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West Memphis, Arkansas, BACKGROUND West Memphis Utilities (WMU) is a municipal power utility serving the City of West Memphis.  The utility provides electric, water, wastewater, and fiber services to approximately 10,000 customers, and is governed by a 7-person board with oversight from the West Memphis City Council.  The General Manager reports directly to the mayor, and all other utility employees report to the GM.  The City Council approves the MWU’s budget and rates, otherwise, it is not involved in the operation of the utility. The city has a peak load of about 80 MW.  WMU owns 1% positions in Units 1 & 2 of the Independence Power Plant and Units 1 & 2 of the White Bluff Power plant.  MWU’s share of the coal plant production is about 32 MW.  In addition to this generation supply, WMU has a contract with NextEra to provide power.  Included in the contract is 20 MW of solar power that will be coming online in 2024 from the Big Cypress solar project.  The Utility operates 4 sub-stations that are in good condition but some of the distribution service lines are undersized.  Projects are underway to upgrade distribution wires to provide adequate power to areas that are growing and to better balance the power distribution.  An electrical model of the system is nearing completion. The Water Department has 5 water wells in production with a 6 th under development.  It operates a looped distribution system with four elevated water tanks and has several million gallons per day of excess capacity.  The disinfection system is currently being replaced and a second, off-site system is planned to increase the resilience of the system. The community is currently under a Consent Order with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) as a result of a series of wastewater treatment plant by-passes and manhole overflows.  Much of the problem was caused by inflow and infiltration.  The Utility raised $30 million through a bond offering and it plans to upgrade and expand the wastewater treatment plant, make point repairs, replace sewer mains and manholes, line sewer lines and upgrade server sewer lift stations has been approved by ADEQ.  Much of the manhole repairs and point repairs have been completed and bid opening for the wastewater treatment plant is scheduled for June 2023. MWU is deploying AMI electrical and water meters and should complete the project before the end of 2023.  The system is currently designed to communicate by a radio mesh network, but the mesh will eventually be replaced by fiber. The city provided WMU $2 million last year to design and construct a fiber communication network that would tie in its 42 sewer lift stations, water tanks, electrical sub-station and treatment plants.  The system has been designed, material deliveries are almost complete, and construction should begin in June or July 2023.  Once that backbone is constructed, the Utilities will begin extending services to homes and businesses. The 2023 operating budget is about $41 million and in 2022 the Utilities generated about $44 million in revenue.   CHALLENGES While the WMU system is well funded and in very good shape, the new General Manager will face several issues worth noting. First, all four units of WMUY’s jointly-owned generation capacity is scheduled to be closed by the end of the decade and one challenge is to decide whether to continue as a co-owner in the plants that replace these, become co-owners in other ventures or drop participation in ownership completely.  There will soon be a study underway to determine the feasibility of replacing both coal-fired plants with gas.  Since being a co-owner in the existing venture has served the West Memphis rate payer well, with the third lowest electric rates in the state, continued participation in co-ownership of the replacement units is the preference until more information develops.  A major challenge is to continue to provide the community with reliable and affordable power.  The second major challenge for the new GM will be succession planning.  All the leadership at WMU has been in place for decades.  Within the next 5 years, several managers will be retiring and there are no ready candidates available to backfill these positions.  There is only one person licensed to sign the monthly water quality reports that go to the state and that is also the only person licensed to run the water treatment plant.  The Engineering Department used to consist of an electrical, a mechanical and a civil engineer with two interns.  By mid-June 2023, there will be no engineers and only one intern.  Although WMU does a wage survey every three years and has given what seemed to be large pay raises, the pay for skilled employees has exceeded the utility’s current pay scale.  Both the mayor and the Utility Commission understand this issue and are supportive of increasing pay; the challenge still exists to find and hire qualified staff.  Staffing up to operate the residential and commercial fiber operation will also be a challenge in 2024.   ABOUT WEST MEMPHIS West Memphis is a charming small town just minutes away from the cultural amenities of Memphis, TN.  West Memphis offers a wide variety of great restaurants, plentiful shopping, and endless opportunities for nature exploration along the Big River Trail. West Memphis is the largest city in Crittenden County, Arkansas. The population is slightly over 24,000, ranking it as the state's 18th largest city.  It is part of the Memphis metropolitan area, and is located directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis. The demographics are 62.6% Black, 32.1% White, the balance 3.3% is other.  The median income is $37,244, and median age is 33.1.  The median home value is $125,535. The most common employment sectors are Logistics/Distribution/Warehousing, Health Care & Social Services, Retail Trade, Manufacturing/Processing and Tourism.  OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE Under the guidance of the Mayor and West Memphis Utility Commission, the General Manager is responsible for directing the complete operations of WMU, which includes water, wastewater, electrical, and soon to be fiber services.  This position is responsible for the budgeting process while meeting safety and environmental objectives. Additionally, the General Manager will work in conjunction with consultants, engineers, and environmental protection agencies to ensure the successful operation of WMU.      KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The WMU General Manager will be charged with ensuring safety, maintaining reliability, improving efficiencies, and managing costs, all with an eye toward meeting the growth needs of the community. He/she will: Establish current strategic and operational objectives and long-range goals, plans policies, through consultation with managers, outside consultants and garner the approval of the WMU Commission Oversee power supply, generation, transmission, distribution and risk management, water supply, treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment and fiber service offerings Represent WMU in dealing with elected officials Ensure WMU complies with all government regulatory requirements Ensure adequate staffing, review compensation and benefits, ensure statutory compliance, and administer policies Carry out negotiations with other companies, review and execute contracts/agreements on behalf of the organization and as authorized by the WMU Commission Direct efforts for infrastructure improvements Communicate and present operational reports and policy recommendations to the WMU Commission Ensure internal controls, financial policies, rates margins and financial ratios are adequate to maintain a solid financial position and to provide timely and accurate reporting to the WMU Commission Continue professional development by participation in conferences, training seminars and courses; stay current on industry developments Participate in industry associations including Arkansas Municipal Power Association and the American Public Power Association Perform additional duties, as assigned   CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS The new General Manager will be a talented leader who is technically adept, maintains a strong safety culture, and has the desire and capability to lead a high-performing, customer-focused work environment.   He/she will have a focus of continuing to ensure that WMU is a leader in the provisioning of high quality, low-cost electric and water utility service and building a values-based culture focused on service, collaboration, and accountability. Ideally, this individual will possess the following experience and qualifications: At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the electric and/or, water utility sector Five (5) years of management experience Exceptional business and financial acumen with a solid understanding of the electric utility ecosystem, including renewables and clean energy technology Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams Ability to work collaboratively, influence decisions and outcomes, and facilitate consensus Exceptional service orientation Excellent written and oral communication skills Strong negotiating skills Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills   The finalist must possess the ability to: Analyze complex issues and develop recommendations and solutions based on sound business judgement Understand, interpret, explain, and apply local, state, and federal policy, law, regulation, and court decisions as they relate to WMU system operations Lead, facilitate and/or participate in the strategic planning, organization design, implementation, and monitoring of comprehensive programs Evaluate departmental practices and make sound recommendations for improvements; develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of WMU employees, commissioners, elected officials, business and community leaders, media representatives and the public Communicate and respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from employees, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community Interact effectively through public speaking and presentations on complex topics to internal staff, the West Memphis Utility Commission, public groups and forums, and/or elected officials Become actively involved in the community and help represent the city in advancing economic development, and promote the utility’s image with West Memphis residents Explain and strongly support the benefits of a municipal utility   EDUCATION A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, public administration, or equivalent experience is generally required.   SUCCESS FACTORS The next GM of WMU will possess a strong professional will and personal humility.  The successful candidate will need to be a leader who is approachable and visible, brings a high level of energy and passion for the business, works effectively with the utility’s many stakeholders, and is able to drive WMU efforts to be a safe, reliable, and low-cost utility.  In addition, the successful candidate will need to possess the following critical qualities and capabilities: Collaborative Leadership Style – The new WMU General Manager will lead a team of 85 FTEs and interact with employees, community officials and customers at many levels. The successful candidate will have outstanding people skills, being able to inspire and motivate people across all levels of the organization. He/she must be skilled in developing strategies and programs that advance the goals of the utility, but confident, emotionally mature, and resilient enough to accept (and seek) input from others and adapt strategies/plans accordingly.  He/she must also understand and appreciate that within a small utility, the GM needs to wear many hats and at times pitch in wherever help is needed.   Power Market Knowledge – Since the utility is going to lose a portion of its power supply due to the retirement of two jointly-owned coal facilities, the new GM will need to source new supplies for WMU. As such, a working knowledge of the power/RTO markets is essential, and an understanding of the MISO market would be ideal.   Communication Skills – The selected candidate will be an extremely effective communicator. The new leader should be an individual who is approachable and ensures that critical information flows throughout the organization and that people feel like they are being heard.  He/she will have experience developing and enhancing stakeholder relationships and be passionate about promoting WMU within the community, and the regional economic development efforts.  This person must embrace being the “public face” of WMU.   Honesty and Integrity – The successful candidate must demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and honesty and demand the same from anyone associated with the utility. These qualities will be essential for building and maintaining exceptional working relationships with the Commission, City, workforce, and the community.    Involvement Outside the Utility – The successful candidate must have a willingness and desire to be actively involved in the community, participating and supporting organizations such as the local Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, etc.  

