Utilities Planner - Power & Lighting

Utilities Planner - Power & Lighting

Apply Now

How to Apply

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.

Who We Are

Utilities is a division of Facilities and Operations, made up of 135 dedicated employees responsible for providing utilities services for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Services include campus-wide utilities purchasing, generation, and distribution, as well as metering and billing energy consumption for all university buildings. Distribution includes the operations and maintenance of 300 miles of underground utility systems from outdoor lighting and high voltage circuits to water mains to tunnel piping. The division also provides a wide range of engineering services primarily dedicated to energy management, the operations and maintenance of university facilities, and the utilities infrastructure.

Job Summary

The Utilities Department within Facilities and Operations is seeking a Utilities Planner with an electrical background. The primary role of the Utilities Planner is to support the Power and Light shop by serving as a dedicated resource for planning and executing work. This ensures that the workforce has everything needed to operate efficiently. Key responsibilities include planning, scheduling, coordinating, and facilitating work such as managing labor resources, parts, materials, tools, equipment access, documentation, work area access, and other items necessary for successful project execution.

Responsibilities*

Work Planning:

Develop complete and accurate work plans for the Power and Lighting work group. Work plans should include estimated man-hours, required labor skills, drawings, manuals, procedures, materials, tools, equipment, permits, inspections, utilities shutdown details, and safety evaluations. Provide as much detail as necessary for each work package. The typical steps are as follows:

• Conduct a field check to thoroughly understand the tasks involved and obtain firsthand knowledge needed to prepare an accurate job package. When appropriate, meet with trades staff or customers.

• Break down complex work requirements into logical, manageable steps.

• Allocate time to major job plan steps to establish realistic timelines for effective work completion.

• Identify required materials based on job plan requirements. Collaborate with internal materials acquisition or external suppliers as needed, and follow correct procedures to initiate purchases when external suppliers are required.

• Review the plan with trade groups responsible for performing the work to ensure clear understanding of expectations. Incorporate feedback regarding approach, materials, shutdowns, and other job details to ensure clarity and completeness.

• Store plans in an electronic library for easy access and future reference.

General:

• Collaborate with the shop supervisor and tradespersons throughout the planning and execution of each job.

• Participate in daily shop meetings, weekly scheduling meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.

• Create for time and materials (T&M) and not-to-exceed for estimates exterior lighting jobs.

• Submit and manage MISS DIG tickets for pending excavation or construction work.

• Coordinate with contractors, project managers, and U-M departments to confirm scheduling, site access, and utility markings.

• Work with the shop supervisor to plan and schedule jobs and staff according to weekly priorities.

Required Qualifications*

• At least five years of experience with underground and building-mounted outdoor lighting systems and/or similar equipment and systems.

• Educational requirement: Journeyman's card, or equivalent education such as a two-year degree plus 8,000 hours of documented work experience in the electrical field, or a four-year electrical engineering or technical degree.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan and execute multiple projects in a dynamic utility system or industrial maintenance environment.

• Knowledge of portable generator operation and connection methods for low voltage distribution systems.

• High proficiency in working with specific trades classifications and functions, including tools, materials, and task-specific sequencing.

• Extensive experience with safety requirements related to low voltage electrical distribution systems.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and codes.

• Ability to apply University of Michigan design guidelines and policies as required during work planning.

• Experience interpreting blueprints, specifications, materials, and equipment take-offs.

• Commitment to Facilities and Operations' guiding principles of being proactive, respectful, collaborative, and solution-focused.

• Experience demonstrating tact and discretion when communicating with a diverse group, including customers, trades unions, contractors, peers, and management.

• Competency in the use of various computer programs, including or equivalent to Microsoft Office and Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets).

• Prior use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

• Accurate written and oral communication skills.

• Must be able to perform the full range of duties, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position constantly positions self to traverse under and over obstacles, ascends/descends ladders, and routinely moves equipment and materials weighing up to 50lbs.

Desired Qualifications*

• Five or more years of experience as a Utilities Planner within a utilities organization.

• Knowledge of the University of Michigan's purchasing systems, including the material ordering process, MPathways, Business Objects, and budget reconciliation.

• Considerable experience with outdoor building lighting systems, street lighting systems, and underground construction methods.

• Extensive experience in sizing and installing temporary emergency generator feeds up to 350 kW.

• Experience directing resources and managing communication during emergency response situations.

• Proficient use of various computer programs, including or equivalent to Microsoft Project, AIM/FMS, and reporting software such as Crystal Reports, BIRT, and Tableau.

• Supervisory experience in a utilities organization.

• Electrical systems installation experience to identify and resolve crew obstacles effectively.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Additional Information

The Utilities Power and Lighting shop is responsible for maintaining:

• Over 5,000 exterior building lights and more than 450 roadway lights.

• More than 2,500 pedestrian pole lights (security poles) and over 65 miles of underground conduit for pole lighting systems.

• The electrical systems of 14 parking structures and over 800 surface parking lot lights.

• 190 campus-wide emergency phones.

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

284014

Working Title

Utilities Planner - Power & Lighting

Job Title

Program Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Utilities

Department

Utilities Electrical Maint

Posting Begin/End Date

10/07/2026 - 10/21/2026

Salary

$118,500.00 - $124,500.00

Career Interest

Administration

Apply Now