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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - August 16, 2017 I-02CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA ITEM I-2 AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Approving the Classification, Job Description, and Salary Range of Electric Utility Business Analyst and Adding One Electric Utility Business Analyst and Deleting One Vacant Electric Utility Rate Analyst MEETING DATE: August 16, 2017 SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt resolution approving the classification, job description, and salary range of Electric Utility Business Analyst and adding one Electric Utility Business Analyst and deleting one vacant Electric Utility Rate Analyst. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Electric Utility (EU) has the need for a new classification of Business Analyst. The business models of electric utilities are changing. Utilities used to be the sole providers of electricity to meet a customer's power requirements, setting rates and charging customers for their consumption. Now, customers are generating their own power and proactively seeking out ways to control their energy usage. As such, EU has a need to expand its business related activities beyond just rate making to perform quantitative analysis of customer data to determine trends through multiple sources of data. In addition, EU continues to have a need for a position to serve as a liaison with billing, metering and information technology staff to help accurately collect, validate and interpret meter and customer usage data. This position will, in addition to supporting rate making and budget/forecasting activities, work with other City staff to help calculate and verify customer bill corrections, estimate usage on failed meters, perform validation and auditing for customer rate class assignments, maintain current electric rates in Munis, and design, implement and manage databases used to input and extract customer data. This position will work closely with Information Technology staff to ensure sufficient, accurate data is being collected by the fixed network. More importantly, this position will serve as the Project Manager to manage, implement and maintain a Meter Data Management System to improve data collection and analysis as it relates to customer usage, patterns and trends. After discussions with and concurrence from the Lodi City Mid -Management Association (LCMMA) the proposed salary range for the Electric Utility Business Analyst is $74,043 to $90,000, which is 4.23 percent below the current salary range of Electric Utility Rate Analyst. The job description will be part of the Lodi City Mid -Management Association. The Electric Utility Department is requesting to unfund one Electric Utility Rate Analyst position and fund the Electric Utility Business Analyst position. The approximate annual savings for Fiscal Year 2017/18 is $14,920 including benefits. Staff recommends Council approve the new classification and salary range for the newly created classification of Electric Utility Business Analyst. FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact in FY 2017/18 would be a savings of $14,920 including benefits. APPROVED: chwab City Manager FUNDING AVAILABLE: Funding available through the Electric Utility budget. Adele Post, Human Resources Manager r tt, Andrew Keys Deputy City Manager/Internal Services Director CITY OF LODI August 2017 ELECTRIC UTILITY BUSINESS ANALYST Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION Performs highly complex, comprehensive analytical work in support of a variety of Electric Utility projects and programs, for both internal and external customers; conducts detailed financial and system data analysis; participates in special studies in support of Electric Utility business; exhibits excellent judgment and decision-making regarding policies and procedures; collaborates with management and co-workers in providing consultation services in areas of Electric Utility expertise; and other related duties, as required. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives general direction from higher level personnel. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Gather, compile, tabulate, analyze, and report statistical Electric Utility meter and customer billing/usage information for use by internal and external customers; Perform quantitative analysis of customer load and generation data to validate data received from multiple sources, determine usage trends, and identify and resolve variances; Work with metering and billing personnel, as needed, to calculate customer account corrections and backbills; Review and confirm calculations associated with monthly large industrial bill batch processing and customer self -generation; Perform the validation and auditing of customer rate class assignments and recommend re -assignment in accordance with approved rate tariffs; Maintain current electric rates in the billing system in accordance with City Council approved changes, seasonal changes, and special tariff conditions; Serve as subject matter expert for the City's metering systems, and work closely with Information Services and other personnel to identify, analyze, and resolve communication and data problems; Serve as project manager to manage, implement, and maintain a Meter Data Management System; Assist in budget forecasting/preparation and data collection related to fixed assets and financial reports; Develop, update, and analyze, through electronic models, current and projected retail sales revenue, rate adjustments, operating costs, and capital improvement program activities; Design, implement, modify, and manage databases used to input and extract data and prepare regular and/or custom reports; Design, upgrade, and ensure successful migration to and from various computer programs; update data and ensure maintenance of accurate data; Research and compile data related to other electric utility competitors and prepare related reports; Assist with preparation and implementation of Electric Utility contracts; Provide day-to-day support to other divisions regarding rates, data