Project Representative

Application due date: March 2, 2026

Location: Elk River, MN - Report to various construction sites in MN (Company vehicle provided)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams. 

Summary:

Provides coordination, direction and inspection of contractor activities related to the maintenance and construction of transmission lines, substations, communication sites and other GRE facilities.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $105,000 - $144,000 annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Execute and document final compliance checks to verify GRE, NESC, and NERC standards are met. 
• Manage contractor resources to ensure projects are completed as scheduled. Informs supervisor and/or appropriate stakeholders of periodic progress during the project.
• Verify design meets standards per field conditions. Propose alternatives to meet needs, increase reliability, efficiency and/or reduce costs.
• Establish and administers processes, specifications, and work policies to ensure quality outcomes. 
• Assist with the timely completion of close out documents, including drawings.
• Coordinate and negotiate restoration efforts between GRE, contractors, landowners and governmental bodies and environmental regulations and ensure efforts are successful. 
• Ensure that contractors are adhering to good safety practices and follows ISO 14001 processes and procedures.
• Audit invoices for correct tabulations and billing rates. Approve with correct account assignments.
• Administer and coordinate efforts in the field during outages and storm restoration efforts. Ensures equipment, supplies, materials, lodging, transportation and other logistics are secured in a timely fashion and coordinates as needed.
• Maintain and administer onsite Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). 
• Coordinate delivery and inspection of project materials in conjunction with project schedules. 
• Coordinate and work with engineering to resolve any project design issues or constructability challenges. 
• Ensure the supervisor remains fully informed of issues affecting the department by preparing and presenting the necessary documentation and recommendations.
• Ensure contractor follows permitting and easement requirements and completes the documents as required.
• Ensure our member cooperatives are fully engaged with our construction and maintenance activities in their operating area.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience 
Minimum education requirements include a two-year technical degree in either civil/electrical/construction management/engineering principles or similar coursework; or successful completion of a line technician certification program. 7+ years of experience in the electric utility industry is required. Project management experience is preferred. Practical experience utilizing engineering principles, knowledge of transmission design, or experience as an electrical technician, line technician or related experience in the electrical utility industry is preferred. Experience overseeing and directing contractors performing both transmission and substation construction is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Knowledge of applicable safety codes and safety field practices, and ability to administer/control in the field at work sites. 
• Knowledge of RUS standards, ability to learn GRE construction standards, and recognize accuracy and detail for adherence to specifications. 
• Skilled at effective communications. Skills must include good interpersonal skills as well as written and verbal communication skills and ability to understand information and ideas as presented. 
• Skilled in using personal computers and related software for word processing, presentations, building spreadsheets, and interfacing with Outlook functions. 
• Skilled in conflict resolution including the ability to address difference of opinions or facts and use of the most appropriate method to reach an effective solution. 
• Ability to negotiate and collaborate with others to arrive at a conclusion using compromise, persuasion, rationale, and diplomacy. 
• Ability to solve complex problems along with analytical skills to examine options and incorporate them into broader-based business strategies. 
• Ability to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility with business partners. 
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing business circumstances; must be able to thrive in a constantly changing business environment. 
• Ability and responsibility to work safely alone and with others while following GRE safety rules, certifications and procedures.
• Ability to ensure compliance with contract terms, policies and procedures. 
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize time/workload and delegate work in order to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to coordinate assignments and handle multiple complex projects and tasks concurrently. 
• Ability to make timely and informed decisions after processing all available information. 
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license to perform the essential functions of the job. 
• Ability to maintain a medical card to perform the essential functions of the job. 
• Ability and responsibility to ensure security procedures are followed including immediate notification of potential incidents.
• Ensure employees and contractors are aware of and adhere to security processes and procedures. 

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by March 2, 2026. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.

About Great River Energy

Powering what’s possible Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electricity provider owned by our 26 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin for which we generate and transmit electricity. We provide wholesale electric service to our member owners who distribute electricity to approximately 660,000 member consumers - or about 1.7 million people. A diverse mix of generation resources - Our power plants generate more than 2,800 megawatts of electricity and several solar arrays capable of producing 650 kilowatts. In addition, we purchase wind and hydroelectric energy. Your electricity is delivered through power lines to you. Every time you plug in your toaster, television or other electrical device, a system of power lines goes to work to bring you the power you need. Our job at Great River Energy is to keep the lights on by providing a safe & reliable supply of electricity.

Connections working at Great River Energy