Director of Substation Operations

Position Summary

The Director of Substations Operations provides leadership and operational oversight for all substation facilities within the cooperative's electric distribution system. This role ensures substations and associated protection and control systems operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with PUCT, ERCOT, and NERC standards. The Director oversees the management of construction, maintenance, testing and inspection programs as well as personnel and contractors, to support the cooperative’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to CoServ members.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Directs the management and oversight of all substation construction, maintenance, inspection, and protection system activities across CoServ’s service territory.
• Develop and implement annual long‑range work plans, maintenance schedules, and inspection programs to maintain substation reliability.
• Provides leadership and mentoring for substation crews and technicians.
• Coordinates closely with Operations, Engineering, and System Operations to plan and execute substation work with minimal system impact.
• Review and approve protection changes, ensuring system reliability and compliance with PUCT and ERCOT standards.
• Oversees the management for contractor performance, ensuring adherence to CoServ specifications, safety standards, and project timelines.
• Prepares annual budgeting for staffing, equipment, and departmental needs.
• Ensure all substation work practices align with PUCT reliability and reporting requirements.
• Responsible for staffing decisions, succession planning, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability within the substation and protection/control teams.
• Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.
• Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Manager of Substations and the Manager of Protection and Controls, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities. Oversees all substation and protection/control personnel through these managers, ensuring alignment with CoServ goals and compliance standards.

Secondary Position Responsibilities

• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all substation assets, including transformers, circuit breakers, regulators, switches, relays, and control systems.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, test reports, and asset condition data in the cooperative’s maintenance management system.
• Ensure proper operation, coordination, and maintenance of protective relaying, control, and SCADA systems within substations.
• Maintain readiness for audits or inquiries from regulatory bodies.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and enforce compliance with OSHA, NESC, and CoServ safety standards.
• Review and approve vendor proposals, purchase orders, and contracts for substation work.
• Attends CoServ University training as required.
• Performs other duties and activities as directed.

Education, Experience, and Certifications Required

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in substation operations, maintenance, and protection systems, including 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in an electric cooperative environment.
• Strong knowledge of NERC, PUCT, ERCOT compliance requirements and industry best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Relevant industry certifications preferred.

Skills And Abilities Required

• Excellent communication, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to manage teams effectively.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present written reports to leadership.

Skills And Abilities Preferred

• Bilingual.

Physical Requirements

• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Drives a company vehicle.
• Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

Other Requirements

• Resides within 10 miles of CoServ operational residential boundary.
• Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.
• May have to respond after hours in emergency situations.