System Operations & Maintenance Specialist

Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.

Join the System Operations team as a Switching and Equipment Coordinator. This role creates switching directions, updates equipment identification databases, and coordinates preventative maintenance activities.

The Switching and Equipment Coordinator position collaborates with line crews, design, and other operations staff to provide safe and reliable electrical service to our members.

The selected candidate must be able to apply their strong critical thinking skills, prioritization, and attention to detail to be successful in this role.

Based in Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 145,000+ residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities.

We offer a collaborative work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable and innovative industry.

We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development.

Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability.

Fast Company named Connexus to its prestigious list of 2024’s Most Innovative Companies.

Key Responsibilities & Results :

• Create and coordinate switching instructions, clearance tags, and procedures for planned and emergency situations.
• Create and maintain distribution apparatus and equipment records.
• Work closely with Distribution Design and Geographic Information System (GIS) departments to maintain the GIS database.
• Coordinate periodic preventative maintenance activities to assure that critical equipment is maintained and in service when needed.
• This role requires a high level of attention to detail.

Required Education and Expertise :

• Basic knowledge of electricity. (Ohm’s Law, power flow, etc.)
• Training and experience in electrical distribution systems and equipment including knowledge of system design principles, construction standards, electrical connectivity, and equipment characteristics.
• Experience with utility distribution system switching, including knowledge of load transfers, single- and three-phase switching, capacitor switching, grounding, and tagging.
• Advanced computer skills and working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to learn and operate enterprise-wide computer applications, such as Geographical Information System, Outage Management, Work Management System, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Proficient in map reading and electrical print reading.
• Ability to understand complex work orders, switching / clearance orders, and other engineering documents.
• Knowledge of utility construction methods.
• Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Electrical, and Utility Safety Standards.

Preferred Education and Expertise :

• Associates degree in electrical, electronics, and / or construction technology or equivalent.
• Five years progressive experience in utility engineering, design, staking, operations, or equivalent.

Pre-Employment Requirement : Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Compensation : Connexus Energy offers employees a competitive base wage, an annual incentive, and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, life, company provided disability insurance, generous company contribution and match to 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer : Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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