Gas Engineering & Operations Manager (closes 06/29/26)

Job Title:  Gas Engineering & Operations Manager

Open Date:  June 15, 2026

Close Date:  June 29, 2026

Salary:  $11,376 - $12,871/month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt

View full job posting here,  Gas Engineering & Operations Manager

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION: 

The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Gas Engineering and Operations Manager in the Gas Division of the Energy Services Department.   

This position provides leadership and direction for the City’s natural gas engineering and operations division, with accountability for system performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning aligned with City goals and priorities. The role plays a critical part in maintaining essential public infrastructure that aligns staff, resources, and priorities to ensure safe, reliable service while supporting organizational goals, regulatory compliance, and evolving energy and decarbonization requirements.

This position performs under the general supervision of the Director of Energy Services and is responsible for natural gas utility service delivery, capital program development, engineering design, construction oversight, and operational excellence.

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four (4) year college or university in engineering, business administration, construction management, or similar.


• Five (5) years of progressive natural gas utility experience with well-developed customer service, management, and supervising competencies.

Please Note: An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid State driver’s license, or ability to obtain by time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record.


• First aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.


• Preferred Certifications:

• MECP (Master Evaluator Certificate Program) Certification – Operator Qualification (OQ), preferred at time of hire; ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment may be required.


• RGDP (Registered Gas Distribution Professional) Certification, preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass federally mandated pre-employment and random drug testing.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of natural gas system design, construction, operation, and maintenance

• Thorough knowledge of safety standards, OSHA regulations, and utility best practices


• Knowledge of City, Washington State, and federal procurement laws and utility regulations


• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and participation in labor-management processes


• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, sustainability principles, and budget development


• Understanding of emerging energy policy and decarbonization trends impacting natural gas utilities


• Ability to exercise independent judgment in operational, engineering, and personnel decisions


• Ability to establish and maintain courteous and collaborative working relationships with employees, officials, and the public


• Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for a variety of audiences and skill levels


• Ability to conduct research, analyze data, and prepare comprehensive reports


• Ability to respond to emergencies during all hours of the day


• Commitment to regulatory compliance, utility system planning, and industry best practices


• Knowledge of municipal utility financial performance and budget development


• Proficient, adaptive, and forward-thinking in the use of technology

Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.