Electric Distribution Supervisor

Performs difficult advanced technical and administrative work supervising the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of BPU’s electrical distribution and hydro electrical generation systems and related work as required. Work is performed under general direction of the Operations Manager. Continuous supervision is exercised over personnel in the electric distribution and construction crews.

Please note:

2024 Hiring Range: $45.87 - $51.12 per hour depending on qualifications.
2024 Pay Range: $45.87 - $54.61 per hour.

* 2024 Performance based pay opportunity:
Up to $61.16 per hour.

* The City of Brainerd utilizes a performance-based pay system as noted above. Our system provides an opportunity for additional pay steps based on merit. Contact the HR Department if you would like to learn more about our system.

• Administer/direct the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric distribution, electric generation and substation facilities in accordance with established utility/regulatory laws and policies.
• Prioritize both capital and maintenance work in order to meet system needs and maintenance goals.
• Participate in the development and administration of capital and operating budgets and monitor effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
• Determine department safety requirements and implement necessary safety training programs. Conduct audits to ensure compliance to safety rules/procedures.
• Participate at a management level in organizational discussions/decisions on strategic planning, organizational benchmarks, core values/behaviors, process improvements, and other organization initiatives.
• Responsibilities include training, inspecting and assigning work, developing staff schedules, coaching and counseling, conducting performance evaluations, disciplining, and recommending hiring and terminating personnel.
• Oversees the maintenance records of electrical distribution system and prepares periodic reports for submission to local, state and federal regulatory agencies, superiors or others as required.
• Confers with consultants and engineers; and federal and state agencies.
• Consults with vendors; orders equipment and parts.
• Participates in the work performed by electric crews in emergency situations.
• Assists with voltage, power quality, and other customer complaints and/or problems.
• Attendance at continuing education events applicable to the position is strongly encouraged.
• Assists other Brainerd Public Utilities service crews as needed and in emergencies.
• Attends meetings, workshops and training seminars to keep abreast of industry changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of the electric department including tools, materials, and equipment with the ability to detect flaws and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations governing equipment operations and utility repair work performed in or on public roads and right-of-ways;
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of necessary safety precautions to comply with BPU, NESC, and OSHA safety requirements;
• Leadership including problem solving and decision making;
• Ability to read, interpret, and implement documents such as BPU safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and policies;
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals;
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from subordinates, supervisors, regulatory agencies, and customers;
• Developed mathematical skills;
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;
• Ability to adopt to changes in procedures and workload and able to maintain composure when confronted with stressful situations;
• Ability to read and develop complex electrical distribution system plans and schematic diagrams;
• Ability to develop and interpret a variety of instructions and plans furnished in written, oral, and drawing form;
• Knowledgeable in electronics and computer technology and applications including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA);
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions; ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of operations;
• Ability to assign and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, regulatory agency officials and the general public.

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Graduate of electrical line worker program at a vocational or technical college.
• The qualified candidate must have successfully completed a Lineman Apprenticeship Program or equivalent Lineman training courses.
• Must be a journeyman lineman or combination of experience and training to…