Substation Operations Manager - Denton

Position Summary · The Substation Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and long-term planning of CoServ's substation infrastructure to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electric service. · This role provides leader ...

Job description

Position Summary

The Substation Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and long-term planning of CoServ's substation infrastructure to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electric service.

This role provides leadership and strategic direction in managing substation operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing asset performance.

The Substation Operations Manager collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders to support CoServ's transition to owning and operating substations in compliance with regulations set forth by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).

Primary Position Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

Lead the substation operations team, including electricians, technicians, and supervisors, to ensure efficient and effective execution of maintenance and operational activities.

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of CoServ's substations.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align substation operations with CoServ's long-term growth plans and regulatory requirements.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence within the substation operations team.
Operational Management
Oversee the maintenance and operation of substation equipment, including transformers, breakers, relays, switchgear, and control systems.
Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs to optimize asset performance and extend equipment life cycles.
Ensure effective coordination of system outages and maintenance schedules to minimize disruptions to service.
Manage emergency response efforts, coordinating with field crews and dispatch to restore service promptly and safely.
Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve complex operational issues and improve system resilience.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensure compliance with NERC, ERCOT, and PUCT regulatory requirements related to substation operations and maintenance.
Maintain up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities, compliance records, and operational procedures to support regulatory audits and inspections.
Implement and enforce safety policies and procedures to mitigate risks associated with high-voltage environments.
Stay informed of changes in regulatory requirements and industry best practices to maintain compliance and operational excellence.
Financial and Resource Management
Develop and manage the substation operations budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and expenditures.
Monitor financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Collaborate with procurement teams to source equipment, materials, and services in alignment with operational needs and budget constraints.
Oversee staffing levels and workforce planning to ensure adequate coverage for substation operations and maintenance activities.
Project Management and Coordination
Work closely with engineering, construction, and project management teams to support capital improvement projects and system upgrades.
Provide technical input and operational insights during the planning and design of new substations and infrastructure expansions.
Ensure successful commissioning of new substations, verifying compliance with design specifications and operational readiness.
Manage contractor relationships, ensuring third-party work aligns with CoServ's standards and expectations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding substation operations and performance.
Communicate regularly with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and community partners to provide updates on substation activities and initiatives.
Represent CoServ in industry forums, working groups, and conferences to stay informed of emerging trends and technologies
Secondary Position Responsibilities

Attends CoServ University training as required.
Performs other duties and activities as directed

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises the Manager of Substations and the Manager of Protection and Controls, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.

Oversees all substation and protection/control personnel through these managers, ensuring alignment with CoServ goals and compliance standards.

Position Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certifications Required

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, business administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in substation operations, maintenance, or electrical utility management.
Strong knowledge of substation systems, including protection and control equipment, SCADA systems, and high-voltage operations.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements from NERC, ERCOT, and PUCT.
Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop technical teams.
Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in asset management software and maintenance tracking systems.
Valid Texas driver's license with the ability to travel to substation sites within CoServ's service territory.

Education, Experience, And Certifications Preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent industry certifications (e.g., NETA, NICET).
Experience in an electric cooperative or public utility environment.
Knowledge of project management principles and budgeting processes related to substation operations.
Familiarity with predictive maintenance techniques, including condition-based monitoring and analytics

Physical Requirements

Office and field-based role requiring travel to substation sites and occasional extended work hours during system outages or emergencies.
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and high-voltage environments, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and operational demands.
Works both in the office and outdoors.
Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
Drives company vehicle as needed.
Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.
Ability to sit for long periods of time.
Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife in or near the work site.
Works in areas with possible exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and insect stings.

Other Requirements

Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.

Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.

Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license