Nestled in the heart of Colorado in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, SDCEA, a fast-growing electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Buena Vista, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Chief Operations Officer. The COO is responsible for establishing strategy and direction for the engineering and operations functions, aligning department strategy with the cooperative's strategic goals, and directing the daily Engineering and Operations functions. This is a salaried, staff-level position that is exempt from overtime.

Enjoy the dream mountain lifestyle in Buena Vista. This dynamic community is located along a state scenic byway, the Arkansas River, and is at the base of several 14,000-feet peaks. A growing, entrepreneurial business community is flourishing in the area. The setting of this popular visitor destination affords fishing in Gold Medal Waters, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, whitewater raft trips, skiing and snowboarding, relaxing soaks at area hot springs resorts and more. Live music, restaurants for an evening out, and shopping in the area’s unique boutiques draw many to this historic downtown.

SDCEA offers a friendly, family-oriented, community-engaged work environment with very competitive benefits. The successful candidate will receive paid health and life benefits for self and family, including company contributions to a health savings account. SDCEA has a company-paid defined benefit retirement plan. SDCEA also has a 401(K) defined contribution retirement plan with a matching contribution. The COO is also eligible to participate in the company’s 457(b) plan.

SDCEA provides long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment and business travel and accident insurance. Dental and vision insurance are available as well as limited-use medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts . The successful candidate will enjoy nine paid holidays plus one floating holiday each year, paid vacation and paid sick and family emergency leave.

SDCEA values development and continuing education and provides paid travel and expenses for continual training.

Benefits may also include longevity and years of service pay (contingent upon board approval).

Engineering and Operations

Provides effective direction, planning and oversight of SDCEA objectives. Provides direction and leadership necessary for engineering and operations activities. Plans, develops and recommends strategic departmental objectives and work plans to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Advises the CEO of conditions affecting the department and conditions within the department that will or may affect other departments or the general overall welfare of SDCEA.

Works closely with the CEO and other department heads in establishing procedures and policies relating to the everyday function of SDCEA.

Directs all Engineering and Operations department activities. Obtains equipment necessary for the function of the operations department, in compliance with budget procedures.

Reviews system operations to determine needed improvements, changes or additions due to increased loads and changing conditions. Prepares annual work programs and departmental budgets with the assistance and advice of the Chief Financial Officer and with the approval of the CEO.

Resolves consumer matters not routinely handled by other Engineering and Operations department personnel.

Identifies and implements opportunities for improvement within the department and strategically across the company.

Supervision

Provides supervision, mentoring and coaching to direct reports regarding job performance. May participate in hiring and termination decisions. Ensures direct reports receive training and support to meet or improve their job performance. Keeps employees informed of work requirements, business conditions, company policies and other factors that impact their work performance and environment.

Two years of supervisory experience is required.

Must have demonstrable leadership and management experience necessary to successfully lead the engineering, line construction, maintenance and/or operations functions.

A college degree is desirable.

Must maintain current knowledge of RUS, SDCEA, NESC, and other regulatory directives, specifications, and policies.

Must be able to work productively independently or cooperatively with others.

Strong writing, spelling, grammar and public speaking skills are required for written and oral communications in English.

Must possess written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills at the level required to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of the position.

Must be able to operate office machines, computers and associated programs at the level required to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of the position.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Employee may be required, on occasion, to drive a personal or company vehicle for company business.