The Board of Directors of Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) in Susanville, CA seeks a well-rounded electric utility leader with solid interpersonal communication skills and the ability to positively motivate and develop others to become their next General Manager. The LMUD Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.
About LMUD
LMUD is a publicly owned electric power provider serving Lassen County, including the communities of Susanville, Westwood, Janesville, Standish, Litchfield and Wendel. The district was approved by a vote of the local citizens in November of 1986 to improve electric service and following the election, the electric system of the investor-owned utility serving the area was acquired.
Today, LMUD serves over 10,500 consumers in an area encompassing1,922 square miles. To provide high quality electric service to these consumers, LMUD operates an electric system consisting of 425 miles of distribution lines and 80 miles of transmission lines. The net utility plant of LMUD is approximately $40 million.
LMUD is fiscally sound, with revenues from electric sales exceeding $23 million. Purchased power costs have increased significantly and will be an area of focus for the next general manager. The service area of LMUD has seen limited growth in recent years.
LMUD’s power supply is a diverse mix of resources and includes the purchase of energy from a local biomass generation plant and federal hydroelectric power through the Western Area Power Administration. LMUD is working to complete facilities that will allow market power purchases through the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, which is a joint action agency providing power supply and transmission services to its members in California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
With 32 full time employees, LMUD operates with a vision of being conscientious stewards and adopters of beneficial new ideas and technologies. It promotes clear and open communication, to meet the competitive, political, and technological challenges of the industry. As a publicly owned utility, LMUD is committed to its customers and the communities it serves.
The General Manager of LMUD provides leadership, advice, and assistance to the five-member Board of Directors concerning industry changes, strategic planning, business objectives, and policy needs that will support the district’s mission, vision, and values while providing effective guidelines for business operations now and in the future.
The General Manager is responsible for creating an environment that encourages teambuilding and a cohesive work environment between the Board, management, and employees. Additionally, the General Manager directs LMUD’s day-to-day operations and activities, ensuring that the business of the district is conducted in accordance with LMUD’s bylaws, policies, strategic plans, and business objectives.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal successful candidate will be committed to safety, LMUD’s customers, and LMUD’s employees; and will have a strong understanding of power supply issues and financial matters.
Leadership Competencies
Vision and Strategic Orientation: Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a vision and plan for the district that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its customers. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and position the district for future success.
Workplace Culture: Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures. The ability to build a workplace culture that aligns with the mission, values, and policies of LMUD. A commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Works to promote interdepartmental cooperation and creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams. Demonstrated integrity and courage to do the right thing. A willingness to work hard and lead by example.
Communication Skills. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills. Listens, relates, and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective in promoting mutual understanding.
Knowledge of Electric Utility Operations. Knowledge in electric utility operations, safety, power supply, customer needs and expectations, finance, and technologies. An understanding of electric utility industry trends, their likely effects on the district, and ways to leverage those trends for the benefit of LMUD and its customers. An in-depth knowledge of California power supply laws, regulations, and markets.
Commitment to Talent Development, Acquisition, and Retention: Develops and empowers staff to achieve results by championing and applying a systematic performance management process & coaching strategy. Committed to professional growth and development for self and the employees.
Customer and Stakeholder Relations. Demonstrated expertise in building strong relationships with customers and the community. Ability to develop strategies and positive actions related to engaging with customers. Strong track record of economic development and community engagement.
Strong Focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the district.
Experience and Expertise
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, engineering, or business is preferred.
An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable and will set you apart.
At least 5 years of leadership experience is required.
At least 5 years of electric utility experience is required, although 10 or more years is preferred.
Experience with California power supply requirements is preferred.
Experience with labor relations and contract negotiation is a plus.
Our Location
Susanville and Lassen County have much to offer. The small-town atmosphere is accentuated by year-round, local events. The first weekend in December, you can start your holiday season with the Historic Uptown Susanville, Magical Country Christmas. Santa makes his grand entrance on a vintage fire truck, followed by a dazzling firework display at the top of Main Street. Summertime brings the Main Cruise classic car show, Bluegrass Festival, and the ever-popular Lassen County Fair. Susanville is also the smallest city in America to boast its very own symphony – led by Maestro Ben Wade, the concert series starts in September and ends in the spring with a swing concert. Music and art are cornerstones of Susanville’s vibrant culture.
Susanville is home to world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, including the Bizz Johnson trail, listed by Outside magazine as one of the best rails to trails in the United States. Other local trails include Susan Ranch Park, the Skyline Trail, and the Susan River Walk Trail. These trails are open year-round, enjoy summer hikes, fall colors, and winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Take in the spectacular views of the Diamond Mountains from the City of Susanville’s 18-hole golf course or play tennis at the city tennis courts, located next to the historic Roop’s Fort Museum and Memorial Park. Susanville is truly an outdoor lover's paradise.
Susanville may have limited shopping and dining options, but the area more than makes up for that in charm and the quality of the restaurants that are available. From microbrew pubs to steak houses and everything in between, you won’t have to go far to enjoy a wonderful meal.
Located a short 90-minute drive to Reno and the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, you’ll be able to travel easily and conveniently. While in Reno, take in a show at the many diverse venues, or enjoy shopping and dining.
Susanville offers high-quality health care at Banner Lassen Healthcare Center, Northeastern Rural Health Clinic, and the Susanville Indian Rancheria Clinic. With Reno close by, some Lassen County residents choose to travel the short distance for specialty care or procedures. Either way, you and your family will be in good hands.
Our Benefits
The salary range for this position is $225,000 to $300,000, depending on experience and qualifications. LMUD provides an outstanding benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental and prescription insurance with 100% employer-paid premium for employees and nominal employee contribution for dependents.
Employer paid pension plan contribution at 15% of employee’s base wage.
401(k) Plan with employer match to 6% of employee’s base wage.
Employer paid basic term life Insurance for double the employee’s salary.
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Lassen Municipal Utility District is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other applicable status protected by Federal, State or Local law are not considered in any employment decision. Learn more about LMUD at www.lmud.org.
