs. Implements, and monitors training necessary for the safe, reliable, cost-effective operation of the electric operations and substation departments.
Supervises all dispatch functions for OPU’s electric, water, and natural gas service orders. Insures the dispatching of all service orders is prompt and in accordance with all dispatching procedures. Develops and implements dispatching procedures, as well as, is the main contact for CRC afterhours customer utility service problems, outages, requests. Provides and assigns dispatch training. Provides prompt attention to the restoration of services in the event of interruption. This position serves as OPU’s SMMPA’s Liaison on power generation, OPU Gas Turbine, Byron, Owatonna, Waseca and Faribault transmission lines, and all substations on transmission lines.
Education Requirements
Electric Lineworker certificate/degree or other associates degree in Power Distribution systems.
Manager, Gas & Water Operations
Provides leadership and supervises the Engineering & Operations activities of the Water Production and Gas/Water Distribution systems of OPU. This includes the daily on-site operations of the water supply system, ensuring the state, federal and regulatory data, as well as, the required reports to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are filed. Schedules the departments water production & distribution and gas projects for repair work, construction, or installing structures, mains, service lines, meters, regulators, and other gas/water related equipment. Oversees the development and implementation of the Water and Gas policies and procedures. Oversees all projects for gas and water projects including contracted projects ensuring they are completed according to specifications. Oversee bidding processes on projects ensuring the process is complete, the required advertising is in order, reviews the construction bids and makes recommendations based on the lowest and best bids and competency of the vendors and/or consultants. Oversees the long and short term engineering plans and programs for water and gas utilities. Oversees the needed operations analysis of the water and gas systems evaluating system loads, reliability, contingency and future needs. Implements, and monitors training, tools, and procedures necessary for the safe, reliable, cost-effective operation of the gas distribution, and water production & distribution systems. Responsible for all internal and external, on-going facilities, buildings and grounds maintenance. Assigns work projects internally or to contractors for the on-going, general maintenance of OPU facilities, buildings and grounds.
Education Requirements
Associates or BS Degree in Gas Serviceworker, mechanical or civil engineering or related engineering field.
Manager, Human Resources & Safety
Develops, implements, and coordinates policies and programs covering employment, labor relations, wage and salary administration, indoctrination and training, recruitment and selection for job positions, safety and health, employee benefits and benefit insurance plans. Assists the General Manager in union negotiations, grievances, and other union matters insuring all documents and records are in compliance with the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act and National Fair Labor Relations Act. Originates and implements Human Resource policies and practices which will provide a balanced program throughout the utility.
Education Requirements:
BS Degree – Human Resources
Lead Meter Serviceworker:
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This position has full and active responsibility and is accountable for the daily operations of the Meter Services Department at Owatonna Public Utilities. Directs, plans, organizes, guides and instructs employees of the Meter Services crew in completing work projects as assigned by the Meter Services Supervisor. Directs and performs a wide variety of tasks on the electric, water and gas meter sets including installation, maintenance and testing tasks. Responds to customer requests. Insures all Safety rules are followed. Directs and performs all tasks listed below. Works with Project Coordinator to ensure success of the department’s projects. Assists Supervisor in scheduling work and material ordering. Provides feedback to Supervisor on crew performance for use on Performance Evaluations.
Education Requirements:
Two (2) year Technical College degree, ie. metering, electronics, electricity, natural gas or other related degree is desired. 5 years work experience in utility metering/ gas regulation can be substituted for degree.
Meter Serviceworker
Collection, transfer, and edit meter readings manually or automated from the field to billing. Inventory, install, replace, test, calibrate, and repair of all devices involved with the measurement of electricity, water, and gas. Inventory, install, replace, test, calibrate, program, and repair all devices involved with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and customer load management units. Responds to customer service calls regarding meter issues and performs disconnection/reconnection of services due to non-payment issues.
Education Requirements:
Two (2) year Technical College degree/certificate is required, ie. Electrical Lineworker Technology, Electronics specializing in electrical systems technology, licensed Electrician, Gas Utility Construction & Service degree, Industrial Maintenance & Mechanics degree or other related degree.
Meter Serviceworker – AMI Specialist
The primary function of this position will be to manage and administer the AMI system, its directly related information, and services, and support the related organization metering data and functionality.
Education Requirements:
Associates Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science or related area, Technical Degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
Meter Serviceworker – Project Development/Project Coordinator
Responsible for development, implementation and coordination of new projects and devices that automate metering functions. Responsible for planning and scheduling periodic meter change projects. Reads, installs, and removes electric, water and gas meters. Assists supervisor with inventory, ordering product, planning/scheduling, bill corrections, customer complaints and other organization related projects.
Education Requirements:
Two (2) year Technical College degree is required, ie. metering, electronics, electricity, natural gas or other related degree or certificate.
National Salary Range
$41,974 – $91,998*
Substation Lineworker Technician
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Provide skilled and technical expertise to assure that electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, and related devices located in OPU-owned substations and OPU-owned power generation facility operate safely and reliably. In addition, work on similar electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, and related devices in OPU’s electric, water, and gas departments. As directed by Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (OPU’s power supplier) will provide electrical and electronic equipment services at SMMPA’S and other SMMPA members’ substations. Provides Line worker on-call rotation duties including mutual aid assistance. Assist line crew as directed by Manager, Electric Operations. Direct and perform switching operations from Engineering and Xcel.
