Utility Electrical Shop Manager

Position Overview

Team: Duke Utilities & Engineering Services (DUES)

Reports To: Assistant Director of High Voltage

Duke Utility & Energy Systems (UES), part of Duke University’s Facilities Management Department, provides essential utility services to University and Duke Health System facilities, including chilled water, steam, hot water, medium voltage power distribution, domestic water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

The Electrical Shop Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Duke’s 15kV electrical distribution system. This position oversees system operation, maintenance, and planning activities, manages a team of approximately twelve (12) electricians, and ensures compliance with all safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with effective leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and supervise the Medium Voltage Electrical Shop, providing direction, mentorship, and performance management for all team members.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and professional growth.
• Plan and maintain work schedules, approve timecards, and coordinate emergency shift coverage.
• Promote teamwork and clear communication across all utility and facilities management operations.

Operations and Maintenance

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the 15kV power distribution system, including transformers, switchgear, generators, and related equipment.
• Plan and coordinate system switching operations and scheduled outages to meet campus electrical demands.
• Monitor and analyze system performance through SCADA and data historian systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for both planned and unplanned electrical events.
• Manage emergency response activities related to substations, switchgear, and distribution systems.

Planning and Administration

• Plan, prioritize, and schedule work to ensure efficient use of resources, materials, and staff.
• Prepare and manage the shop’s annual budget for labor, materials, and contracted services.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Serve as the primary purchasing contact for the shop, coordinating procurement and inventory of tools, materials, and supplies.
• Oversee maintenance and scheduling of assigned utility fleet vehicles.

Safety and Compliance

• Lead safety initiatives and ensure compliance with policies from OSHA, NEC, NFPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Audit Lockout/Tagout processes and other electrical safety programs for accuracy and effectiveness.
• Regularly review and update standard operating procedures to enhance safety and operational performance.
• Conduct recurring safety and operations meetings with shop personnel.

Training and Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive technical training plan aligned with departmental goals and individual career development.
• Support staff advancement and succession planning within the Medium Voltage team.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Electrical Shop, Engineering, and other University departments.
• Participate in departmental leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
• Prepare reports on shop performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), and improvement projects.
• Build strong relationships with campus partners, contractors, and stakeholders to support excellent service delivery.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required. Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a medium voltage electrical distribution environment, including operation and maintenance of switchgear, generators, and distribution systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct supervisory or leadership experience in electrical operations or maintenance.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of medium voltage power distribution systems and electrical equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with a focus on employee development and operational excellence.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and data historian tools for system monitoring and analysis.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, OSHA, Life Safety Code).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available for emergency call-ins and after-hours response to electrical outages or system failures.
• Valid driver’s license required.