Supervising Manger, Substation Commissioning & Maintenance

Application due date: January 4, 2026

Location: Elk River/Big Lake or New Prague or St. James, or Grand Rapids, MN (Position requires frequent day travel for field activities and is eligible for hybrid schedule when possible)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Your perspective is powerful. To do what’s never been done before, we need to think differently. We seek out people with unique backgrounds, unique skillsets and unique perspectives who want to help shape what’s next.

Summary:

Manage the overall commissioning, operation and maintenance of GRE’s transmission and generation system substation apparatus equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Lead our transformer, breaker, battery testing and maintenance crews. Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction for approximately 10-15 apparatus technicians and apprentices to ensure best utility practices and guidelines are implemented within the department. Collaborate with leadership, professional staff and external entities to successfully execute safe, reliable, cost-effective operation and maintenance of substation equipment.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $135,000 - $193,000 annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead efforts for optimal performance and reliable efficient operations in support of the transmission system grid, HVDC converter stations, generation plants, and distribution facilities.? 
• Direct and implement substation apparatus upgrades, replacements, and retirements as driven by business requirements and asset lifecycle management
• Ensure maintenance schedules adhere to GRE guidelines and NERC requirements for substation apparatus equipment, inspections, and to maximize system integrity and reliability
• Keep informed of system sites and equipment to make proper decisions for maintenance issues and future construction projects, as well as industry developments in the areas of substation apparatus, commissioning, maintenance, materials, and equipment
• Partner with leadership, business partners, and vendors to maintain and improve AC and DC transmission performance. Identify trends for future improvements
• Manage substation pool equipment for distribution cooperatives and ensure equipment is properly maintained and available for distribution system upgrades and emergencies
• Ensure that standards are met and installation practices are consistent
• Ensure standard operating procedures, “as built” and documentation are maintained
• Strategically coordinate planning, construction and maintenance with other departments
• Manage and maintain positive relationships with distribution cooperatives, municipal utilities, and surrounding transmission companies
• Recommend needs and priorities for replacement of existing equipment
• Monitor project start and end dates, resource assignments and status. Ensure projects are completed in a timely manner
• Manage and proactively lead the scheduling, testing, and documenting of maintenance for substation apparatus
• Interact and negotiate with vendors and contractors as it relates to existing products and services, and to secure new products and services
• Organize external resources and related data collection and processes to ensure appropriate and required documents are completed to support FEMA public assistance processes
• Lead, manage, coach, and provide work direction to staff. 
• Develop departmental goals and individual performance goals in collaboration with leadership 

Qualifications:

Education requirements include a two-year technical degree, or completion of a four-year IBEW Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) program preferably in electrical/electronic, or a four-year degree in engineering, preferably in electrical, and experience testing transformers and breakers in the electric utility industry, preferably six years+,  and formal or informal leadership experience.

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by January 4, 2026. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.

About Great River Energy

Powering what’s possible Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electricity provider owned by our 26 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin for which we generate and transmit electricity. We provide wholesale electric service to our member owners who distribute electricity to approximately 660,000 member consumers - or about 1.7 million people. A diverse mix of generation resources - Our power plants generate more than 2,800 megawatts of electricity and several solar arrays capable of producing 650 kilowatts. In addition, we purchase wind and hydroelectric energy. Your electricity is delivered through power lines to you. Every time you plug in your toaster, television or other electrical device, a system of power lines goes to work to bring you the power you need. Our job at Great River Energy is to keep the lights on by providing a safe & reliable supply of electricity.

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