Electric Utility Operations Specialist

Senior Utility Operations Leader (Electric Utility) / Senior Operating Specialist

Location: Detroit, MI – Hybrid
Pay Rate: $66.82 per hour
Employment Type: Long-term contract with the possibility of extension or direct hire

The Senior Operating Specialist champions safe, reliable, and efficient operations across Distribution Operations and Fossil Generation to ensure system security and continuity of service on the DTE electric system. This role drives productivity through the development and execution of accurate operating orders, guides operational decision-making during both routine and complex trouble situations, and serves as a critical liaison to Substations, Service Operations, Primary Services, and Engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate teams to resolve conflicts, interpret operating rules, and support safe, reliable operation of the DTE electrical system.
Organize cross-functional teams to address unique, complex, or recurring issues affecting system efficiency.
Develop and recommend work instructions and restoration plans for planned and emergent electrical system work.
Identify opportunities to bundle work and create coordinated plans that ensure shutdowns are strategically executed with system risk mitigation.
Collaborate closely with system study engineers and schedulers to maintain an accurate long-term shutdown schedule.
Lead huddles and shutdown schedule review meetings to maintain cross-team alignment.
Facilitate meetings for complex or consecutive shutdowns impacting the same areas or regions.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives related to shutdown optimization and resource coordination.
Participate in operations committee meetings and advise on best practices for cross-functional safety.
Review and provide feedback on operating articles, procedures, and documentation to support corporate safety and reliability goals.
Reinforce the authority of system operations personnel and ensure safe, efficient customer restoration practices.
Review contingency plans for high-complexity projects and confirm operational readiness.

Minimum Education & Experience

Ten years of operational experience with advanced knowledge of electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
Advanced expertise in installation, operation, and maintenance of high-voltage electrical equipment used in substations.
Advanced expertise in installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment used on overhead and underground electric utility systems.
Experience as a System Operator, Power Dispatcher, or electrical equipment operator in an electric utility environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or electric utility electrical trade certification.
Ten years of experience as a System Operator, Power Dispatcher, or qualified electrical worker performing lockout/tagout, including five years supervising system operators, dispatchers, or union-represented electrical workers.
Six Sigma certification (Yellow, Green, or Black Belt).
NERC BI, BIT, or RC Operator certification.
Experience with project scheduling tools such as Primavera and Excel.

Other Requirements

Understanding of collective bargaining agreements as they apply to operational teams.
Experience applying lean manufacturing concepts.
Demonstrated ability to lead effective change management initiatives.

Additional Information

This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to list every duty or limit managerial discretion. Responsibilities may vary depending on operational needs and organizational structure.

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