Planner I-III

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

The Lansing Board of Water & Light has an opening for a Planner, Water Production I - III located in Lansing, MI.

Starting Salary Range:

Planner I $63,300. - $74,700. / Planner II $78,100 - $93,800 / Planner III $86,900 - $105,000.

Position Summary:

Responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting maintenance and project work activities utilizing internal crew resources for the mechanical, electrical, and controls components of BWL assets. These assets include Water Production Generating Facilities, and various BWL facilities.

Planning responsibilities include identifying the labor, materials, equipment, resources, costs, and estimated durations necessary to complete work safely and efficiently. The position coordinates work activities with internal crews, operational departments, other internal stakeholders, contractors, vendors, governmental agencies, and customers. Responsibilities also include preparing work packages, schedules, budgets, system and asset clearance requests, and supporting documentation necessary for effective work execution.

The Planner classification consists of three progressive levels based on demonstrated technical knowledge, experience, independence, project complexity, decision-making capabilities, and leadership responsibilities. Advancement through the levels reflects increased responsibility for planning and coordinating complex work, supporting multiple resource groups, improving work management processes, and developing the capabilities of others.

Essential Functions – All Levels

The following responsibilities apply to Planner I, Planner II, and Planner III:

• Perform job site walkdowns and reviews to evaluate work requirements, identify potential issues, and support effective work planning.

• Apply appropriate industry standards, techniques, and BWL procedures to maintenance and project planning activities.

• Develop and maintain work packages, schedules, documentation, and reports using applicable business and planning technologies.

• Coordinate work activities with internal resource groups, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to support successful work execution.

• Participate in the continuous improvement of the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.

• Support safe work practices by following the BWL Safety Manual, utilizing required personal protective equipment, and participating in required safety training.

• Participate in on-call, emergency, and storm response activities as required.

• Maintain predictable and reliable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Classification Levels and Additional Requirements

• The following sections identify the additional responsibilities and qualifications required at each level. Responsibilities are progressive, meaning each level is expected to demonstrate the capabilities of the preceding level in addition to the requirements identified below.

Planner I

Role Focus: Developing foundational planning skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to independently manage smaller and less complex assignments.

Additional Essential Functions

• Operates primarily under the guidance and direction of an experienced Planner while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to perform planning and scheduling functions independently.

• Applies established procedures and techniques and adapts methods, tools, materials, or equipment to address routine and nonroutine assignment requirements.

• Reads and interprets basic sketches, prints, drawings, and schematics to support work planning activities.

• Develops a foundational understanding of at least one resource group, including the assets, systems, equipment, and maintenance activities it supports.

• Uses sound judgment and collaborates with others to address routine planning challenges and determine appropriate approaches for assignments.

• Plans, organizes, monitors, and coordinates small or low-complexity maintenance projects, with opportunities to progress toward medium-complexity assignments.

• Develops standard job packages and prepares portions of project and maintenance documentation.

• Assists in establishing project schedules, estimating resource requirements, and identifying budget needs.

• Prepares and submits low-complexity system and asset clearance requests in accordance with established procedures.

• Develops the ability to understand the operation and maintenance requirements of generating facilities and transmission and distribution infrastructure.

• Prepares planning documents and reports using an intermediate level of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering, Construction, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of one year of experience in planning, maintenance, or utilities.

• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to develop technical and professional capabilities.

• Strong organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Ability to prioritize workload and recognize the need to work additional hours when necessary.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Utility industry experience.

• Project management or construction management experience.

• Demonstrated success working collaboratively with diverse teams.

Planner II

Role Focus: Independently managing moderately complex planning assignments, demonstrating advanced technical knowledge, and providing planning support across multiple resource groups.

Additional Essential Functions

• Independently evaluates, selects, and applies appropriate planning techniques, procedures, and criteria to conventional projects with limited complex features.

• Interprets intermediate-level sketches, prints, drawings, and schematics to identify work requirements and resolve planning considerations.

• Provides planning and coordination support for two or more resource groups or craft areas, demonstrating working knowledge of the assets and systems they maintain.

• Independently performs planning, scheduling, and coordination responsibilities with limited supervisory direction.

• Reviews, edits, and marks up maintenance work specifications to ensure work requirements are clearly defined and adequately supported.

• Conducts research and investigations related to maintenance activities, asset conditions, work requirements, and job sites to support effective planning decisions.

