This is an outstanding opportunity to become Chief Engineer/Chief Operating Officer of a progressive and highly successful organization. BTES is a municipal utility serving over 33,000 electric customers, and over 11,000 telephone, Internet and cable TV customers with high quality services in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee.

The successful candidate for the Chief Engineer/Chief Operating Officer of BTES should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, 10 years of progressive experience in the supervision, operation and maintenance of an electric distribution system including distribution-related substation facilities and supervisory/management capacity. Experience is desirable in Internet, Cable TV and Telephone services delivered over a fiber optic system. Registered and eligible to practice engineering in the State of Tennessee is preferred.

The Chief Engineer/Chief Operating Officer (CE/COO) of BTES is appointed by and reports to the CEO. There will also be the opportunity for substantial interaction with the Board, customers, suppliers, contractors and all BTES employees.

Responsibilities of this position include management of engineering, operations, maintenance, construction, metering and the fiber optic system. The Electric System includes two 161 kV substations and seventeen 69/13.2 kV distribution substations. Power is purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The fiber optic system is a fiber-to-the-home network that has over 11,000 Internet, telephone and cable customers. The facilities include an Internet service provider system, competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) certificate and cable head end. 

It is required that the CE/COO reside within the  BTES service area within a reasonable time following appointment.

Bristol, Tennessee, with a current population of around 24,000, is located in the northeastern portion of the state. It is one of three cities in Sullivan County, with the other two being Kingsport and Bluff City.  The population of Sullivan County is around 154,000 and its economic base is primarily manufacturing, followed by the service sector and agriculture. Tennessee also does not have a state income tax.

On June 30, 1945, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the properties of the East Tennessee Light and Power Company. Bristol Tennessee Electric System, now called Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES), was started on July 1, 1945, as a result of a referendum in which the citizens of Bristol, Tennessee, voted to purchase from TVA a portion of those properties. In addition to electric service, in October, 2004, BTES received approval to offer cable television and Internet service.

BTES operates as an enterprise fund of the City and funds its expenditures through its rates and charges and receives no income from City taxes.

The starting salary for the new Chief Engineer/Chief Operating Officer of BTES will be market competitive depending upon the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. In addition, a competitive benefits package will be provided to the successful candidate.  Reasonable relocation expenses will be paid by BTES for the successful candidate.

For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., at 505-466-9500 and/or mercer@mindspring.com.

Confidential resumes should be sent immediately to James L. Mercer, President/CEO; The Mercer Group, Inc.; 551 W. Cordova Road, #726; Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274.