Bessemer Utilities Assistant Operations Manager

American Water Works Association; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bessemer seeks a Utilities Assistant Operations Manager to assist the Utilities Operations Manager in daily operations of the Utilities Department, serving over 40,000 customers.

You will help plan infrastructure, ensure regulatory compliance, supervise staff, coordinate projects, promote safety, and collaborate with internal departments to maintain reliable water and electric services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supervising employees, including performance appraisals and disciplinary actions.
• Experience working in a utility under safety standards, codes (OSHA), and/or ADEM guidelines.
• Experience managing distribution construction projects with engineers to determine project specs.
• Experience planning and implementing safety and training sessions.
• Experience monitoring an annual budget and preparing bidding specifications.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational support and strategic leadership across electric and water utility functions, ensuring high service standards and regulatory compliance.
• Assists in budget preparation, monitoring, and administration; reviews expenditure reports and tracks spending.
• Directs planning, execution, and evaluation of electrical and water utility projects and system upgrades.
• Oversees staff by assigning duties, monitoring performance, and coaching.
• Leads development and implementation of staff training programs related to equipment, safety, and service standards.
• Develops policies and goals to enhance efficiency, emergency preparedness, and organizational development.
• Collaborates with internal/external stakeholders and regulators to resolve issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Evaluates tools, equipment, and resources to maintain safety and efficiency in field operations.
• Stays informed of industry best practices and regulations to guide improvements.
• Represents the department at industry and community meetings.

Skills

Supervising staff

Performance appraisals

Hiring recommendations

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Project coordination

Safety training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

The City of Bessemer is seeking a Utilities Assistant Operations Manager. This role supports the Utilities Operations Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the Utilities Department, which provides water and electric services to more than 40,000 customers. Responsibilities include supporting infrastructure planning, ensuring regulatory compliance, supervising staff, coordinating projects, promoting workplace safety, collaborating with internal departments, and helping maintain reliable and efficient utility services.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.
$79,331 - $123,073

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 monitoring an annual budget to include reviewing and approving purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and preparing bidding specifications.

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.