Director of Engineering - Reading Municipal Light Department

Under general direction of the GM, the Director of Engineering is responsible for the daily operation of the Electric Division’s distribution network and the leadership of the Division personnel including engineers, control room operators, GIS team, and associated operational assistants. 

This Director shall lead and supervise direct reports and manage their work assignments in a manner to minimize risk to employees, customers, and the public, thereby ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric system.   

This Engineering team is responsible for the design, operation, upgrade, and expansion of RMLD’s distribution network, substations, physical communication network, and ancillary assets.  Much of the actual work is conducted by the Operations team, under the supervision of this Engineering team. 

As part of this role, this Director establishes and prioritizes the project list of the Operations team, in coordination with the Operations Director.  Typically, engineers in this Engineering Division develop the project list of the Operations team and directly supervise Operations employees working on upgrades, maintenance, and other inherently dangerous work. 

In addition, this Director shall lead the Engineering team and direct the engineering work in a time efficient and cost-efficient manner, supporting RMLD’s charter of providing reliable, low-cost, and non-carbon power to our customers.   

This Director shall work in collaboration and coordinate with other RMLD Directors, working as a team to ensure RMLD’s fulfillment of its charter and serving of its customers and other stakeholders.  The Director will contribute to RMLD’s long-term strategy as RMLD prepares for significant electrification and load growth. 

The Director shall qualify others and be able to serve as control authority during emergency and storm operations, as determined by the GM.  This Director role supervises personnel working in dangerous situations (personnel categorized Group 4). 

ILLUSTRATIVE JOB FUNCTIONS:   

• Plan, staff, schedule, motivate, evaluate, and supervise all activities, projects, and training, including safety of all personnel under this Directors supervision. 

• Maintain RMLD’s Service Requirements Handbook. 

• Ensure compliance with all RMLD’s policies and operational procedures. 

• Ensure compliance with NERC, MWEEC, ISO, NFPA, NESC, NESC codes, and ARC Flash operational requirements and ensure submission of required reporting, including reliability reports to NPCC and NERC. Submissions shall be coordinated with appropriate Directors in other RMLD divisions, including Operations, Integrated Resources, and IT. 

• With input from Engineering team employees, refine and improve work procedures, in order to more effectively and efficiently fulfill RMLD’s charter, improve safety, and increase the level of customer service.  

• Develop plans and programs, in coordination with other Divisions, to obtain optimal value of the RMLD electric distribution system, including assets, equipment, expenses, and personnel.  

• Manage expenses within the annual budget and alert the leadership team to expense trends (variances).  Help develop the annual budget. 

• Provide input and guidance to the stock and purchasing team and assist in development and review of department bids and purchases. 

• Ensure timely documentation, including maintenance of material evidence, of incidents and trouble reports to help ensure support of billing disputes, insurance claims, and team development. 

• Responsible for developing specific plans and overseeing emergency operations (example, storms and large power outages). 

• Interface with state and local officials on RMLD matters, in coordination with GM. 

• Coordinate with Town department management staff about maintenance, operations, and equipment problems, keeping GM informed and escalating to GM when appropriate. 

• Enforce RMLD’s administrative and operational policies and procedures concerning engineering, constructing, operating, and maintaining the Electric Systems.  

• Stay current with industry trends in technology, operational procedures, construction standards, and related best practices.  Help RMLD adopt and implement best practices.  

• Contribute to and coordinate implementation of RMLD’s operations technology roadmap for grid optimization & distribution automation plans.  

• Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of RMLD developed maintenance programs, safety, and operational procedures, etc.  

• Take practical actions to minimize workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses.  

• Ensure that the RMLD system is operated within all applicable laws, safety standards, and environmental rules. 

• Perform other related duties as required or assigned by the General Manager.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Masters degree highly desired) or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  

• Knowledge in power system design, including demonstrated understanding in utility engineering, management, construction practices, outage analysis, and system switching and restoration.  Knowledge of medium voltage transmission systems desired. 

• Effective utility administration, budget development and personnel management.  

• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams.  Confidence and maturity with the ability to connect, inspire and influence others. Demonstrated positive attitude. 

• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative environment to problem solve and celebrate successes.  

• Effective verbal and written skills and the ability to “vision cast” (effectively communicate ideas as well as specific tactical actions).  Able to facilitate group discussions, adapt communication style to suit different audiences, and able to develop accurate written materials.  Able to both listen and communicate on both an emotional and intellectual levels.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Knowledge in protection & coordination of OH & UG distribution protective devices. 

• Knowledge of proper construction standards and ability to research and adopt new standards. 

• Knowledge in planning, design, and implementation of Grid Optimization, advanced metering systems, distribution automation, and related technology integration. 

• Knowledge in substation design and maintenance 

• Knowledge of NESC, OSHA and related distribution construction standards. 

• Knowledge of FERC accounting principles. 

• Knowledge of GIS and applicable software packages. 

• Familiarity with various distribution analysis software applications. 

• Ability to respond positively and appropriately when faced with the need to change, maintaining strong composure under pressure.  

• Ability to consistently meet commitments to the business and to others. Quickly define business requirements into actions.  

Experience 

Minimum 10 years of supervisory skills including coaching and mentoring at least 10 employees in a unionized environment.  Proven team leadership and ability to delegate while ensuring safe and effective completion of projects.   

Minimum 10 years of experience in electric utilities, including underground, overhead, substations, and advanced metering and network automation systems.  Experience developing and implementing best utility practices. 

At least 5 years of experience of project management, with ability to plan and manage complex construction and maintenance projects, several simultaneously and involving multiple departments / divisions, delivering on time, on scope, and on budget. Proven ability to implement new technologies and update procedures.   

Physical demands 

This job operates both in the field (occasionally in dangerous situations) and in a professional office environment.  Capable of performing job functions for extended periods of time.  Moderate physical effort may be required intermittently.  

JUDGMENT AND INITIATIVE 

Performs duties in accordance with established policies, codes, laws, and professional standards, reviewing unusual questions with General Manager. Demonstrates initiative in ensuring continued process improvements to demonstrate better accuracy, productivity, safety, and overall customer service. Strong understanding of utility best practices and preventative initiatives.  Capable of managing large and multiple projects. 

SUPERVISORY 

Supervise engineering staff and work. Assigns or provides appropriate supervision of outside contractors working on RMLD projects. Mentors Engineering team to promote their career development as outlined in their respective career development plans (CDPs). Coach employees. Removes roadblocks and motivates team members to excel. This is a hands-on leadership role (player/coach). 

Qualify and serve as Control Authority as determined by the General Manager. 

 

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