Operations Manager

Overview

Moreno Valley Utility is hiring an Operations Manager to lead critical utility field operations, strengthen system reliability, and turn complex operational issues into practical, dependable outcomes. This position is well suited to someone who works well in a fast-moving environment, emphasizes safety and efficiency, and has a background leading electric utility operations teams. Flexible scheduling is available, including either a 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. The recruitment may also close earlier without advance notice.

Role Summary

In this position, you will direct the daily field work that supports a safe, reliable, and efficient electric distribution network and substation operations. Your responsibilities will include guiding construction, inspection, and maintenance work while making sure all activities follow safety rules and regulatory requirements such as CPUC General Orders and NERC standards. You will report to the Electric Utility Assistant Manager and work with engineering and administrative teams to keep operations aligned with capital projects and service objectives.

You will also lead and coach crews, inspectors, technicians, and contractors; build work plans; reinforce safety practices; create line crew training programs; coordinate emergency response during outages and natural disasters; and support budgeting, resource allocation, and process improvement efforts. The position calls for someone who continually looks for better ways to improve reliability and operational performance.

Ideal Candidate

The City is seeking a practical, people-oriented leader with substantial experience in electric utility field services and construction. The right person will combine technical knowledge with strong management skills and will be comfortable making sound decisions during routine operations as well as emergency situations. A steady, respectful, and solution-focused leadership style is important in this role.

Selection Process

Applications will first be screened after the closing date by Human Resources against the minimum and preferred qualifications. Candidates who best match the requirements may move forward in the process. The recruitment may include a self-guided video appraisal interview and a technical interview. The City may change the selection steps if departmental needs require it, and candidates will be informed of any updates. After evaluation, an eligible list may be created and used to fill current or future openings.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The City of Moreno Valley is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is available to everyone. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities who need them to participate in the interview process.

If you need accommodation for the interview process, contact Human Resources at hr@moval.org or (951) 413-3045.

Who the Role Is For

This opportunity is designed for candidates with strong utility operations leadership, solid people-management skills, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the ability to coordinate across internal teams, contractors, regulators, and other external partners. Experience in municipal utility or public agency settings is especially valuable.

Requirements and Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline is required, along with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility field operations covering construction, inspection, and maintenance. At least two of those years must be in a supervisory or management capacity.

Education and experience may also be supported by completion of a high-voltage electrical lineworker apprenticeship and Journeyman Lineman status. A background in public agency or municipal utility work is highly desirable.

A valid California driver's license is required, along with the ability to maintain insurance under the City's vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Background

Experience in electric utility distribution construction and maintenance, or in municipal utility operations, is strongly preferred. Prior leadership in field services or operations is also advantageous.

Who We Are

The City of Moreno Valley delivers services to residents and businesses through collaboration, innovation, customer service, and human-centered design. Moreno Valley is in Southern California’s Inland Empire, is the second-largest city in Riverside County, and has a population of more than 200,000. The Moreno Valley Electric Utility provides safe, reliable, and affordable public electric service with an emphasis on customer solutions, infrastructure improvement, community development, and responsible resource management.