Education Requirements
Technical College Certificate/Degree in Electric Lineworker Technology is required.
Substation Utility Technician
Provide skilled and technical expertise to assure that electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, and related devices located in OPU-owned substations, and OPU-owned power generation facility operate safely and reliably. In addition, work on similar electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, and related devices in OPU’s electric, water, and gas departments. As directed by Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (OPU’s power supplier) will provide electrical and electronic equipment services at SMMPA and other SMMPA members’ substations. Direct and perform switching operations from Engineering and Xcel.
Education Requirements
Two (2) year Technical College Associate Degree in Electronics or Substation related certificate/diploma.
Supervisor, Accounting
Responsible for the general accounting functions and financial accounting system of the Owatonna Public Utilities. Assists the Chief Financial Officer in all aspects of financial responsibilities including but not limited to treasury functions, budgeting, audit, general ledger transactions and reconciliations, and tax accounting. Develops and coordinates necessary and appropriate accounting and statistical data for company departments. Acts as liaison to Customer Service regarding billing system functions and problems as they relate to the Accounting department. Supervises and schedules activities in the Accounting department.
Education Requirements
Associate’s degree in Accounting or Bachelor’s degree in Business-related field is required.
Supervisor, Customer Care
Under general supervision of the Director, Finance & Administration, this position is responsible for the overall direction and supervision of the customer service representatives. This includes resolving customer and employee issues, scheduling and assigning work, performance management, process development, and resource allocation.
Education Requirements
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Two (2) years of related college level training.
Supervisor, Information Technology
Organization lead on IT security. Works to implement the technology vision established by OPU and the Director of Technology. Supervises and directs the work of the Information Technology staff.
Education Requirements
B.S Degree in Information Technology or related field or equivalent career experience in Information Technology
Supervisor, Meter Services
This position is responsible for the overall direction and supervision of Meter Shop and the Meter Services staff. This person supervises Meter Serviceworkers on maintenance, reading, and installation of electric, water, and gas meters and regulators. This position is responsible for maintaining various meter reading software to provide accurate readings for billing. This person represents the Meter Services Department on company-wide initiatives.
Education Requirements
2 year Associates degree in Business Management, Electronics or other related field.
Lead Waterworks Operator
Has full and active responsibility and is accountable for the daily on-site operations of the water supply system. Assures that system is operating to achieve results that meet existing state laws and rules pertaining to water supply systems. Works in collaboration with the Engineering department to provide input and recommendations for documentation, analysis, and future needs assessments. Assists in tactical and strategic management decisions by providing data and recommendations.
Education Requirements
Associates Degree in Water Environment Technologies or related field.
Waterworks Operator
Operate, monitor and maintain equipment at the Central Water Works, remote wells, and water storage reservoirs. Complete testing and record the results needed to fill out various reports. Submit the reports in a timely manner to the proper governmental agencies.
Education Requirements
Associates Degree in Water Environment Technologies or related field.
General Manager/CEO
The General Manager serves as the chief executive of the Owatonna Public Utilities. Under broad policy guidance from the Owatonna Public Utilities Commission, the General Manager is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the utilities, as well as, OPU’s strategic plan. Establishes current and long-range objectives, plans and policies for the utilities. Plans and directs the operations of the utilities to maintain a competitive position in the delivery of safe and reliable electric, water, and natural gas commodities to its customers. Ensures adequate plans for future development and growth of the utility are in place to meet the utilities’ customer needs.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, engineering, finance or equivalent is required. Master of Business Administration is desired.
CFO/Director, Finance & Administration
Under limited direction of the Utilities General Manager, oversees the Human Resources, Accounting and Customer Service departments. Prepares and administers the company’s annual -5 year budget plans, long term financial forecasts, management and accounting reports, and implements new department software. Frequently leads and coordinates initiatives involving multiple departments. Assists with managing the company’s natural gas program including monthly procurement and hedging. Maintains confidentiality of privileged information. Plays a critical role in partnering with the utility’s management team in strategic decision making and operations to fulfill the utility’s mission.
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or other related field.
Director, Engineering & Field Operations
Performs complex analytical, supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, organizing, directing and supervising the activities of the electric distribution systems and substations, water distribution and production systems, natural gas distribution system, the company’s GIS system and the Operations Management System (OMS). Directs and coordinates the creation, development, design and improvement of OPU’s utility systems in conformance with established programs and objectives. Provides prompt attention to the restoration of services in the event of interruption. Oversees the company’s transportation and fleet maintenance program.
Education Requirements
BS Degree in Electrical Engineering is required. Registered Professional Engineer is required.
Director, Information Technology & Metering
Responsible for the overall operations and programs in the Information Technology Department and the Meter Department. Provides leadership in establishing the department’s long-term IT vision and the direction of the IT Department to link together all administrative and operations systems throughout the organization. Advises OPU staff on strategic information technology issues; develops and applies information technology to support OPU’s goals, policies, and strategies. Develops and implements technology policies and procedures. Develops and monitors expense and capital budgets. Strategically and tactically assures that OPU appropriately leverages technology through adoption, training, and continuous improvement for the benefit of our relationship with the customer and the success of our employees. Responsibilities will include the planning and organization of the Meter Services team to ensure good operations of the new Advanced Metering Infrastructure system. Responsible for the IT network security systems for all critical utility infrastructure supporting all three utilities, electric, water, and natural gas.
Education Requirements:
BS Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field of study. Masters degree preferred, but not required.