Muncie, Indiana, Info Systems & Operations Management Assistant or Associate Professor of ISOM Ball State University The Department of Information Systems and Operations Management at Ball State University has an Assistant or Associate Professor with tenure position starting January 8, 2024 or August 16, 2024. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State University’s ambitious goals for our second century: We pledge to provide a premier educational experience for every student. We pledge to partner with the community to improve the lives of our neighbors. We are dedicated to having a lifelong presence in the lives of our alumni. And when we complement these promises with our commitment to our enduring values, we define that which makes our University and its culture distinctive. Our faculty are collegial, collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and adaptive, both within and beyond one’s home unit. These attributes include commitments to collaborative discourse, interdisciplinary inquiry, and enterprising learning practices. Our faculty are expected to be innovative, adaptive, engaging teachers across modalities; producers of impactful creative and/or scholarly work; leaders in meaningful service activities to multiple communities. We seek faculty members who are strategic thinkers, engaging our dynamic communities. We are committed to student and faculty success, impact, and access, within an environment that prioritizes inclusive excellence. We inspire each other to be critical thinkers and responsible citizens, so that we can pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. Ball State University lives the values of Beneficence. We invite you to be part of our community. At Ball State University, inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts. Position Function:   Primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses the ISOM department offered, conducting research, and providing service at the department, college, and university levels. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrable leadership skills in guiding the growth and development of Business Information Systems program and curricula. Teaching 9 credit hours each fall and spring semester in the following subjects: business analytics, business information systems, or logistics and supply chain management undergraduate and graduate courses which may be delivered on campus or online, synchronously and asynchronously. The candidate is expected to pursue scholarly research leading to publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and serve on department, college, and university-level committees. Minimum Qualifications :  Earned a doctorate degree in information systems, operations management, supply chain management, business analytics, operations research, or other closely related areas from an accredited institution by the date of appointment. Minimum of five years of tenure-line faculty service or an earned tenure from an AACSB accredited school of business by date of appointment is required for being considered for Associate Professor position. Employer will consider sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications :  Demonstrable leadership skills in guiding the growth and development of Business Information Systems program and curricula. Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/37288 .  In the Required Applicant Documents section, please provide an inclusive excellence statement describing how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at Ball State University through your teaching, research, and/or service. Please include examples of your contributions when possible. Word limit 500. Include the following required documents with your application:  •    Cover Letter •    Curriculum Vitae •    Inclusive Excellence Statement Optional documents for application process: •    Transcripts •    Teaching Statements/Portfolio •    Research Statement/Papers •    Teaching Evaluations •    Teaching Philosophy Statement •    2 Letters of Recommendation The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earned is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.  Review of applications will begin immediately and to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 28, 2023 .  Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. Ball State aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders – committed to improving the quality of life for all. The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same. The university offers an excellent wellness program and extensive benefits offerings to include a generous paid time off package and paid parental leave.  For further information regarding benefits please visit: https://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/HumanResources/Jobs/Benefits-and-Community/Faculty     Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Syracuse, New York, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm of more than 2,000 professionals that provides a full range of multi-disciplined engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #59 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms. Position summary:  JMT is seeking a Traffic Project Engineer to join the Syracuse, New York office. The Project Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting transportation design and analysis projects Responsible for engineering design, traffic operations and analysis using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate assignments with limited supervision. Acts as a technical advisor to less experienced engineers. Essential functions and responsibilities Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope Perform traffic engineering design including signing and pavement marking, signals, lighting, maintenance of traffic, detours and traffic control and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Work with Project Manager to prepare and compile contract plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools Perform traffic safety and traffic analysis studies based on the Highway Capacity Manual and software tools (Synchro, HCS, and/or VISSIM). Perform alternative studies, multimodal studies including pedestrian and bicycles. Coordinate with internal team members to ensure project completion by the defined deadline and established quality Writing technical reports Assist with field work as needed, including data collection and review of traffic operations Assist with preparing proposals as required Required Skills Proficiency using a PC Office Suite (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Outlook) Knowledge of design and drafting procedures Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and estimates Strong analytical, writing, and public speaking skills Required Experience Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an ABET accredited engineering program 5-10 years’ experience Active motor vehicle driver’s license Experience working with CADD software (Bentley preferred) Traffic engineering modeling software (Synchro, HCS, Vissim, Visual, AGI32) Preferred Experience Registration as a Professional Engineer in New York State or demonstrate the ability to obtain such registration within one year of employment. Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Experience working with local clients at the city, county and state level Working Conditions Work is performed within a general office environment 95% of the time. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment. Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed. Job Competencies Adaptability Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving Client Focus Coaching Delegation Job Proficiency Familiarity with New York State Department of Transportation project development & deliverables Familiarity with New York State Department of Transportation CADD Software & Standards JMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity, and we are proud to be building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Albany, New York, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm of more than 2,000 professionals that provides a full range of multi-disciplined engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #60 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms. Position summary:  JMT is seeking a Traffic Project Engineer to join the Syracuse, New York office. The Project Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting transportation design and analysis projects Responsible for engineering design, traffic operations and analysis using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate assignments with limited supervision. Acts as a technical advisor to less experienced engineers. Essential functions and responsibilities Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope Perform traffic engineering design including signing and pavement marking, signals, lighting, maintenance of traffic, detours and traffic control and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Work with Project Manager to prepare and compile contract plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools Perform traffic safety and traffic analysis studies based on the Highway Capacity Manual and software tools (Synchro, HCS, and/or VISSIM). Perform alternative studies, multimodal studies including pedestrian and bicycles. Coordinate with internal team members to ensure project completion by the defined deadline and established quality Writing technical reports Assist with field work as needed, including data collection and review of traffic operations Assist with preparing proposals as required Required Skills Proficiency using a PC Office Suite (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Outlook) Knowledge of design and drafting procedures Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and estimates Strong analytical, writing, and public speaking skills Required Experience Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an ABET accredited engineering program 5-10 years’ experience Active motor vehicle driver’s license Experience working with CADD software (Bentley preferred) Traffic engineering modeling software (Synchro, HCS, Vissim, Visual, AGI32) Preferred Experience Registration as a Professional Engineer in New York State or demonstrate the ability to obtain such registration within one year of employment. Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Experience working with local clients at the city, county and state level Working Conditions Work is performed within a general office environment 95% of the time. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment. Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed. Job Competencies Adaptability Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving Client Focus Coaching Delegation Job Proficiency Familiarity with New York State Department of Transportation project development & deliverables Familiarity with New York State Department of Transportation CADD Software & Standards JMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity, and we are proud to be building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Chicago, Illinois, Senior Manager, Operations Consulting (Multiple Positions), PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC, Chicago, IL. Provide expertise in operations strategy, product innovation and development, supply and demand planning, supply chain management, procurement and sourcing, service operations, manufacturing, and logistics. Translate business strategy into effective operations to drive both growth and profitability. Perform reliability-centered maintenance, integration of operations with supply chains, corporate performance management, time and motion studies, and benchmarking/best-in-class practices and performances. Use systems applications that support operations-related processes. Lead project workstreams, including project staffing, budgeting, planning, and status updating. Manage engagement teams and provide coaching and feedback in a timely manner. Maintain client relationships. Analyzing clients’ operations-related processes to propose enhancements to category management, strategic sourcing, procurement transformation enabled by technology, and procurement on demand managed services to drive innovation, cost reduction, and supply resiliency. Consulting with clients on solutions to drive growth and profitability through product innovation and development, procurement, sourcing, as well as optimizing manufacturing operations. Advise clients on how to optimize all elements of their procurement processes, including establishing source-to-contracting processes, as a source or value and competitive advantage. Applying customer insights and market analytics to help clients make smarter decisions, integrate products and services, and optimize their customer operations to enable sustainable growth. Manage resource requirements, project workflow, budgets, and status updates for engagements supporting ERP and business automation of procurement operations aimed at reducing program costs for clients in the manufacturing, technology, and healthcare industries.   40 hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :   Must have a Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Accounting, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, plus 6 years of related work experience, of which at least 5 years must be post-bachelor's, progressive related work experience.   In the alternative, the employer will accept a Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Accounting, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, plus 4 years of related work experience.   Must have at least one year of experience with each of the following:   Identifying gaps, developing the business and/or technical requirements to build leading practice designs for clients; Communicating firm understanding of both Strategic and Operational Procurement practices, helping to guide client leadership and staff in support of a leading practice system; and Understanding of system architecture and benefits of different ERP systems and their connectivity with Coupa.   80% telecommuting permitted. Must be able to commute to the designated local office.   Travel up to 80% is required.   Please apply by email at US_PwC_Career_Recruitment@pwc.com, referencing Job Code IL3729.

Transportation Science, Ahead of Print.

Transportation Science, Ahead of Print.

Transportation Science, Ahead of Print.

Transportation Science, Ahead of Print.

Transportation Science, Ahead of Print.