Utility Equipment Specialist Sr.

Position Summary

The Utility Specialist Senior demands a seasoned utility equipment professional with career-spanning expertise in a technical role participating in shop and field operations at CoServ’s Distribution Technology Center (DTC). This role ensures safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant handling of electric distribution and high-voltage equipment. The Specialist Senior helps manage asset lifecycles with a focus on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability, collaborating with internal teams, members/customers, and contractors.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Inspect, evaluate, test, and maintain electric distribution and high-voltage equipment (e.g., transformers, switchgears, vacuum and SF₆ powerline interrupters, regulators, reclosers, sectionalizers, and capacitor banks) per specifications and standards.
• Perform lifecycle tracking of oil-filled and other utility equipment, prioritizing environmental compliance and asset sustainability.
• Conduct high voltage testing to assess equipment performance and reliability.
• Perform environmental testing, draining, and labeling to ensure proper segregation and compliant disposal of regulated materials (e.g., PCBs, mineral oil).
• Gather, analyze, and trend equipment failure data to identify risks and support sustainable asset strategies.
• Recommend environmentally compliant disposal, salvage, or recycling of end-of-life infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate records of asset status, compliance, and disposal activities.
• Prepare manifests and documentation for disposal and environmental tracking.
• Respond to oil spills and environmental incidents per SPCC and compliance protocols (24-hour availability required).
• Safely work with energized oil-filled equipment, applying hazard assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Use PPE and non-invasive diagnostics to prevent environmental and safety incidents.
• Operate forklifts and heavy equipment to manage distribution assets safely.
• Facilitate the transfer of specialized metering equipment to third parties.
• Install specialized equipment, including three-phase metering on de-energized transformers.
• Use specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., infrared cameras) to assess and resolve equipment issues.
• Collaborate across internal organizations on condition-based maintenance strategies to extend asset life.
• Train and mentor operations staff on environmental compliance and sustainability practices.
• Maintain inventory and anticipate supply needs to ensure operational continuity.

Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with TSCA, SPCC, Clean Water Act, Universal Waste Rule, TCEQ, MBTA, and ESA.
• Support audits and recommend corrective actions related to equipment and compliance.
• Assist in proper handling and disposal of universal and hazardous waste.
• Coordinate environmental response during spills or disasters.
• Maintain HAZWOPER certification if required.
• Promote environmental best practices and responsible asset management.
• 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.

Secondary Position Responsibilities

• Maintain professional interactions and promote environmental awareness.
• Participate in training and stay current with technical and regulatory updates.
• Document work accurately to meet internal and regulatory standards.
• Support emergency planning and environmental coordination.
• Demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and alignment with CoServ’s mission and environmental values.
• Attends CoServ University training as required.
• Performs other duties and activities as directed.

Position Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certifications Required

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalency.
• 20 years’ experience with electric distribution and high voltage equipment.
• 20 years' experience and knowledge of CoServ’s distribution system and territory

Skills and Abilities Required

• Able to learn and gain understanding and utilization of NEC, NESC, IEEE, and OSHA requirements.
• Able to learn and gain knowledge in computer software including Microsoft Suite products.
• Demonstrates excellent grammar/composition skills and interpersonal/communication skills.
• Able to work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals with excellent interpersonal and communication skills representing CoServ in a professional manner including interfacing internally and externally to CoServ.
• Able to work efficiently and safely as well as plan and schedule own work and work of others.
• Able to maintain accurate records and be proficient with technical details.
• Demonstrates self-starting, organization skills, and ability to work with limited supervision.
• Able to prioritize projects.
• Able to concentrate and complete procedures in an error free manner.
• Is proficient in technical details.
• Demonstrates a higher level of independent judgment and responsibility.
• Understands and carries out complex oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Works outdoors 95% of the time in all types of weather conditions and environmental conditions such as fallen branches, rough terrain, heavy underbrush, etc.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Drives company vehicle.
• Works extended hours as needed or directed.
• Works in no or low light conditions – using handheld lantern or spotlights.
• Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife in or near the work site.
• Works in areas with possible exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and insect stings.
• Performs call out duties.
• Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.

Other Requirements

• Must reside within the CoServ Operations residential boundary.
• Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.
• Forklift Certification or ability to obtain after hire.
• First Aid/CPR or ability to obtain after hire.
• Ability to travel, if necessary, for business and training