gathering and analysis, budgeting, and project management; Participate in and/or manage special projects, as assigned; Build and maintain positive professional working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, outside agencies, and the public using principles of good customer service; and Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Quantitative analysis, including technical, statistical, and financial, as it relates to electric utility data; Mathematics, statistical, financial and accounting methods for revenue, cost and rate analysis, and methods of graphic presentation; Working knowledge of SQL and data management, including database and spreadsheet applications, with the ability to use complex models and specialized computer applications; Research techniques and documentation methods; Principles and practices associated with the collection of Electric Utility meter and customer data; Principles and practices of budget and financial planning in addition to project development and management; Technical report writing procedures and techniques; Customer Information Systems (CIS), AS400, and other related software applications; Applicable Federal, State, local laws, codes and regulations; and Thorough knowledge specific to the area of assignment is required. Ability to: Plan, initiate, and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction; analyze administrative problems, evaluating alternatives, and make creative recommendations; assume control of a project and make sound recommendations; properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; prepare and write complete and accurate reports; Perform complex professional and analytical work in support of a variety of Electric Utility projects and programs, especially as it relates to customer information services; Identify and interpret technical and numerical information; Observe and analyze problems; evaluate alternatives and make recommendations in accordance with regulations, operational and technical policies and procedures; Create and use database models and computer applications to analyze large, complex sets of data; Summarize and interpret large, complex sets of data, and prepare and present clear and concise reports; Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Operate a variety of office systems and equipment, including specialized computer applications; Work with and control sensitive, confidential information; Sit at a desk for long periods of time and travel to out-of-town meetings, occasionally with overnight stays; and Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, prepare and present oral and written reports. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the qualifying knowledge and ability. A typical combination is: Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Experience: Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience involving exposure to multiple facets of: electric utility rates and business practices; automated electric utility billing operation system and AMI/AMR which included technology systems coordination and working with databases, spreadsheets, and other software applications as it relates to data compilation and analysis for a public agency. Knowledge of Tyler/Munis, Electric Utility billing and metering is highly desirable. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in an office setting with frequent interruptions, multiple deadlines, and peak workload periods. Position may require working with the public and attendance at night and/or weekend meetings, and driving a motor vehicle. May be exposed to safety hazards including, fumes or odors, dust or gases, chemicals, toxic materials, oil, and a variety of mechanical machinery. Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary to see well enough to read, write and make observations; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to occasionally walk, bend, kneel, reach, stand, crouch or climb; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and intermittently sit while preparing reports and operating vehicles and equipment. *FLSA Status: EXEMPT RESOLUTION NO. 2017-160 A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE CLASSIFICATION, JOB DESCRIPTION, AND SALARY RANGE OF THE NEW POSITION OF ELECTRIC UTILITY BUSINESS ANALYST AND DELETING ONE ELECTRIC UTILITY RATE ANALYST POSITION WITHIN THE ELECTRIC UTILITY DEPARTMENT NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby approve the classification and job description for the position of Electric Utility Business Analyst, attached hereto as Exhibit A; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the salary range for the position of Electric Utility Business Analyst is hereby approved and shall be as follows: Classification Step 0 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Electric Utility Business Analyst $74,043 $77,745.38 $81,632.65 $85,714.29 Step 4 $90,000 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby approve adding one Electric Utility Business Analyst and deleting one Electric Utility Rate Analyst position. Dated: August 16, 2017 I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2017-160 was passed and adopted by the Lodi City Council in a regular meeting held August 16, 2017 by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Chandler, Johnson, Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Mounce ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None 2017-160 NNIFER . FERRAIOLO ity Clerk CITY OF LODI August 2017 ELECTRIC UTILITY BUSINESS ANALYST Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION Performs highly complex, comprehensive analytical work in support of a variety of Electric Utility projects and programs, for both internal and external customers; conducts detailed financial and system data analysis; participates in special studies in support of Electric Utility business; exhibits excellent judgment and decision-making regarding policies and procedures; collaborates with management and co-workers in providing consultation services in areas of Electric Utility expertise; and other related duties, as required. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives general direction from higher level personnel. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Gather, compile, tabulate, analyze, and report statistical Electric Utility meter and customer billing/usage information for use by internal and external customers; Perform quantitative analysis of customer load and generation data to validate data received from multiple sources, determine usage trends, and identify and resolve variances; Work with metering and billing personnel, as needed, to calculate customer account corrections and backbills; Review and confirm calculations associated with monthly large industrial bill batch processing and customer self -generation; Perform the validation and auditing of customer rate class assignments and recommend re -assignment in accordance with approved rate tariffs; Maintain current electric rates in the billing system in accordance with City Council approved changes, seasonal changes, and special tariff conditions; Serve as subject matter expert for the City's metering systems, and work closely with Information Services and other personnel to identify, analyze, and resolve communication and data problems; Serve as project manager to manage, implement, and maintain a Meter Data Management System; Assist in budget forecasting/preparation and data collection related to fixed assets and financial reports; Develop, update, and analyze, through electronic models, current and projected retail sales revenue, rate adjustments, operating costs, and capital improvement program activities; Design, implement, modify, and manage databases used to input and extract data and prepare regular and/or custom reports; Design, upgrade, and ensure successful migration to and from various computer programs; update data and ensure maintenance of accurate data; Research and compile data related to other electric utility competitors and prepare related reports; Assist with preparation and implementation of Electric Utility contracts; Provide day-to-day support to other divisions regarding rates, data gathering and analysis, budgeting, and project management; Participate in and/or manage special projects, as assigned; Build and maintain positive professional working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, outside agencies, and the public using principles of good customer service; and Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Quantitative analysis, including technical, statistical, and financial, as it relates to electric utility data; Mathematics, statistical, financial and accounting methods for revenue, cost and rate analysis, and methods of graphic presentation; Working knowledge of SQL and data management, including database and spreadsheet applications, with the ability to use complex models and specialized computer applications; Research techniques and documentation methods; Principles and practices associated with the collection of Electric Utility meter and customer data; Principles and practices of budget and financial planning in addition to project development and management; Technical report writing procedures and techniques; Customer Information Systems (CIS), AS400, and other related software applications; Applicable Federal, State, local laws, codes and regulations; and Thorough knowledge specific to the area of assignment is required. Ability to: Plan, initiate, and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction; analyze administrative problems, evaluating alternatives, and make creative recommendations; assume control of a project and make sound recommendations; properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; prepare and write complete and accurate reports; Perform complex professional and analytical work in support of a variety of Electric Utility projects and programs, especially as it relates to customer information services; Identify and interpret technical and numerical information; Observe and analyze problems; evaluate alternatives and make recommendations in accordance with regulations, operational and technical policies and procedures; Create and use database models and computer applications to analyze large, complex sets of data; Summarize and interpret large, complex sets of data, and prepare and present clear and concise reports; Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Operate a variety of office systems and equipment, including specialized computer applications; Work with and control sensitive, confidential information; Sit at a desk for long periods of time and travel to out-of-town meetings, occasionally with overnight stays; and Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, prepare and present oral and written reports. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the qualifying knowledge and ability. A typical combination is: Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Experience: Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience involving exposure to multiple facets of: electric utility rates and business practices; automated electric utility billing operation system and AMI/AMR which included technology systems coordination and working with databases, spreadsheets, and other software applications as it relates to data compilation and analysis for a public agency. Knowledge of Tyler/Munis, Electric Utility billing and metering is highly desirable. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in an office setting with frequent interruptions, multiple deadlines, and peak workload periods. Position may require working with the public and attendance at night and/or weekend meetings, and driving a motor vehicle. May be exposed to safety hazards including, fumes or odors, dust or gases, chemicals, toxic materials, oil, and a variety of mechanical machinery. Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary to see well enough to read, write and make observations; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to occasionally walk, bend, kneel, reach, stand, crouch or climb; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and intermittently sit while preparing reports and operating vehicles and equipment. *FLSA Status: EXEMPT