SALARY: $‎65k – $‎105k

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

The Operations Utilities Specialist performs professional and technical level duties supporting the management and transition of utility services through the phases of property acquisition, demolition, construction and operation. Supports utility service changes, budgeting, specialized billing, reporting and utility vendor communications for agency utilities transitioning across construction phases. Provides technical expertise and assistance in administering utility account processes and coordinates utility documentation for the agency’s expanding portfolio. Leverages tools and technology to manage utility records efficiently, and conducts analysis of process development needs and documentation opportunities. This position will perform work under direction of the Utilities & Resource Conservation Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Create, enhance, or update tasks, processes and procedures for utility accounts to ensure accurate setup as they move through the lifecycle of property acquisition, demolition, construction and operation.

• Develop and implement processes and procedures for utility management best practices in areas related to utility service transfers, account setup, billing, agency reporting and benchmarking.

• Work with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for improving utility account management and documentation practices.

• Perform utility data analysis to inform agency decision-making and develop methodologies to support internal or external data and reporting needs.

• Support on issues or requests related to utility account management and provide troubleshooting support to internal stakeholders. This includes but is not limited to opening, transitioning, or closing accounts, trouble-shooting invoice problems, researching inquiries related to utilities across construction phases, and conducting utility rate optimization analysis.

• Support the budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis reporting process as it relates to utility expenditures.

• Provide technical expertise and assistance in utility account coordination and project documentation for the agency’s expanding facility and asset portfolio.

• Provide oversight of utility service transitions with a focus on process development and documentation.

• Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelors Degree in business administration, construction management, accounting, energy management, business intelligence or closely related field and four years of experience that includes project management support, data analysis or utility coordination; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

None.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• General understanding of utility account management and business processes.

• Understanding of utility rate structures, energy costs and consumption patterns.

• Willingness to learn and understand principles and practices of transit operations.

• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.

• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.

• Methods and techniques of statistical and financial analysis.

• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping, storage, and document management.

• General understanding of construction management or project management principles.

• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email.

• Utilizing personal computer software programs including Microsoft Office with an emphasis on excel.

• Applying appropriate analysis, judgment, logic, and communication methods when solving problems.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.

• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

• Collecting, evaluating, and interpreting information and data from multiple sources.

• Conducting research and analysis and providing appropriate recommendations based on findings.

• Clearly communicating complex analytical, administrative and financial information to diverse audiences.

• Critical and strategic problem solving in an individual and team setting.

• Applying or interpreting project management techniques and principles.

• Working cooperatively with other departments, agency officials, and outside agencies.

• Monitoring program/project deliverables and performance metrics.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)