Substation Planner

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an open position with Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, OH. Summary The Substation Planner is responsible for providing planning, scheduling, technical support, and non-engineering services for Substation Operations and Construction. This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and construction of electrical substations by coordinating resources, preparing work packages, managing work schedules, maintaining records, and supporting crews, contractors, and management. The successful candidate will work closely with supervision, engineers, operations personnel, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure work is planned and executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to build a career in utility operations, substation planning, and project coordination while contributing to the safe and reliable delivery of electric service.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, Construction Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of three (3) years of relevant utility, substation, electrical construction, maintenance, planning, scheduling, or technical field experience is required.
• Working knowledge of electrical substations, transmission/distribution systems, and related equipment.
• Basic understanding of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and applicable utility standards.
• Knowledge of substation construction methods, maintenance practices, and work planning processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, one-line diagrams, schematics, construction prints, equipment manuals, and technical specifications.
• Understanding of safe work practices and company operating procedures.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and maintain technical and operational data.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must possess the ability to travel to company facilities and substation locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SAP, GIS, CAD, work management systems, outage management systems, or similar utility applications preferred.
• Experience in Substation Operations, Construction, Maintenance, System Planning, or Electric Distribution.
• Knowledge of FERC, NERC, OSHA, and utility regulatory requirements.
• Experience with CASCADE, SAP, GIS, FEWS, EMS, CREWS, or equivalent utility software platforms.
• Project coordination or project management experience.
• Familiarity with electrical protection and control systems, transformers, breakers, switches, and substation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and promote a strong commitment to all aspects of safety.
• Plan and schedule substation maintenance, construction, and capital projects to support system reliability and operational goals.
• Provide reliable support to supervisors and foremen by coordinating work activities, staffing requirements, equipment, materials, switching orders, contractor resources, and work package documentation.
• Assist supervision in establishing work commitment dates and expedite project deliverables when practical and necessary.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, contractors, property owners, and other stakeholders to support substation projects and maintenance activities.
• Manage work queues and track project status to ensure timely completion of assigned work.
• Maintain accurate records of facility additions, modifications, retirements, and updates to company mapping and asset management systems.
• Assist in preparing claim documentation and supporting project closeout requirements.
• Monitor work progress, track backlog, and provide management with status reports, productivity metrics, and workload forecasts.
• Conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Compile technical reports and performance metrics to support compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with regulatory inspection preparation, documentation, and corrective action tracking.
• Support work management and scheduling applications to assign and prioritize maintenance and construction activities.
• Collaborate with crews, contractors, and supervisors to review work scopes, equipment requirements, switching plans, and logistics.
• Process project-related invoices, reconcile accounts, and assist with construction cost tracking.
• Provide support for company asset management, outage management, scheduling, and GIS systems.
• Serve as a system administrator or subject matter resource for work management and mapping applications as assigned.
• Support emergency restoration efforts, storm response activities, and other system emergencies.
• Travel periodically to substations, construction sites, training facilities, and company locations as required.
• Attend and maintain all required safety, compliance, and technical training.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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