• Plans, organizes, monitors, and coordinates medium-complexity maintenance projects, with the capability to progress toward high-complexity assignments.

• Demonstrates intermediate-to-advanced technical knowledge in at least one of the following areas:

• Electric power infrastructure, including transmission or distribution design.

• Water distribution systems.

• Water or electric production facilities.

• Builds collaborative working relationships across departments and stakeholder groups to resolve planning issues and achieve successful project outcomes.

• Utilizes applicable technologies, including Microsoft Project, Excel, Access, SAP, and other planning tools, to support scheduling, analysis, resource planning, and decision-making.

• Develops and successfully submits medium-complexity system and asset clearance requests.

Additional Required Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications established for Planner I:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, or a related field; or journey-level status combined with five or more years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of three years of experience in planning, maintenance, or utilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

• Strong awareness of workplace safety and the ability to incorporate safety considerations into planning decisions.

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and the ability to effectively navigate different personalities, perspectives, and working relationships.

• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Planner III – Senior / Lead Planner

Level III

Role Focus: Serving as a senior technical resource and planning leader who manages complex assignments, provides guidance to other planners, drives process improvements, and supports consistency and quality across planning activities.

Additional Essential Functions

• Provides planning and coordination support for three or more resource groups or craft areas, demonstrating broad knowledge of the assets, systems, and operational requirements they support.

• Interprets complex technical documentation, including intermediate-to-complex sketches, prints, drawings, and schematics, to develop effective planning strategies.

• Plans, organizes, monitors, and coordinates intermediate-to-high-complexity maintenance and project assignments, exercising independent judgment to resolve significant planning challenges.

• Demonstrates the ability to identify, evaluate, and implement creative and innovative solutions to complex planning problems and operational situations.

• Conducts advanced research and investigations to evaluate asset maintenance requirements, identify potential issues, and recommend improvements to work execution and planning strategies.

• Develops, revises, and maintains planning procedures, work instructions, and standardized processes to improve consistency, quality, and effectiveness across work management activities.

• Provides technical guidance, training, and mentoring to Planner I and Planner II employees to strengthen planning capabilities and support professional development.

• Establishes and performs quality reviews of work products developed by Planner I and Planner II employees to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with established standards and procedures.

• Utilizes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics at an intermediate level to evaluate planning effectiveness, identify trends, and recommend opportunities for improvement.

• Manages workload and competing priorities with minimal supervisory direction, aligning planning efforts with departmental and organizational priorities.

• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization, ensuring timely and accurate flow of information between leadership, resource groups, stakeholders, and other departments.

• Serves as a senior planning resource for complex assignments, providing recommendations and technical expertise to support operational and departmental decision-making.

• Demonstrates BWL's Hometown People Hometown Power values through leadership, accountability, integrity, and collaboration.

Additional Required Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications established for Planner I and Planner II:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, or a related field; or journey-level status combined with five or more years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of five years of experience in planning, maintenance, or utilities.

• Completion of a relevant professional or technical certification within one year of employment. Examples include:

• F4 or S1 license.

• Project Management Professional (PMP).

• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP).

• Emerging Leaders or Prosci Organizational Change Management (OCM) certification.

• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions using research, data, and analytical judgment.

• Proven ability to deliver results through collaboration and influence across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.

• Ability to effectively communicate information vertically and horizontally throughout the organization.

• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, accountability, and ability to foster teamwork.

• Strong emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals.

Preferred Qualifications – All Levels

• Experience working within the utility industry.

• Project management or construction management experience.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day.  The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Operates a computer and other office equipment for good portion of the day. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level, or reach above head.  Considerable walking on concrete, uneven terrain, and grating. Must climb stairs and work from ladders, platforms, and personal lifts to conduct inspections and make adjustments during emergencies. Good vision required to distinguish colors and numbers when reading gauges, charts, and recorders. Must respond to emergency conditions requiring ability to communicate via phone or radio. Must be able to work various shifts if required. Occasionally exposed to confined/enclosed spaces, dust, coal dust, and inclement weather.  

Majority of work is in a temperature-controlled office environment.  Must perform site visits to various job and work sites.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee.  Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Why Should You Apply?

Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
 
Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.
 
Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.
 
Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's  Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.
 
Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year. 
 
Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.
 
Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more! 
 
About BWL:
The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.
 
The Location:
Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.
 
 

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER