Power and Lighting Senior Supervisor

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus, has an opening for a Senior Supervisor in the Power and Lighting Shop within Utilities. The shop's mission is to provide highly reliable utility services to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus. This position leads the Power and Lighting Team to embrace all aspects of the University's mission, goals, and values, ensuring that all staff are led and empowered to carry out their daily work. This includes building and maintaining a strong team that continuously improves the primary goals of safety, reliability, and stewardship.

The University of Michigan's exterior lighting system consists of over 5,000 poles and 5,200 building-mounted lights and has almost 100 miles of conduit/direct buried wire in the ground. This position currently provides supervision and technical guidance for 12 skilled trades electricians.

The duties for this job include but are not limited to: 

• Manage the daily activities of staff related to the operation, maintenance, and repair associated with the University's outdoor lighting, portable generator, and Utility metering systems.
• Work with project teams, other internal departments, contractors, and end users to coordinate related work. 
• Working with a planner, the individual will be a proactive leader in the continued implementation of the workflow process.  
• Ensure that work is properly prioritized, planned, and scheduled, while at the same time ensuring the full engagement of staff.
• Ensure that all codes and standards are being followed (i.e., National Electrical Code).
• Provide technical and coordination support to capital projects that impact the power and lighting system. 
• Review design documents and provide QA/QC during construction or maintenance activities to ensure compliance with design guidelines and departmental standards.
• Participate in system master planning.
• Assist the operating staff in responding to operational emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis.  
• Help with the preparation and manage the annual Power and Lighting Shop budget.
• Provide comprehensive supervisory oversight for direct reports including approving staff time reporting according to University policies. 
• Uphold the Skilled Trades union contract and address issues as they arise.
• Manage labor relations issues and process union grievances per the union contract.  
• Lead or participate in hiring committees to fill shop or department vacancies.

As a member of Utility Services, this position will act in accordance with Facility and Operations' guiding principles of being proactive, respectful, collaborative, and solution-based and has the responsibility to provide an environment that brings a high level of energy, team building attitude, environmental awareness, fiscal responsibility, customer service, and above all personnel safety to the group. 

• At least 10 years of experience in the electrical field, with a strong working knowledge of electrical systems, operations, job sequencing, and codes (ie National Electric Code).
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in a union environment, demonstrating the ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Knowledge of portable generator operation and connection methods to low-voltage distribution systems.
• Experience with utility/university-sized lighting distribution systems.
• Plan and execute multiple projects in a dynamic utility system/industrial maintenance environment.
• Proficiency in the use of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for project tracking and management.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, specifications, and equipment take-offs.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a team environment.
• Previous experience demonstrating tact and discretion in communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in the use of safety measures and understanding of applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of Industrial Safety Standards and Procedures, including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, and others. 
• Ability to apply the University of Michigan design guidelines and policies as required. 
• Ability to work together with a high-functioning team that plans, schedules, and executes electrical distribution maintenance work.
• Competency in the use of various computer programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets).
• Prior use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Accurate written and oral communication skills.

• At least 5 years of experience with underground and building-mounted outdoor lighting systems and/or working with similar equipment and systems.
• Educational requirement: Journeyman's card or equivalent relevant experience, plus 8,000 hours of documented work experience in the Electrical field, or a four-year electrical engineering/technical degree or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience in a large, complex organization with exposure to utility services management.
• Supervisory experience in a utility organization.
• Considerable experience with outdoor building lighting systems, street lighting systems, and underground construction methods.
• Experience directing resources and managing communication during an emergency response.
• Experience administering vendor contracts. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of various computer programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Project, AIM/FMS, and various reporting software (Crystal Reports, BIRT, Tableau).
• Familiarity with University of Michigan design guidelines and policies.

Facilities and Operations seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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