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Utility Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QE Solar

Director, MV/HV Operations - Utility

$155K - $180K/yr

We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi ... The Director, MV/HV Operations - Utility is responsible for the leadership, development ...

Republic Paperboard

Waste Water Utility Operations

Lawton, OK · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Manage and maintain a safe and clean work area. * Assure that lockout/tagout procedures are always ... Operations * Assure that sludge trains are running properly. * Maintain correct sludge inventory ...

Crew Life at Sea

Head Utility

Miami, FL

$19.25 - $26/hr

Your responsibilities will include managing a team of utility personnel, coordinating maintenance and repair activities, and ensuring the smooth operation of essential ship systems. You will work ...

Republic Paperboard

Waste Water Utility Operations

Lawton, OK · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Manage and maintain a safe and clean work area. * Assure that lockout/tagout procedures are always ... Operations * Assure that sludge trains are running properly. * Maintain correct sludge inventory ...

Oro Valley, AZ

Water Operations Supervisor

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$55.25K - $62.15K/yr

Works directly with Operations Manager to develop annual budget. * Provides after hours support for utility operations including on-call staff in all departments. * Participates in the Water Utility ...

Fujifilm

Utility Operator 2

Holly Springs, NC

Participates in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize utility operations, cost reductions, and efficiency enhancements. * Manages the inventory of spare parts and equipment. * Provides ...

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Utility Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do utility operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Operations Manager, you need strong leadership skills, a solid understanding of utility operations, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree such as engineering or business management. Familiarity with SCADA systems, asset management software, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and team management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient utility operations and effective coordination across teams and regulatory bodies.

What are some common challenges Utility Operations Managers face in coordinating maintenance and emergency response teams?

Utility Operations Managers often juggle the complexities of scheduling planned maintenance while ensuring teams are prepared for unexpected outages or emergencies. Balancing these priorities requires strong communication and adaptability, as resources may need to be redirected quickly when issues arise. Additionally, they must coordinate with other departments, such as engineering and customer service, to minimize service disruptions and maintain compliance with safety regulations. Successfully managing these challenges is key to ensuring reliable utility services and efficient team performance.

What does a Utility Operations Manager do?

A Utility Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of utility services such as water, electricity, or gas. Their responsibilities typically include managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining infrastructure, optimizing efficiency, and responding to emergencies or service disruptions. They play a key role in planning, budgeting, and implementing operational improvements. Utility Operations Managers also coordinate with other departments and external agencies to ensure reliable service delivery and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Utility Operations Manager vs Utility Supervisor?

AspectUtility Operations ManagerUtility Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, manages budgets, develops strategies, and ensures compliance across utility operations.Supervises daily work of utility staff, ensures safety, and manages operational tasks on a shift or team basis.
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field; certifications like CWE or OSHA are common.Often requires a high school diploma or associate degree; relevant certifications may include safety or technical training.
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, field sites, and operational facilities; involves strategic planning and oversight.Primarily on-site in utility plants or field locations; focuses on operational supervision.

While both roles are vital in utility companies, the Utility Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and management, whereas the Utility Supervisor handles daily operational supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

More about Utility Operations Manager jobs
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What states have the most Utility Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Utility Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Operations Manager jobs are:
Utility Operations Manager jobs near you
Director, MV/HV Operations - Utility

Director, MV/HV Operations - Utility

QE Solar

Remote

$155K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About QE Solar
QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.
The Director, MV/HV Operations - Utility is responsible for the leadership, development, standardization, and execution of QE Solar's medium- and high-voltage operations programs supporting utility-scale solar, BESS, and substation assets.
This role provides strategic and technical leadership for MV/HV field operations, switching activities, substation maintenance, operational readiness, emergency response, and workforce development initiatives. The Director partners closely with Field Operations, Safety, Engineering, the Remote Operations Center (ROC), and executive leadership to ensure safe, compliant, scalable, and high-performing utility operations.
The ideal candidate brings deep utility operations expertise, a strong safety-first leadership mindset, and demonstrated success building scalable operational programs in complex electrical environments.
Essential Responsibilities
1. MV/HV Operations Leadership & Program Development (35%)
  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of MV/HV operational programs supporting utility-scale solar and BESS assets.
  • Establish standardized switching practices, maintenance procedures, inspection programs, emergency response protocols, and operational playbooks for substations and MV/HV systems.
  • Build repeatable systems, SOPs, and technical standards that support scalable growth.
  • Serve as the senior technical SME for MV/HV operations, substation systems, relay protection, and switching activities.
  • Support commissioning, asset transitions, operational readiness reviews, and advanced troubleshooting efforts.
  • Assist in development of new MV/HV service offerings and operational capabilities.

2. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management (25%)
  • Champion a strong safety culture with emphasis on MV/HV and substation-related hazards.
  • Develop operational safeguards, human performance tools, and risk mitigation strategies for high-risk electrical work.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, customer requirements, and QE Solar safety standards.
  • Support energized electrical work controls, switching procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, and operational discipline standards.
  • Reinforce Stop Work Authority and proactive hazard identification practices across all teams.
  • Support utility operational compliance requirements, including familiarity with NERC-related frameworks where applicable.

3. Training, Workforce Development & Technical Competency (20%)
  • Develop and implement training, qualification, and competency programs for MV/HV operations, switching, substations, and electrical safety.
  • Build technician progression matrices, certification pathways, and qualification standards.
  • Mentor technicians, supervisors, and technical specialists.
  • Lead technical knowledge transfer initiatives involving:
    • One-line diagrams
    • Three-line diagrams
    • Relay protection systems
    • Switching orders
    • Substation control drawings
    • Battery systems and testing
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of a high-performing MV/HV technical workforce.

4. Customer Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)
  • Partner with customers, engineering teams, operations leadership, and internal stakeholders to support safe and reliable utility operations.
  • Participate in customer reviews, audits, technical meetings, and operational planning discussions.
  • Support customer confidence through strong communication, responsiveness, and technical leadership.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to improve reliability, uptime, and service delivery.

5. Leadership & Operational Excellence (10%)
  • Lead by example through accountability, professionalism, operational discipline, and strong communication.
  • Support strategic growth initiatives and operational scalability efforts.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, performance, and customer outcomes.
  • Promote QE Solar's culture, values, and technical standards across the organization.
Required Qualifications
Experience
  • 7-10+ years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy, power delivery, substations, transmission/distribution, or related electrical utility environments.
  • Demonstrated experience with:
    • MV/HV switching operations
    • Substation maintenance
    • Protective relays
    • Electrical troubleshooting
    • Utility operational safety programs
  • Proven leadership experience managing technical field teams or operational programs.
  • Experience developing SOPs, technical programs, training initiatives, and operational standards.
  • Customer-facing operational experience within utility solar, BESS, or electrical infrastructure environments strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with NERC operational environments preferred.

Technical Knowledge
Strong working knowledge of:
  • Utility-scale solar and BESS operations
  • MV/HV switching procedures
  • Substation equipment:
    • Breakers
    • Disconnect switches
    • Transformers
    • Protective relays
    • Battery systems
  • Relay protection principles and testing concepts
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269
  • NFPA 70E
  • Electrical safe work practices
  • Human performance / operational risk mitigation principles
  • Reading and interpreting:
    • One-line diagrams
    • Three-line diagrams
    • Relay schematics
    • Substation control drawings

Required:
  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in:
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Engineering Technology
    • Power Systems
    • Related technical discipline

Equivalent military, utility, or technical field experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
Preferred Certifications
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • NFPA 70E training/certification
  • CPR / First Aid
  • Thermography certification
  • Substation battery testing certifications
  • Relevant electrical utility or switching qualifications
Physical Requirements
  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Climb ladders (fixed, movable, ship-style, A-frame)
  • Traverse uneven terrain safely
  • Sit or drive for extended periods
  • Work in extreme outdoor weather conditions
  • Travel regularly to utility and customer sites

Base Salary: $155,000 - $180,000 annually
QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:
100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
Learning & Development Opportunities
Discounted Life & Disability Insurance
Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.

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