Field Operations Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Field Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing substation technicians, right of way, and transmission line field employees and contractors working on WETT’s system in Big Spring, TX and surrounding areas. In this role, the Field Operations Supervisor will be responsible for multiple work disciplines including substation maintenance and inspections, right of way and transmission line maintenance and contractor oversight, switching coordination, and responding to technical field issues. The Field Operations Supervisor will also be responsible for planning and scheduling all annual work activities, associated outages, and maintaining NERC compliance requirements.

This position will be located in Big Spring, TX, and will report to the Field Operations Manager.

DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and promote WETT’s operations safety program with field personnel and contractors
• Oversee substation and transmission line staff reporting out of the Big Spring, TX office
• Conduct weekly meetings and provide weekly work reports for assignments
• Schedule and complete all annual substation equipment maintenance and inspections
• Schedule, oversee, and review all annual transmission line and right of way inspections
• Schedule and oversee all transmission line maintenance activities
• Oversee and coordinate resources for all system switching operations
• Manage and assign resources to all new capital projects for operations walkdowns, commissioning support, and any other turnover activities
• Review and provide guidance on crew tailboards, risk assessments, safety observations, and other safety documents as applicable
• Conduct and organize monthly and quarterly safety meetings in Big Spring, TX
• Review and approve electrical isolation and safety plans for medium-high risk maintenance activities
• Manage all related NERC compliance requirements (i.e. FAC-003-5)
• Manage preventive and corrective work orders ensuring they are scheduled and completed in a timely manner
• Support implementation and management of WETT’s asset management database
• Support and manage updates to WETT’s safety program and standard operating procedures such as; updated safety criteria, outage request criteria, field event reporting requirements; equipment operation protocols, clearance acceptance and release, and any documentation requirements
• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance safety, system reliability and departmental efficiencies
• Participation and management of on call field schedule and overtime requirements for hourly staff
• Develop training and progress requirements for field operations staff
• Support management of WETT’s revenue meter certification and maintenance
• Support and manage WETT’s apprenticeship program by providing training, oversight of classroom learning, and tracking progress of enrolled staff
• Cross-coordination with multiple internal departments such as accounting, IT, planning, engineering, construction, regulatory, and compliance

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education:     
  • High School Diploma required. Associate or Bachelor degree in engineering or engineering technology is preferred but not required.
• Skills and Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years work experience in transmission maintenance or construction required
  • Minimum 5 years of prior supervisory experience is preferred
  • Candidate must be familiar with ERCOT nodal protocols and operating guides
  • Experience with NERC compliance reporting and documentation requirements
  • Experience with substation equipment (i.e breakers, transformers, switches)
  • Experience with protection and control equipment (i.e. SEL/GE relays, RTUs)
• Certificates & Licenses:
  • Coursework or relevant training is preferred (examples include: OSHA 30, NESC, NETA, SEL University, CUSP, etc.)
• Computer Skills:
  • Ability to use and quickly comprehend computer based systems and databases utilized for content management, data entry, data tracking, and work processes
  • Ability to create presentations, charts, tables, and graphs
  • Microsoft Office (MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook)
• Competencies:
  • Good communication skills using email, presentation, and verbal methods
  • Organization of information, tasks, communications, and data
  • Documentation and tracking of critical information
  • Work and resource planning / scheduling
  • Electrical schematic and control/protection circuit interpretation
  • Thorough understanding of electrical one lines and equipment isolation requirements
  • Thorough understanding of transmission line drawings such as plan and profile and framing drawings
  • Understanding of GE and SEL relay logic / functionality
  • Understanding of RTU and SCADA systems
  • Ability to understand basics of a Potential Transformer (PT), Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformer (CCVT), and a Current Transformer (CT)
  • Must demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of various test or inspection results and be able to determine appropriate corrective actions
  • Understanding and knowledge of transmission line construction and maintenance
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, ICEA, NESC, and NETA standards

JOB PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Job progression opportunities include expanding the field operations team by hiring and overseeing future staff, overseeing augmented staff, bolstering external and internal stakeholder coordination efforts (i.e. key vendors, internal staff) and enhancing WETT’s safety and maintenance programs. Additionally, this position will be tasked with assisting to establish WETT’s synchronous condenser operations and maintenance program. Progression will be reviewed with manager based on department needs, growth, and the individual’s performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces. Capable of lifting and moving heavy objects up to 50 pounds.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Exposure to various weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in harsh weather environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to loud noise levels, vibrations, and potentially hazardous materials. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in harsh weather environments.