Utilities Operations Manager

City of Rancho Cucamonga; Rancho Cucamonga (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Rancho Cucamonga seeks a Utilities Operations Manager to lead administrative, financial, and operational functions for the municipal utility. The role oversees power supply planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and customer service while representing the Deputy Director of Electric Utility Services as needed.

Candidate will manage a diverse portfolio including strategic planning, procurement, rate studies, and contract administration.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electric utility operations, management, and organization.
• Experience with budget development and project management.
• Familiarity with regulatory codes and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Drive Innovation: lead a customer-focused utility team.
• Manage multiple high-priority projects across procurement, planning, and policy.
• Engage and solve regulatory, financial, and operational challenges daily.

Skills

Electric utility operations

Budget development

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Job description

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is not your average public agency employer. We have evolved from the antiquated civil service government employment of the past. Our driving staff force, known as Team RC, embodies a culture of innovation and collaboration. We believe that our employees are the best representation of our values and we strive to be on the cutting edge of diversity, inclusion, and technology.

When you join Team RC, whether you're front-and-center or behind-the-scenes, you can rest assured that your work makes an impact in the community you serve. Our enthusiasm for public service and our commitment to continuous learning helps Team RC focus on what really matters...service and people.

So, get comfortable, grab a snack, and apply to join Team RC.

Are you a forward-thinking utility professional driven by operational excellence and exceptional customer service? The Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Utility (RCMU) is seeking a dynamic Utilities Operations Manager to lead key administrative, financial, and operational functions for our growing municipal utility. This position is ideal for an organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at daily problem-solving, and combines administrative expertise with an understanding of electric utility operations. This position will represent the Deputy Director of Electric Utility Services as needed.

In this vital management-level role, you will oversee a diverse portfolio, including:

• Strategic Planning & Policy: Assist in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operational priorities encompassing power supply planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and customer service.
• Financial & Administrative Services: Plan, prepare, and manage the Utility Division budget, monitoring revenues, expenditures, and utility accounting records.
• Project & Rate Analysis: Evaluate renewable and fossil power acquisition opportunities, oversee power project participation, and lead data-gathering efforts for rate studies, financial forecasting, and facilities planning.
• Resource Planning & Procurement: Establish, execute, and manage long-term resource agreements, wholesale power contracts, and assets to maximize value for utility customers. Negotiate power purchase, sale, and exchange agreements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to state and federal regulatory frameworks, maintaining accurate reporting and tracking evolving energy regulations and technologies.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain current industry knowledge through professional literature and conferences while serving as a clear communicator with consultants, contractors, and the public.

As our Utilities Operations Manager, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that blends strategic oversight with hands‑on problem-solving. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities and impact will include:

• Drive Innovation: Guide a customer‑focused, forward‑thinking utility team dedicated to reliable service delivery.
• Manage Diversity of Tasks: Juggle multiple high‑priority projects ranging from resource procurement and contract administration to strategic planning and policy implementation.
• Engage & Solve Problems: Leverage strong analytical skills to navigate complex regulatory, financial, and operational challenges on a daily basis.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university with a degree in business, finance, or public administration; five years of progressively responsible experience in utilities, administrative and management analysis which includes conducting research, financial analysis and report writing; experience involving customer service and utility billing responsibilities.

Substitution

A total of four years of professional‑level experience in business, public administration, or related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in utilities, administrative and management analysis which includes conducting research, financial analysis and report writing; experience involving customer service and utility billing responsibilities may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Principles and practices of electric utility operations, management, and organization; goal setting, program and budget development; work planning and organization; principles and practices of employee supervision; applicable federal and state regulatory codes and laws related to the operation of electric utilities; operation of customer service and utility billing functions; project management practices and techniques; power resource planning and procurement; cost‑of‑service and rate design study.

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; analyze and make sound recommendations on complex financial, operating, and other technical and management issues; organize, coordinate and manage large‑scale projects; understand, interpret, explain and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations; supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff; effectively respond to calls for services; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including a variety of City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public; and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C or Class 3 California Driver’s License and have a satisfactory driving record.

Special Requirements

Work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events, as needed.

Successful candidate will be required to:

• Complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America.

• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

If hired, candidate will be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America and furnish proof certifying legal authorization to work in the United States. The City of Rancho Cucamonga participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, the Federal Government’s online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Disclaimers

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy that may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please visit here. There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that the provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at [e-mail].

Applicants may wish to visit the City's official website at www.cityofrc.u for more information.