Job Description
Job Title
General Manager
Cover Letter Required. Attach as an additional document on the last page of the submission process.
Position Summary
The General Manager serves as the chief executive leader of the Canal Company and is responsible for the overall strategic direction, financial performance, and operational success of the organization. Reporting directly to the Executive Board, the General Manager ensures the company operates in accordance with board policies, stakeholder interests, and long-term organizational objectives.
The General Manager provides visionary leadership by asking and answering the fundamental questions of the organization: What is our business focused on, and why? This role is responsible for developing strategy, driving organizational performance, ensuring financial sustainability, fostering a positive workplace culture, and representing the company with governmental agencies, industry organizations, legal counsel, and stakeholders. This person must be tech savvy and willing to learn canal automation.
Reporting Relationship
Reports To: Executive Board
Supervises:
- Operations Manager
- Office Manager
- Other management personnel as assigned
Primary Goals
- Drive organizational performance and long-term sustainability.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with Board direction.
- Protect and advance stakeholder interests.
- Foster an effective, efficient, safe, and positive workplace.
- Ensure sustainable management of the company's water resources, infrastructure, and financial assets.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the company's strategic vision and long-term goals.
- Recommend policies and initiatives to the Executive Board.
- Execute Board-approved strategic objectives.
- Evaluate organizational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Promote long-term organizational sustainability and profitability.
Executive Management
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Operations Manager, Office Manager, and other staff.
- Conduct regular executive staff meetings and staff meetings.
- Delegate authority while maintaining accountability for organizational outcomes.
- Ensure coordination between departments to achieve company objectives.
Financial Leadership
- Develop, administer, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets.
- Build and manage cash flow projections.
- Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the Executive Board.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of company assets and resources.
- Evaluate financial risks and opportunities.
Operations Oversight
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to ensure safe, efficient, and effective canal operations.
- Oversee execution of operational goals through the management staff.
- Ensure quality control, regulatory compliance, documentation, billing, and project execution.
- Support employee development through training and effective management practices.
Project and Grant Management
- Identify and pursue grant and loan funding opportunities.
- Prepare grant and loan applications in conjunction with engineering firm.
- Manage funded projects from planning through completion.
- Oversee project budgets, schedules, design coordination, and regulatory compliance.
Legal and Regulatory Oversight
- Under the direction of the board, coordinate with legal counsel on all legal matters.
- Review water right filings and assist legal counsel in filing water right protests when apporpriate.
- Provide oversight of litigation, easements, canal crossings, property rights, and related legal matters.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Government and Public Relations
- Represent the company with governmental agencies, industry organizations, and public stakeholders.
- Collaborate with agencies and organizations regarding water policy and resource management.
- Communicate Board-approved positions in public, legislative, and political settings.
- Maintain productive working relationships with organizations, including, but not limited to: Great Salt Lake stakeholders, PacifiCorp, Bear River Water Users Association, State and local governmental agencies, and Legislative bodies.
Water Resource Management
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of water law, water rights, water accounting, and water delivery systems.
- Support effective scheduling, measurement, and allocation of water resources.
- Ensure compliance with water regulations while balancing stakeholder needs.
Organizational Leadership
- Foster a culture built on integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect.
- Promote collaboration throughout the organization.
- Create an environment focused on employee development, safety, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Water Resources, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Significant progressive leadership experience in business management, water resources, public utilities, agriculture, irrigation, construction, or related industries.
- Experience supervising managers and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience developing and managing organizational budgets.
- Experience with grant funding, capital projects, or infrastructure management preferred.
- Knowledge of governmental agencies and regulatory processes preferred.
- Commercial Driver’s License with X and T Certifications (may be obtained within the first six months of employment)
- Utah Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (may be obtained within the first six months of employment)
Preferred Knowledge and Experience
- Water law and water rights administration.
- Water accounting and water delivery systems.
- Financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management.
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
- Infrastructure and capital project management.
- Grant and loan administration.
- Contract administration and legal coordination.
- Public relations and governmental affairs.
- Experience operating heavy equipment is a plus
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership and vision
- Financial and analytical decision-making
- Integrity and ethical leadership
- Exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written)
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
- Respectful and collaborative leadership style
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Conflict resolution and constructive response to criticism
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Sound judgment and practical decision-making
- Project and organizational management
- Budget development and financial stewardship
- Knowledge of water law, water rights, and water operations
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees, stakeholders, elected officials, and the public
Working Conditions
This position requires a combination of office work, field visits, and field work when needed. Attend meetings with the board, governmental agencies, and stakeholders. Evening meetings and occasional extended work hours may be required. Must be able to work 10-hour days and lift 40 lbs.
Compensation and Benefits
The Canal Company offers a competitive compensation package including:
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Bankers' Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
Cover Letter Required. Attach as an additional document on the last page of the submission process.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have 3 years of experience managing people or a team?
- A cover letter is required for this application. Please attach as an additional document on the last page of the submission process. Please respond "Yes" to this question, indicating you understand a cover letter is required.
Education:
Experience:
- Civil Engineering/Construction: 3 years (Preferred)
- Water Management: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
