Superintendent of Substations

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Inc•Giddings, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent of Substations leads the substation function within the Technical Services department, directs and develops employees, and manages departmental operations and budgets. The role ensures safety practices and cooperative policies are followed, maintains technical competence, and works with other departments to support cooperative strategic goals and provide high-quality service to members and internal customers. The Superintendent is responsible for staffing, recruiting, training, evaluating, and managing employees, including decisions related to selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, and discharge. The position is primarily office-based, with occasional field work, frequent travel within the Bluebonnet service area, possible supervisor callouts, and potential evening meetings and overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Information Technology from an accredited U.S. institution, or 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in line construction, maintenance, substation operation and maintenance, or electric utility distribution-system technology.
Valid Texas Commercial Driver's License.
Certification in CPR, First Aid, AED, and blood-borne pathogens.
Excellent knowledge of the Bluebonnet service area and its transmission and distribution system.
Advanced knowledge of distribution utility operational processes and assigned areas of responsibility.
Knowledge of basic electrical theory, utility industry practices, and Bluebonnet-specific design concepts.
Knowledge of substations in the service area, related equipment, and substation work safety.
Ability to work independently and under pressure.
Advanced skills with applicable enterprise and department-specific software and applications.
Advanced knowledge of cooperative policies and guidelines.
Effective, constructive, and professional communication and interpersonal skills for supervising and directing office and field personnel.
Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
Thorough understanding of general employment law.
Ability to identify and handle confidential information professionally.
Advanced knowledge of technology-based systems used in distribution, transmission, and substation utility operations.
Knowledge of basic algebra and trigonometry as applied to electrical systems.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of protective relaying.
Extensive knowledge of SCADA software, hardware, protocols, and operations, including Distribution Automation and source transfer schemes.
Extensive knowledge of NERC, the EEA program, the LAARS program, and the UFLS program.
Extensive knowledge of Bluebonnet and LCRA switching manuals and best practices, and active involvement in reviewing and amending them as needed.
Extensive knowledge of substation/transmission and distribution maintenance manuals.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of supervisory responsibility.
Two or more years in an electric utility management role, with prior exposure to strategic planning and development procedures.
DOL Journeyman Lineman certification.
Knowledge of system maps, staking sheets, and manuals.
Knowledge of line feeds, line sectionalizing and coordination, sectionalizing equipment locations, feeder loading issues, and special equipment such as voltage regulators, capacitors, and step-transformers.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and lead training efforts for reporting personnel.
Ensure Bluebonnet safety rules are followed and safe practices are used.
Work with direct reports to establish clear, challenging, and attainable goals and support their skill and career development.
Develop, manage, and adhere to departmental budgets.
Maintain technical competence and knowledge of emerging technologies.
Attend cross-functional meetings and collaborate with other departments to support cooperative strategic goals.
Provide performance feedback to direct reports through the PMD process at least twice a year and solicit improvement suggestions.
Ensure positions are properly staffed.
Provide service to members and internal customers and foster a positive, professional departmental environment.
Develop and recommend more efficient processes or products to improve service, and encourage direct reports to do the same.
Recruit, train, lead, and assess staff performance to ensure assigned duties are completed effectively.
Make decisions regarding employee selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, and discharge within the department.
Handle confidential information appropriately and follow the Bluebonnet Red Flag policy.
Maintain professional working relationships with employees, members, and vendors.