ORECA

From time to time, ORECA will post job opportunities with electric cooperatives and related industry organizations. Job seekers should contact the employing organization for further information about a specific job. Employers should contact ORECA to post and remove job announcements.

GENERAL MANAGER

WESTERN MONTANA ELECTRIC G&T COOPERATIVE, INC.

MISSOULA, MT

Western Montana Electric G&T Cooperative, Inc., through its executive search consultant, seeks an outstanding leader with exceptional people skills to fill the position of General Manager.

The G&T is a non-profit Montana corporation (incorporated in 1980) which represents the interests of its seven public utility members: Flathead Electric Cooperative, Glacier Electric Cooperative, Missoula Electric Cooperative, Ravalli County Electric Cooperative, Vigilante Electric Cooperative, and Mission Valley Power (a tribal managed utility).  Lincoln Electric Cooperative is an associate member of the G&T.

The G&T’s member utilities serve over 100,000 public power customers throughout Western Montana.  These customers receive their power from the Bonneville Power Administration and the G&T and its General Manager endeavor to retain the benefits of the region’s existing low-cost hydroelectric and nuclear generation.  The G&T has the legal capacity to plan, finance, build, operate, and maintain electric generation and transmission facilities however, the G&T does not currently own or operate any generation or transmission facilities.

The General Manager will work with a diverse set of local, regional, and national power supply related issues including:

·        Representing the interests of the member utilities by providing a visible presence at various association meetings such as the Public Power Council, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance which attempt to actively influence BPA’s programs and costs.

·        Providing support to the member distribution utilities by assisting them with any BPA power and transmission contract issues including representing the member’s interests in front of BPA staff.

·        Acting as a resource for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council members and staff as they make critical decisions that balance the multiple purposes of the Columbia River and its tributaries including influencing the development of the Council’s power plans as well as its fish and wildlife programs.

·        Interacting with the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association and its board and member utilities to ensure that the interests of the G&T’s members are protected when dealing with statewide public power issues including networking with the Montana governor’s office and any appropriate state legislators.

·        Developing a strong relationship with the Montana congressional delegation and their staff which will allow for shaping federal policy when it is applicable to the members of the G&T.

The General Manager, along with a part time executive assistant, performs the day to day business of the G&T.  Funded through dues assessments, a budget is developed and approved by the Board annually.  The current operating budget for 2011-12 is $371K.

The board requires that the General Manager live in Western Montana, preferably in Missoula.  The successful candidate will be expected to visit the member cooperatives as needed as well as attending monthly association meetings in Portland.  Montana has biennial legislative sessions in Helena that may require travel, as well as Montana Electric Cooperative Association meetings generally held in Great Falls.  There will also be at least annual trips to Washington DC as part of a delegation of cooperative representatives organized through the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association.

The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of the Bonneville Power Administration and its new tiered-rate methodology, as well as energy efficiency and conservation issues. The position requires excellent communication skills, both written and oral; very strong interpersonal skills including being well versed in acting with diplomacy; strong leadership ability; present a professional image at all times; be politically astute with the ability to represent the G&T at the legislative level; be a good listener; have strong planning and budgetary skills; have the ability to understand wholesale power supply contracts; and have a strong dedication to cooperative principles.  A good technical understanding of the electric power utility industry at the G&T level is desirable.

The G&T offers an excellent NRECA full benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Please submit a complete package with a cover letter, resume, recent salary history, along with 6 business and 3 personal references, via email by April 15, 2012 to:

LANGLEY & ASSOCIATES EXECUTIVE SEARCH, INC.

Attn:  Carol M. Langley, President

 (303) 694-2228 Office

 (303) 888-4012 Cell

Email:  cmlangley@earthlink.net

All information kept strictly confidential – An EOE

Northwest Public Power Association Job Mart.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Assocation career center for co-op utilities across the U.S.