POSITION SUMMARY Under limited direction, this position has the overall responsibility for technical priorities, standards, and procedures, and to plan, organize, and control assigned resources of Moorhead Public Service s (MPS ) utility-wide information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure, including communications, cyber and physical security, video surveillance, electronic access control, and Geographic Information System (GIS) and infrastructure in order to meet those requirements. This position is accountable for operating results that are consistent with established policies and objectives, operating procedures that ensure compliance with regulations intended to protect human life, the natural environment, and MPS investment in plant property; not public information; cyber and physical security threats; and North American Electric Reliability Corporation Conservation Improvement Program standards; as well as having comprehensive knowledge of systems design, analysis, programming, hardware maintenance, networking, and computer operations; comprehensive knowledge of the functions and operations of MPS IT Division; and the ability to determine the IT Division s and system-wide needs of an information system and formulate an effective program to meet these needs. JOB DUTIES OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to, the following: Supervises and coordinates staff in the preparation of studies, plans, and designs for additions to, and modifications and rehabilitation of, information and GIS technologies so adequate facilities will be available to meet expected organizational needs. Administers and directs the construction, operation, and maintenance of network, server, storage, database, cybersecurity and physical security, GIS, and telecommunications infrastructure, and coordinates with MPS managers and others on the operation and upgrading of the electric and water SCADA systems in accordance with established industry best practices. Establishes documented practices, procedures, and standards for MPS IT infrastructure that are designed to accomplish the objectives and implement the policies established by the General Manager and the Moorhead Public Service Commission. Develops, revises, interprets, and enforces both cyber and physical security regulations. Reviews and approves requests for non-standard services. Directs and assists in the preparation of annual personnel, capital, and operating budgets for the IT Division; exercises management control to adhere to adopted budgets; and recommends budget adjustments when required. Reviews the current conditions and long-range strategic position of MPS IT Division s operation and reliability, which includes employee concerns. Assists in P&S Staff s development, update, and presentation of a long-range strategic plan and the short-range strategic modifications to that plan. Evaluates alternatives and develops forecasts of future IT and security requirements and coordinates plans for the operation, expansion, and upgrading of MPS IT infrastructure to ensure reliable and economic delivery of services to customers. Directs and assists staff and consultants in the design and construction management of major IT projects, including contract negotiation, design criteria, specification review, progress review, and invoice approval. Assists with IT infrastructure planning for existing facilities and projects, as well as new facilities. Recommends the hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, discipline, direction of work, and adjustment of grievances of subordinate personnel. Periodically reviews the adequacy of the organizational structure and staffing of the IT Division to effectively manage the IT Division s responsibilities essential to the fulfillment of the total utility business purpose. Recommends changes, where needed, to improve the performance of existing functional areas and/or to accomplish additional functions. Provides strategic direction for operating systems, data communications, research and development of MPS systems and applications, as well as oversees design procurement, development, testing, implementation, and documentation. Prepares to initiate and direct emergency response activities by staying familiar with emergency procedures, union agreements, etc. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars, and reads available publications to keep well-informed on new developments or changes in information technologies, communications, fiber optics, GIS industry, and all allied fields. Assists the General Manager in monitoring legislation that may affect the utility, as well as assisting with the development of MPS response to such legislation. Provides a working environment that promotes safety, a high level of productivity, and individual interest in and commitment to the objectives of MPS. Serves as the Acting General Manager or the General Manager's designated representative, when required, with such authority and responsibility as may be assigned, to a broad spectrum of external organizations. Assists the General Manager with drafting Administrative and Commission policies. Manages the information and telecommunications systems, including local area networks, wide area networks, telecommunications, video surveillance systems, electronic access control systems, and security systems. Coordinates with MPS staff on, or manages, MPS fiber optic network, including future expansions and a fiber master plan. Has the ability to write clear and concise reports; plan and supervise the work of subordinates; communicate ideas effectively?both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, consultants, vendors, and division managers and staff. Performs other duties as requested. COMPETENCIES To perform this position successfully, an individual must be competent in the following areas: Kindness and Understanding. Must be able to exhibit kindness and understanding, and be fair-minded and reasonable. Must be approachable and exhibit good judgment when handling personal issues. Must be confidential and protect the privacy of all employees. Analytical. Synthesizes complex or diverse information. Collects and researches data. Uses intuition and experience to complement data. Designs workflows and procedures. Problem Solving. Must be able to handle problems of the job on a regular basis. Employees may be involved in situations where conflict occurs between employees, customers, or other parties. Regardless of the problems or issues that may occur, the individual must be able to resolve them effectively. Results. Able to articulate and drive the need for timely, high-quality results. Motivates by personal example of hard work and is dedicated to results. Internally driven to achieve high personal standards. Institutes systems to monitor progress and ensure sustainable results. Anticipates, diagnoses, and works through roadblocks. Continually seeks to improve work results and methods. Leadership. Inspires and motivates others to perform well. Inspires respect and trust. Accepts feedback from others. Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. Gives appropriate recognition to others. Displays passion and optimism. Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision. Manage People. Includes others in planning, decision-making, facilitating, and process improvement. Takes responsibility for subordinate activities. Makes oneself available to others. Provides regular performance feedback. Develops subordinates skills and encourages growth. Fosters quality focus in others. Improves processes, products, and services. Strategic Thinking. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Understands MPS strengths and weaknesses. Identifies external threats and opportunities.
