Assistant Operations Manager
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Assistant Operations Manager
Salary
$98,269.32 - $147,404.51 Annually
Location
Employment Services, FL
Job Type
Full Time Regular
Job Number
3169-04
Department
Lakeland Electric
Division
EP-Prod-Operations 2011220000
Opening Date
03/02/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
NA
Description
Benefits
Questions
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
This is a highly technical and management-level supervisory position. This position schedules and directs the operations, maintenance, and environmental activities of multi-fueled, high-pressure steam, combined-cycle, and reciprocating internal combustion engine power-generating units at multiple plant site locations. An employee in this classification is responsible for coordinating the activities of the rotating operating shifts, providing 24/7 coverage at all three plant facilities, and working under the direction of the Operations Manager at Lakeland Electric's Production Division. Work is reviewed through work orders, written reports, conferences and meetings, and the overall availability and reliability of the generating units.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manages the safe and reliable operation of modern gas, oil, and reciprocating engine electric power-generating units at three separate plant sites.
Ensures environmental compliance related to operational performance and work activities.
Enforces employee compliance with the City of Lakeland's and Lakeland Electric's Energy Production department rules and policies.
Resolves conflicts within Operations' workgroups and assists in resolving conflicts between subordinate workgroups and other peer workgroups.
Reviews and reports on system malfunctions and unit trips, ensuring actions are taken and conclusions are documented.
Oversees water chemistry and verifies we operate within specified limits.
Maintains sufficient chemical inventory to ensure Operational continuity.
Supervises and manages Operations personnel, including the selection, training, and development, assigning and monitoring work, and individual performance, including recognition and issue resolution within Production, all in accordance with established operating procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Oversees the scheduling of five rotating shifts to ensure proper coverage is maintained for safe operational continuity.
Directs and reviews operational work performed by skilled and semi-skilled workers engaged in keeping plants and equipment operating safely and with good physical appearance.
Coordinates work between shifts and provides continuity through effective communications regarding equipment status and operational changes.
Provides guidance and performance reviews to direct reports and subordinates.
Plans and/or coordinates the schedules of unit maintenance and operational testing with Engineering, Maintenance, Environmental, outside contractors, and Florida Municipal Power Pool (FMPP) Dispatch.
Manages assigned contracts (Everllence Long Term Maintenance, Siemens Training, etc.).
Manages divisions of responsibility by coordinating vendor support and directing internal resources.
Identifies training and qualification requirements of direct reports and subordinates, and identifies required training in the production annual training budget.
Reviews water chemistry and oil analysis data, as well as a variety of inspection reports on plant equipment.
Ensures follow-up actions or work orders are written, prioritized, and scheduled accordingly.
Manages preventative maintenance (PM) requirements for each generating facility and provides guidance and follow-up review for assigned tasks.
Manages all operating procedures and reviews updates as needed.
May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
May be required to work overtime and/or alternate hours, as necessary to manage a 24/7 operating schedule for the efficient operation of the department.
May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position is designated as Mission Critical.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
Ensures a safe work environment and compliance with process and procedural requirements, such as Lock Out Tag Out.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), regarding operational communications, testing, reports, and responses.
Develops and presents information to City Management, City Commissions, and FMPP members.
Interfaces with our Projects Coordinator for Operator work order planning, assignment, implementation, and compliance.
Provides input to our Projects Coordinator for outage scope development, planning, prioritization, and duration/critical path.
Coordinates and tracks monthly test run results for all peaking units, focusing on quick-start capability/compliance.
Interface with Operations Shift Foreman for understanding and compliance with unit performance measurements and goals.
Ensures direct reports' and subordinates' attendance and participation in assigned Safety meetings, environmental audits, technical training, etc.
Conducts performance reviews, establishing clear expectations, goals, and performance standards.
Recognizes and rewards good performance and addresses poor performance and safety issues through coaching and by proper use of disciplinary action.
Makes regular inspections of our generating units, buildings, machinery, and equipment related to plant operation. Also ensures clean, organized, and sanitary control room and office locations are maintained.
Instructs subordinate work groups on occupational hazards and inspects work activities and plant site conditions to ensure appropriate safety practices and precautions.
Establishes and reviews management reports regarding effective employee work process qualification and performance.
Ensures records are maintained, including retainable confined space, hot work, and equipment clearance permits.
Ensures operator logs are accurate and comprehensive.
Helps prepare and recommend annual budgets for operating and maintaining the units.
Stays informed and current with plant operating and maintenance practices.
Participates in Production's processes to plan, develop, and establish effective standards, processes, goals, and performance measures related to power generation work.
