Under general direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the CAO is responsible for directing, controlling and organizing personnel involved in administering all purchasing related operations of the organization. This position also responsible for managing personnel involved in maintaining the company's security and property protection programs; and for maintaining and promoting a safe, accident free and healthy work environment; Facilities, property, & office management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs high level administrative, technical and professional work in directing the day-to-day operation of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division (Purchasing Department, Office & Facilities Management Department; and the Security and Safety departments).
• Determines specific needs of programs and provides for plans and statements of policy for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division.
• Directs all purchasing activities to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations and purchase of the best available services, supplies and equipment.
• Monitors and assesses all office and facilities management activities to ensure that the workplace meets the needs of the employees and complies with all OSHA rules and regulations pertaining to office spaces.
• Reviews and approves all policies and procedures governing security and safety activities and changes in operating security and safety practices.
• Evaluates overall production of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division and revises procedures or devises new procedures to improve efficiency of the division.
• Review and analyzes reports, legislation, court cases and related matters and directs or personally conducts studies, research and investigation on a wide variety of administrative and technical areas.
• Prepares and recommends long-range plans for the division and develops specific proposals for action on current and future division needs.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and directs implementation of changes in the operation of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division and revises procedures or devises new procedures to improve efficiency of the division.
• Secures and administers the Authority’s liability insurance policy and its insurance covering all the Authority’s equipment and property.
• Compiles statistical data to be used in preparation of the budget and in making estimates; compares budget allocation with budget requests; records actual expenses and prepares status of budgetary accounts.
• Manages the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities, appropriate service and staffing levels and allocates resources accordingly.
• Develops and manages the annual budget for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division by compiling statistical data and comparing budget allocation with budget requests and ensures efficiency of operations of all departments.
• Manages the development and administration of the annual budget for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; revenue and expenditure forecasts of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; directs and approves expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Establishes plans and procedures to promote an orderly flow of work between the various departments to maintain efficiency of operations and ensures that an effective and inclusive system for internal communication exists between the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division and other divisions and departments of the Authority.
• Stays current with developments in the public administration and organizational fields and cooperates with stakeholders and other governmental units on matters of mutual interest.
• Reviews the work performance of the managers and other personnel of the various activities assigned to the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer division.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of business management
• Good knowledge of planning and zoning administration, building codes and inspections, and infrastructure repair and replacement
• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
• Ability to interpret and explain complex rules, regulations and other data
• Proficient computer skills such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Effective oral and written communicator, including public presentations
• Strong financial acumen
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to teamwork

About Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) is an autonomous agency of the Virgin Islands Government which uniquely provides reliable, affordable, and diversified utility services through knowledgeable and committed personnel and environmentally friendly technologies. WAPA was created by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1964 through Act No. 1248. The enabling legislation has been amended to add the responsibility of installing and maintaining street lights to the utility’s mission. In later years, the responsibility for the production and distribution of drinking water was also added. Today, WAPA produces electrical power at plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix and distributes electrical service through smart grids to customers on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Hassel Island, and Water Island.

Connections working at Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority