Utility Electrical Maintenance Manager

Utility Electrical Maintenance Manager

Job No: 529425
Work Type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Utilities Electrical
Union: PSU
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

This role is responsible for managing the operation, maintenance, and repair of the campus high voltage electrical distribution system, IT cable distribution system, and related equipment.

The Utility Electrical Maintenance Manager coordinates campus electrical needs with the Town of Amherst Electrical Inspector, schedules work for the Physical Plant Utility Electrical and the IT Cable Engineering Services (CES) divisions, and ensures compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

• Manages activities of Utilities Electrical personnel, including scheduling and performance management.
• Develops and supervises the standards of maintenance and safety for the campus electrical distribution systems. Requires a working knowledge of medium and high voltage electrical distribution systems, trenching and excavating, and confined space.
• Responsible for staffing and training all personnel assigned to the Utility Electrical Maintenance and the IT CES Divisions.
• Works with union officials to maintain harmonious relationships, acts as first‑step hearing officer when needed, and represents the department during grievances and arbitrations.
• Coordinates campus electrical needs with the Town of Amherst Electrical Inspector and maintains electrical inspection certificates.
• Directs work activities and repairs utilizing knowledge of the campus high‑voltage electrical distribution system layout and characteristics.
• Ensures compliance with University and OSHA safety procedures related to lock‑out/tag‑out, confined space, trenching and shoring procedures, and the procedures and dangers involved with starting and isolating high voltage electrical systems.
• Provides input for the electrical maintenance section of the Utility Department’s annual budget and manages the electrical utility maintenance portion of the Utility Department’s budget.
• Interprets maps, work orders, and utility diagrams and verifies “Dig Safe” requests for planned excavations.
• Coordinates communication and collaboration between Facilities & Campus Services and the UMass Information Technology Departments when implementing space improvement renovations.
• Performs diagnoses, tests, maintenance, and repair on various electrical and IT cable distribution systems and related equipment.
• Installs and repairs underground electrical conduit & wire, transformers, switch gear, and motors using plans and drawings.
• Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and working from work orders and drawings.
• Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm, cold, and emergency conditions.
• Performs repairs and installation of high voltage electrical systems, fittings, and support systems. Must be capable of performing high‑voltage electrical work with sufficient quality to obtain electrical high voltage certification.

• Performs other duties as required by Physical Plant Management.

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field and five (5) years of relevant experience; substitution: seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in operating and maintaining medium/high‑voltage electrical distribution systems (480 V to 115 kV).
• Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of 480 V to 115 kV outside electrical distribution systems including underground cables, oil and dry transformers, switches, vaults, and sub‑transmission lines.
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts Electric Code and standard practices involved with electrical underground insulation systems.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of how to apply electrical distribution construction standards.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Training and/or certification on high voltage electrical system operation within 12 months of hire.

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