Bessemer Utilities Assistant Operations Manager

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

10/30/2026

PAY GRADE:

Grade 32

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Bessemer is seeking a Utilities Assistant Operations Manager. This role supports the Utilities Operations Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the Utilities Department, which provides water and electric services to more than 40,000 customers. Responsibilities include supporting infrastructure planning, ensuring regulatory compliance, supervising staff, coordinating projects, promoting workplace safety, collaborating with internal departments, and helping maintain reliable and efficient utility services.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below:

$79,331 - $123,073

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited university or college.
• Experience supervising employees, to include conducting performance appraisals, correcting employee deficiencies, recommending disciplinary action, and making hiring recommendations.
• Experience working in a private or public utility following state rules for safety, National Safety Codes, OSHA guidelines, and/or ADEM guidelines.
• Experience managing and/or designing distribution construction projects to include consulting with engineers to determine project specifications for newly installed power or water distribution systems.
• Experience planning and implementing safety and training sessions.
• Experience monitoring an annual budget to include reviewing and approving purchases of supplies, materials, equipment, and preparing bidding specifications.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Provides operational support and strategic leadership across electric and water utility functions, ensuring high service standards and regulatory compliance.

• Assists in the preparation, monitoring, and administration of the departmental budget. Reviews expenditure reports, tracks spending, and ensures budget alignment with operational goals.

• Directs the planning, execution, and evaluation of electrical and water utility projects, including infrastructure improvements, maintenance schedules, and system upgrades.

• Oversees staff by assigning work duties, monitoring performance, providing coaching and feedback, and ensuring adherence to departmental policies and procedures.

• Leads the development and implementation of staff training programs related to utility equipment, safety protocols, and service standards.

• Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and goals to enhance operational efficiency, emergency preparedness, and organizational development.

• Collaborates with internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to resolve service issues, manage projects, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Evaluates tools, equipment, and resource needs to maintain safety and efficiency across field operations.

• Stays informed of industry best practices, local/state/federal regulations, and emerging technologies to guide continuous improvement efforts.

• Engages in professional development and represents the department at relevant industry and community meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job involves occasional moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted mostly indoors in office setting using standard office equipment, such as a computer and phone. This work is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Some duties are conducted during field visits to outdoor worksites such as near roadways and power distribution sites. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as near roadway traffic or near animal or wildlife such as snakes, rodents, etc.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.