Supervisor - Distribution Operations

Rhode Island Energy is looking for a Supervisor – Distribution Operations to join its team. This person will work on a team to oversee highly skilled distribution work on electrical facilities in a safe, productive manner with attention to quality by supervising line crews assigned to work on all overhead and underground distribution line facilities, supervise a diverse union workforce, and collaborate with external and internal stakeholders, especially customers.   Provides timely, cost effective and reliable service to customers.

• Responsible for the completion of capital and O&M work in the area
• Responsible for timely response to storm restoration efforts in the region, including round-the-clock responsibility as a Field Supervisor and/or Restoration Crew Supervisor to respond and lead crew efforts in restoring power or responding to other issues affecting customer service.  This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• Work directly with engineers and designers in developing a mutually agreeable design that can be built within the approved hours
• Responsible for the application of safe working practices on the job in compliance with the Company’s safety rules and in training/developing safety awareness on the part of the workers.
• Supervise, prioritize, adapt, adjust, and schedule resources to effectively utilize and to meet customer/client requirements and budget considerations during normal operations and storm emergencies.
• Conduct daily tailboards to communicate safe work plans, company policies and expectations.
•  Lead, train, motivate, coach and counsel employees to meet the expectations of their positions.
• Communicate/coordinate work schedules with internal and external customers, foreign utilities and contractors.
• Assure the timely completion of all administrative processes, such as mandated annual reviews, Labor Agreement, crew audits, Time & Labor, etc.
• Supervise and provide coaching to Field Workers represented by a collective bargaining agreement on daily basis.
• Analyze and evaluate reports to recommend and implement improvements, i.e., budgets, rerouting, vehicles, and inventory control.
• Plan, organize and conduct safety training, tailboards, and meetings, contributing to the corporate safety goals. Investigate accidents and complete all reports for accidents and incidents. Develop positive safety attitude in work group.
• Effectively and courteously interact with internal and external customers to coordinate work, solve problems, and handle inquiries and complaints.
• Ensure that employees are properly equipped with well-maintained tools and equipment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies.
• Provide training and demonstrations to both internal and external organizations to promote understanding, safety, and protection of our electrical grid and equipment.
• Balance the interests of the customer and RIE. by: Negotiating Settlements, Pursuing Civil Actions, Pursuing Criminal Actions, Maintaining Fair Credit Standards.
• Participate in an on-call rotation, where off-hours work may be required to provide field guidance and/or respond to emergencies.
• The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR minimum three years of utility field experience in electric operations, distribution engineering, and/or distribution construction and maintenance.
• Demonstrated expertise/knowledge of energized and deenergized facilities; switching and tagging procedures; knowledge of training, clearances and working space requirements.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues with multiple internal groups and vendors and effectively communicate resolution with key stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret information and analyze relationships and dependencies among multiple parts of a problem or situation to clearly articulate findings that lead to resolution.
• Ability to recommend appropriate changes, communications and training actions and provide broad support for a large, complex project.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a collaborative environment which includes internal and external customers and utility contractors.
• Ability to communicate complex information in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
• Ability to produce quality deliverables and meet deadlines.
• Promotes respect and can work effectively with diverse groups and environments.

Licensure / other qualifications

Possession of a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record is required to perform the job.

Preferred qualifications & experience

• 4 year or higher Technical Degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology)
• 5 years’ experience in electrical or mechanical operations and maintenance.
• 3-5 years’ experience as a journeyman in the linesman trade or 10 years’ experience in the transmission and/or distribution line facilities.
• Supervisory/leadership experience.
• Through knowledge of safety rules/regulations, energy control process, company policies, work practices, and the labor agreement.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional resources and diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Highly self-motivated and directed with attention to detail.
• Presents creative approaches to problems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence strategic decision makers.
• Ability to anticipate obstacles and issues, and proactively seek resolution and mitigation, demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness beyond routine questioning.
• Possess a valid commercial driver’s license.