Employment Opportunities

Manager of AMI & IT

This position is responsible for oversight and management of the AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) & IT (Information Technology) department including all operational, planning, and communications services required for the operation of the Cooperative.  This individual will design, plan, direct, and maintain AMI & IT related activities and equipment and will work with the key management staff to identify, develop, implement and support technology solutions for Bluestem Electric Cooperative (the Cooperative).

Job Responsibilities:

Management

1. Participates as a member of the Cooperative’s management team in the development of operating practices and policies, strategic objectives, long-range forecasting and financial planning.
2. Develops, maintains and tests all disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of a major technology failure.
3. Develops and implements AMI & IT policies and standard operating procedures including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing and service provisions.
4. Leads and develops AMI & IT personnel to meet the business needs of the Cooperative.
5. Manages the financial aspects of the AMI & IT department including budgeting and purchasing.
6. Works with department heads and the General Manager to define business and systems requirements for new and proposed technology upgrades.
7. Develops monthly board reports and makes board level presentations as needed.

Operational Management

1. Manages the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade and support of all AMI & IT systems including, but not limited to, servers, PC’s, operating systems, hardware, software, data and voice communications systems, security monitoring systems, and load management systems and equipment.
2. Researches and enforces best practices for network security and cybersecurity that meet all security standards.
3. Manages interfaces for all software applications used by the Cooperative.
4. Negotiates with technology vendors and oversees any contracted or outsourced audits or work being performed on behalf of the Cooperative.
5. Ensures compliance with all software licensing requirements.
6. Works with all department heads to ensure their technology needs are being met.
7. Ensures employee technical support service needs are met in a timely manner.

Communication Management

1. Ensures Cooperative telephone systems are functioning at peak performance.
2. Manages the cell phone programs for Cooperative personnel.
3. Manages all mobile data devices.
4. Oversees mobile data management including office to field information transfer and mobile device updates.

Miscellaneous

1. Attends national, regional, and state meetings as an official representative of the Cooperative.
2. Maintains any continuing education requirements as required, and undertakes any continuing education as directed and/or approved by the General Manager.
3. Meets all the safety requirements of the Cooperative.
4. Must possess a valid driver’s license.  CDL Class “A” preferred.
5. Performs all other duties as required or directed by the General Manager.

Job Requirements:

Experience

1. A minimum of 5 years of technical experience in AMI & IT projects and enterprise applications. 
2. Previous electric utility experience is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Must possess knowledge of a broad range of AMI and computing technologies utilized in an electric utility organization and be proficient in applying technology solutions.
2. Must have a strong technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols and standards.
3. Proven experience in AMI & IT infrastructure planning, development, maintenance, and management.
4. Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical people.
5. Must have the ability to manage, lead and coach employees effectively.
6. Must have the ability to handle a wide variety of tasks and be organized to meet deadlines and to work under critical timelines and pressures.
7. Must be a team player.
8. Must possess good analytical and decision-making skills.
9. Should always maintain a professional demeanor.
10. Must be able to lift up to seventy-five pounds (75#) as needed.
11. Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
12. Must be able to stand continuously while working for multiple hours at a time.

Education

1. Associate or Bachelor degree in an IT related field such as Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Network Administration is preferred.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals should email their cover letter and/or resume to: "jasonm@bluestemelectric.com".

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bluestem Electric Cooperative is an "equal opportunity employer". All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.