Leads and drives toward the root cause of significant events.
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)
High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
Ten years of combined experience in electric power generation, five years of which are in a combined cycle plant.
Seven years of experience in a supervisory role, power plant control room operations, project management, incident response, or a combination of these areas totaling seven years.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
Two years of college-level courses or a technical degree from an accredited college is preferred.
Satisfactory completion of required training and knowledge/skills testing.
Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of this position and specific job functions.
Must be available to take calls 24/7 from Operations personnel to ensure the safe, continuous, reliable operation of our generating units.
Emergency response Incident Command Structure training, including ICS-100, 200, 300, and 700, within one year of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of generation dispatch and marketing processes and how generation unit availability, reliability, and efficiency affect dispatch and operation within the connected transmission system.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including environmental (EPA, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), etc.), safety (Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)), and security (NERC and DHS).
Knowledge of and experience with personal computers, including the following computer applications: Maximo, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance processes associated with multi-fueled power generators, including high-pressure steam units, combined cycle units, combustion turbine peaking units, diesel peaking units, reciprocating engines, and associated supporting and environmental systems.
Thorough knowledge of power generation policies and procedures, safety regulations, chemical hazards, and other precautions as required to promote an effective and safe workplace.
Thorough knowledge of the equipment, process specifications, and operating functions required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain equipment and systems that are an integral part of the generating units.
Thorough knowledge of locations, operating and maintenance characteristics, and requirements of the various parts of the power plant system, such as controls, lube oil system, seal oil system, etc.
SKILLS:
Excellent communication skills.
Skill in managing people, generation processes, budgets, and material supplies.
Skill and proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Maximo software.
ABILITIES:
Ability to create, maintain, and support a safe work environment.
Ability to establish and communicate directives and goals to peers and subordinates.
Ability to effectively delegate responsibility and authority to subordinates and effectively manage people.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and a large staff of technical, skilled, and semi-skilled employees, other City employees, and the general public.
Ability to calculate flow rates, ratios, percentages, and heat rates.
Ability to assess pressures and temperatures, steam tables, and generator capability curves.
Ability to coordinate and manage the economic dispatch of generating units and respond to service interruptions or loss of generating capacity.
Ability to plan and determine the proper course of action based on personal observations and experiences.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The job requires some sedentary work with some walking or standing, exerting up to 30 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard use.
The job risks include occasional exposure to traffic, electrical voltage, heights, pollen, dust, noxious fumes, toxic chemicals, extreme cold/hot temperatures, adverse weather conditions, bright/dim light, and loud noise.
The job requires normal hearing, speaking, visual perception, field of vision, color perception, depth perception, sense of smell, and texture perception.
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.
All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.
The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.
THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
City of Lakeland
2026 Summary Sheet
Annual Leave
Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:
Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*
Sick Leave
Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.
*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.
Sick Leave Pool
Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.
For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768
Family & Medical Leave
Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.
For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.
Pension Plan
Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
Defined Benefit Plan:
Plan C Employee 4.52%
Employer 15.54%
OR
Defined Contribution Plan:
Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits
Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire
Employer 15.54%
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:
A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.
Maximum contribution for 2026 is $24,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $8,000; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.
Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.
Holidays
Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.
Funeral Leave
Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.
Jury/Witness Duty
Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.
Military Leave
Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some @type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).
Maternity Leave
Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.
Leave of Absence Without Pay
Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.
Longevity Pay
Tuition Reimbursement
Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.
For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.
Suggestion Awards
A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.
For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.
Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)
An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.
Uniforms/Equipment
Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.
Parking
Free while at work.
Break Periods
Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.
For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.
For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services at 834-8765 or 834-8797.
For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education.
Less than a High School Diploma or GED
High School Diploma or GED
Some College - less than 30 credit hours
Some College - 30 credit hours, but less than 60 credit hours
Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours
90 Credit Hours
Bachelor's Degree or 120 credit hours
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree
02
How many years of experience do you have in electric power generation?
No experience
Some experience, but less than 2 years
At least 2 years, but less than 4 years
At least 4 years, but less than 6 years
At least 6 years, but less than 8 years
At least 8 years, but less than 9 years
At least 9 years, but less than 10 years
10 years or more
03
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
04
How many years of experience do you have in a combined cycle plant?
No experience
Some experience, but less than 2 years
At least 2 year, but less than 4 years
At least 4 years, but less than 5 years
5 years or more
05
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
06
Do you have seven years of experience in a supervisory role, power plant control room operations, project management, incident response, or a combination of any of these areas?
Yes
No
07
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
08
By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Lakeland, Civil Service
Address
500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801
Phone
(863)834-8790
Website
http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices
