Summary
This job involves leading teams that build, maintain, and repair the electrical power lines and systems for a city utility, ensuring everything runs safely and reliably for customers.
A good fit would be someone with hands-on experience in power line work who enjoys supervising people, solving problems during emergencies, and improving team processes.
It's ideal for a leader who values safety, training staff, and handling on-call duties around the clock.
Full Job Description

Tacoma Power's Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Section is looking for a Power Field Operations Supervisor, Senior – Specialty Crews (Construction & Maintenance) to join our team. This position is responsible for leading and supporting specialty line crews to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of electric service to Tacoma Power customers. This role provides direct leadership, work direction, and accountability for assigned staff while overseeing the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of Tacoma Power’s transmission and distribution system.
The incumbent ensures employees have the tools, training, resources, and guidance necessary to perform work safely and efficiently, while mentoring staff and reinforcing T&D Core Values through consistent communication and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise, direct, assist, and evaluate daily activities of personnel engaged in planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and support of the T&D system.
Coach, mentor, and counsel employees to develop skills and abilities; recognize accomplishments and address performance or behavioral issues.
Promote and maintain a culturally diverse, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment.
Enforce T&D Core Values and clearly communicate expectations and accountability.
Workforce & Labor Relations
Interpret and enforce union contracts applicable to represented employees.
Assist managers with progressive discipline, grievances, counseling sessions, and documentation.
Investigate personnel issues and recommend corrective actions, up to and including discipline or termination, in accordance with laws, City policies, and labor agreements.
Safety, Compliance & Incident Management
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, City, County, and departmental policies, regulations, and agreements.
Investigate outages, injuries, and safety violations; coordinate Root Cause Analysis and develop management recommendations.
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert during investigations and present findings to T&D staff.
Maintain working knowledge of NERC standards and ensure staff compliance through training and communication.
Operations & Field Management
Prioritize, schedule, and assign work to trouble crews, service crews, maintenance crews, auditors, flaggers, and assist with T&D crew scheduling.
Coordinate personnel and equipment for construction, maintenance, repairs, and emergency restoration.
Provide 24/7 on-call coverage for outages, hazardous conditions, and emergency response.
Act as Incident Commander within the Incident Command System (ICS) during emergencies until relieved.
Maintain mutual aid agreements and represent Tacoma Power at regional disaster planning and emergency response events.
Planning, Process Improvement & Technical Support
Plan, develop, and implement improved work processes, tools, and programs to enhance operational efficiency.
Share field expertise with engineering and standards teams to improve construction standards and work practices.
Participate in the development of new programs, facilities, schedules, and special or hazardous assignments.
Stay current on industry trends, standards, and training opportunities; recommend succession and professional development training.
Budgeting & Financial Accountability
Assist in developing, monitoring, and managing biennium budgets for assigned cost centers.
Approve time, travel, materials, training, and maintenance expenditures in accordance with City and TPU policies.
Track costs, estimate project expenses, and adjust work or procurement to remain within budget.
Review and approve SAP transactions, service contracts, and contractor expenditures.
Participate in Cross-Functional Planning and Budget Review Teams for T&D capital projects and prioritization.
Requirements
Minimum Education*- High School Diploma or equivalent and completion of an electrical apprenticeship, or completion of a 2-year trade/technical school specializing in electrical, machining, fabrication or heavy equipment trades; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics or directly related field
Minimum Experience*6 years of related industry experience, including:
- Four (4) years as a journey electrician working on high voltage equipment, journey hydroelectric or power generation mechanic or operator working on power generation equipment. OR
- Six (6) years as a Hydro Utility Worker. OR
- Six (6) years as a NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) certified system operator.
AND
- At least one (1) year of lead/supervisory experience.
*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements- Incident Command Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certification
- State of Washington Driver's License
Some positions may require additional licenses and / or certifications, including:Qualifying journey-level high-voltage electrical certification
Completion of annual training and passing comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP) and/or NERC BITO or RC Certification
Additional Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve.
We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation.
If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience.
We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
ApplyInterested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & BenefitsPay Details: Hourly Rate: $78.38- $110.36Annual Salary: $163,030.40- $229,548.80Employee Benefits | City of TacomaGet Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
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Communication with the City of Tacoma
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