Director, Construction & Maintenance

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Connexus Energy team as the Director of Construction and Maintenance. In this role you would be responsible for providing professional management to staff of roughly 45 employees and various external contractors to deliver the best member experience possible through exceptional reliability, service, and value. 

Based in the city of Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric distribution cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 145,000+ residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities. We offer a work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable, and innovative industry.  We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development. Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability. Fast Company named Connexus to its prestigious list of 2024's Most Innovative Companies.

Key Responsibilities and Results

• Promote and maintain safe work practices, and partner with safety leadership to develop and secure new or improved programs, policies, and equipment
• Lead and manage the construction and maintenance activities, and establish goals, tactics, and work practices
• Direct and manage the vegetation management program
• Lead the strategic thinking and project management of enterprise-wide projects
• Establish and maintain the department budget
• Collaborate with union stewards, business agents, and Connexus Energy management to negotiate and administer agreements
• Work with members, builders, developers, and agencies to facilitate the work processes and maximize member satisfaction

 Required Education and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, construction management, engineering, or related field
• Five years’ experience in construction and maintenance (candidates without a bachelor’s degree will be considered if have 10+ years of experience)  
• Experience in people management
• Experience in project and financial management
• Ability to recognize and implement process improvements
• Excellent collaboration, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written, and ability to effectively communicate and present to all levels within the organization
• Strong computer skills in the suite of standard office applications 
• Ability to operate major enterprise computer systems, such as work management, vegetation management, geographic information, customer information, and automated vehicle locating systems
• Current and valid driver’s license

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills and Talents 

• Knowledge and understanding of electrical distribution system construction and maintenance practices/standards
• Experience working for an electric utility
• Experience leading in a union environment

Pre-Employment Requirement: Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Compensation:  This position offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, life, disability insurance, 401(k) with generous employer contribution, tuition reimbursement, and more.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.