Operations Assistant (MiEnergy - Cresco, IA)

Hiring Salary: $18.81 - $28.21/hour
Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level. 
 
MiEnergy Electric Cooperative invites applications for the position of Operations Assistant and has selected Dairyland Power Cooperative to facilitate the search process. 
 
MiEnergy Cooperative was formed in 2017 from the merger of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric Cooperative.  Hawkeye REC was founded in 1936 and since then the membership has covered a range of home, farm, business and commercial consumers in Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties in Iowa. Before the merger with Tri-County Electric Cooperative, HREC had about 6,700 electrical services.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative was founded in 1936 when power was not available to rural residents. Local citizens banded together to build lines going out to their homes and farms. For 80 years, TEC served three counties in Minnesota including Winona, Houston and Fillmore and parts of Olmsted and Mower counties and also served portions of Howard, Winneshiek and Allamakee counties in Iowa. Before the merger with Hawkeye REC, TEC had about 15,000 electrical services.

Position Summary:
MiEnergy Cooperative is seeking a detail-oriented, professional Operations Assistant to provide administrative support and help coordinate work across operations, engineering and accounting. This position supports the work order process, outage reporting, department records, member requests and daily operations activity while providing excellent customer service consistent with MiEnergy’s cooperative values.

The Operations Assistant helps ensure the efficient and effective function of the Operations Department by applying MiEnergy’s tariff, policies and procedures. This role requires strong organization, accuracy, confidentiality and communication skills to support a “one MiEnergy” team culture.

Job Responsibilities:
These examples illustrate the various types of work performed in this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

•    Provide administrative support to operations, engineering and accounting.
•    Assist with the work order process from creation through completion, including work orders in IVUE and Partner/Revis, permits, staking sheets, pick lists, RUS coding, material charges and workflow tracking.
•    Coordinate with departments to help ensure work order revisions and project updates are completed accurately and on time.
•    Maintain Outage Management System reports, historical outage data and information needed for internal or external reporting.
•    Assist with vegetation management mailings, subdivision refund accounts, system improvement paperwork and service retirement requests.
•    Place IA and Gopher One Call notifications and coordinate with locating companies for upcoming underground or overhead projects.
•    Maintain operations department files and records in accordance with MiEnergy, RUS, federal, state and auditor requirements.
•    Prepare planned outage messages and notifications with direction from Directors of Operations or Foremen.
•    Dispatch outages and job tasks while covering radio operations during regular office hours.
•    Assist with after-hours storm restoration or emergencies when requested by operations leadership.
•    Take staking appointment messages and provide information to Design Technicians.
•    Perform checks in metering, outage management and billing software for transformer loading, breaker operations, voltage readings and related items.
•    Manage and update on-call lists in CRC and OMS software as directed.
•    Assist with phone calls, department reports, training, meetings, events and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED required, a degree in a related field is preferred.  Successful candidates will have a valid driver’s license and reside within MiEnergy’s territory, as travel between locations may be required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  
•    Ability to work without direct supervision and follow instructions.
•    Strong computer skills and aptitude for business software applications.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities. Maintain a neat and orderly work area.
•    High attention to detail and accuracy.
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks, shifting priorities and frequent interruptions.
•    Professional, respectful and positive demeanor with members, employees, contractors and vendors.
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with employees and members.
•    Desire to promote MiEnergy, its policies and the cooperative business model.

Physical Demands:
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.