Asset Management Specialist

Flathead Electric Cooperative • Kalispell, MT

5d • $81,348 - $100,172 • Onsite

About The Position

The role is responsible for managing, implementing, and continuously improving FEC’s asset inspection and maintenance programs to reduce system risk and increase reliability. This includes managing inspection cycles for overhead and underground facilities, overseeing contractor and internal inspection activities, and using inspection data to prioritize maintenance and corrective actions. The role ensures asset management practices are consistently executed by directing corrective work, confirming completion, and closing identified risks in coordination with field operations. The role is responsible for managing, implementing, and continuously improving FEC’s wildfire mitigation program to reduce ignition risk and protect public safety. This includes managing the Wildfire Mitigation Plan, conducting wildfire risk assessments and implementing operational mitigation measures during elevated fire conditions. The role ensures wildfire mitigation practices are consistently executed, aligned with operational priorities, and compliant with regulatory and board approved requirements.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in relevant technical field from an accredited university; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 5 to10 years of experience managing utility asset and/or wildfire mitigation programs, engineering, utility operations, or vegetation management required.
• Must have demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with strong knowledge of electric utility systems, field operations, and maintenance practices.
• Proficient on computer, including Microsoft Office 365 and operating systems relating to the utility industry including ArcGIS software and App suites, and CIS Systems.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification required. May be obtained within 18 months of starting the position.
• Valid Montana Driver’s License and be insurable.
• Able to work 40 hours per week with additional time as needed.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Consistently meet deadlines, budgets and work on projects simultaneously.
• Be organized, accurate and exercise strong attention to detail.
• Legible handwriting.
• Must have critical thinking skills; be autonomous and self-driven; be able to work well independently and with others; and must exercise good judgment.
• Must have excellent reasoning and deductive skills; be process oriented, focused on standardization, streamlining and implementation of best practices.
• Read and understand technical information and communicate that information to coworkers to ensure comprehension.
• Ability to provide well written technical procedures, user guides and internal communications.
• Must have a strong commitment to the cooperative principles.
• Possess proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Exhibit excellent member relations and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations.
• Ability to absorb and apply constructive criticism from team members and peers.
• Able to establish and maintain working relationships with a variety of individuals, some of whom have opposing points of view.
• CPR certified (or able to obtain certification through training provided by FEC).
• First Aid certified (or able to obtain certification through training provided by FEC).
• Able to travel occasionally out-of-area and/or overnight.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience in GIS programs including data visualization, and experience in risk modeling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Overhead Line and Facilities Inspection Program Develop and manage a scheduled inspection program for overhead assets, including poles, conductors, and attachments. Ensure inspections are completed on defined cycles, documented accurately, and used to identify trends.
• Underground Facilities Inspection Program Develop and manage a scheduled inspection program for underground electrical facilities. Ensure inspections are completed for safety and performance issues such as corrosion, equipment damage, grounding deficiencies, and labeling non-compliance.
• System Survey (Service Location Inspection) Program Manage the System Survey Program, which ensures regular inspections of service locations and related equipment. Identify and document issues such as tampering, access restrictions, or safety hazards. Maintain accurate records and coordinate corrective actions
• Asset Documentation and Records Management Support the maintenance of inspection and maintenance records to ensure accuracy and completeness for insurance, audit, and compliance purposes. This includes documentation related to: Intrusive pole inspections and treatments Vegetation management inspections and maintenance Substation inspections and maintenance activities
• Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) Management Manage the Cooperative’s WMP. Ensure the plan remains current through annual updates, reflects changing wildfire risk conditions, and aligns with regulatory requirements, and operational practices.
• Risk Assessment Management Manage wildfire risk analysis efforts, including identification of high and very high risk areas using wildfire hazard potential data, system risk drivers, and inspection results. Use risk data to prioritize WMP mitigation strategies, guide operational decisions, and inform capital and maintenance planning.
• Operational Practices and Fire Restrictions Lead implementation of wildfire related operational practices, including fire precautionary periods, fire restrictions, and escalation actions. Exercise independent judgment to adjust operational posture based on weather, fire activity, and system conditions, and coordinate implementation with Operations, Engineering, Integrated Services and contract crews.
• Situational Awareness Manage daily and seasonal wildfire situational awareness monitoring using internal dashboards, weather forecasts, fire intelligence tools, and agency coordination. Provide timely briefings and recommendations to leadership and escalate high risk or high impact conditions to the Safety Coordinator, Integrated Services Manager and COO as appropriate.
• External Coordination Serve as the primary point of coordination for wildfire preparedness activities, including engagement with emergency management agencies, fire districts, land management agencies, and other utilities. Support emergency response planning, restoration coordination, and post incident review related to wildfire events.
• Documentation Manage wildfire mitigation performance metrics, documentation, and recordkeeping to support audits, insurance requirements, regulatory reporting, and board level review. Track effectiveness of mitigation strategies and incorporate lessons learned into continuous improvement of the wildfire mitigation program.
• Handle assignments and always be professional and courteous with members, landowners, contractors, employees, and the public working to ensure harmonious relations and the continued good reputation of the organization.
• When traveling throughout FEC territory, be aware of the condition of the electric system. When a problem or hazard is identified, accurately complete a service order and/or communicate with the appropriate FEC department.
• Always assist members/vendors/employees and the public in a courteous and professional manner ensuring their continued satisfaction with FEC.
• Work in harmony and show respect to all fellow employees to promote an effective and pleasant working environment.
• Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor regarding situations requiring immediate attention, problems/concerns, questions, etc.
• In pursuit of zero workplace incidents, promote and maintain a positive safety culture while adhering to all applicable policies outlined in the Safety Handbook. Report all incidents and potential safety hazards in a timely manner to supervisor or Safety Coordinator.
• Become familiar with and keep current with FEC objectives and applicable policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities.

Benefits

• Flathead Electric provides competitive pay, exceptional benefits including a retirement plan, a matching 401K, and generous health/dental/vision/disability insurance.
• Flathead Electric provides on the job training and offers an education reimbursement program for those employees wishing to better their education to pursue opportunities at our Co-op.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree