Utilities Planner - Power & Lighting

Utilities is a division of Facilities and Operations, made up of 135 dedicated employees responsible for providing utilities services for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Services include campus-wide utilities purchasing, generation, and distribution, as well as metering and billing energy consumption for all university buildings. Distribution includes the operations and maintenance of 300 miles of underground utility systems from outdoor lighting and high voltage circuits to water mains to tunnel piping.

The division also provides a wide range of engineering services primarily dedicated to energy management, the operations and maintenance of university facilities, and the utilities infrastructure.

The Utilities Department within Facilities and Operations is seeking a Utilities Planner with an electrical background. The primary role of the Utilities Planner is to support the Power and Light shop by serving as a dedicated resource for planning and executing work. This ensures that the workforce has everything needed to operate efficiently. Key responsibilities include planning, scheduling, coordinating, and facilitating work such as managing labor resources, parts, materials, tools, equipment access, documentation, work area access, and other items necessary for successful project execution.

Work Planning:

Develop complete and accurate work plans for the Power and Lighting work group. Work plans should include estimated man-hours, required labor skills, drawings, manuals, procedures, materials, tools, equipment, permits, inspections, utilities shutdown details, and safety evaluations. Provide as much detail as necessary for each work package. The typical steps are as follows:

• Conduct a field check to thoroughly understand the tasks involved and obtain firsthand knowledge needed to prepare an accurate job package. When appropriate, meet with trades staff or customers.
• Break down complex work requirements into logical, manageable steps.
• Allocate time to major job plan steps to establish realistic timelines for effective work completion.
• Identify required materials based on job plan requirements. Collaborate with internal materials acquisition or external suppliers as needed, and follow correct procedures to initiate purchases when external suppliers are required.
• Review the plan with trade groups responsible for performing the work to ensure clear understanding of expectations. Incorporate feedback regarding approach, materials, shutdowns, and other job details to ensure clarity and completeness.
• Store plans in an electronic library for easy access and future reference.

General:

• Collaborate with the shop supervisor and tradespersons throughout the planning and execution of each job.
• Participate in daily shop meetings, weekly scheduling meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.
• Create for time and materials (T&M) and not-to-exceed for estimates exterior lighting jobs.
• Submit and manage MISS DIG tickets for pending excavation or construction work.
• Coordinate with contractors, project managers, and U-M departments to confirm scheduling, site access, and utility markings.
• Work with the shop supervisor to plan and schedule jobs and staff according to weekly priorities.

• At least five years of experience with underground and building-mounted outdoor lighting systems and/or similar equipment and systems.
• Educational requirement:
  Journeyman's card, or equivalent education such as a two-year degree plus 8,000 hours of documented work experience in the electrical field, or a four-year electrical engineering or technical degree.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan and execute multiple projects in a dynamic utility system or industrial maintenance environment.
• Knowledge of portable generator operation and connection methods for low voltage distribution systems.
• High proficiency in working with specific trades classifications and functions, including tools, materials, and task-specific sequencing.
• Extensive experience with safety requirements related to low voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and codes.
• Ability to apply University of Michigan design guidelines and policies as required during work planning.
• Experience interpreting blueprints, specifications, materials, and equipment take-offs.
• Commitment to Facilities and Operations' guiding principles of being proactive,…