Objectives

• Lead, direct, and continuously improve the NREA Job Training and Safety Program that provides first-rate instruction and training to approximately 900 employees at NREA member-systems across the State of Nebraska. 
• Promote and sustain a strong safety culture across NREA member-systems to proactively prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality training, education, and safety services aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support workforce development for the NREA membership through curriculum innovation, apprenticeship programs, and professional training initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between NREA, member-systems, and industry partners through collaboration and communication.
• Bridge the NREA Job Training and Safety Program to national safety organizations.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: NREA General Manager 
• Supervises: NREA Job Training and Safety Trainers; the number of direct reports may vary based on program staffing levels, but it is projected to be two trainers.
• Works Closely With: NREA Board of Directors and Committees; NREA member-system managers and staff

Responsibilities and Authority

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the NREA JT&S Program.
• Serve as the primary contact for NREA member-systems regarding training and safety initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate trainers to ensure program quality and consistency.
• Lead curriculum development and ensure training content reflects and exceeds current industry standards and membership needs.
• Maintain professional competence through professional development.
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and facilitate job training and safety education to the NREA member-systems. This includes the preparation of curricula and instructional materials.
• Direct all aspects of event coordination for the JT&S Program. Plan, organize, and manage conferences, workshops, and special training events. Including contracting, agenda development, securing presenters, budgeting, logistics, vendor coordination, registration, and billing. On-site for all events and training programs.
• Meter School
• Job Training and Safety Conference
• Rubber Gloving, Underground, and Apparatus Schools
• Safety Director Update
• Engineering Seminar
• Leadership Training
• Other training opportunities
• Develop and expand program offerings, including apprenticeship and specialized training programs.
• Manage program resources and equipment.
• Participate in and support NREA board, committee, and association meetings; prepare reports and follow-up actions. Serve as liaison to JT&S Committee,  Group Retention Committee, and Suppliers Group. Agenda development and content for meetings.
• Support the Nebraska Lineworkers Rodeo.
• Lead all on-site observations for NRECA RESAP at NREA member-systems. Assist member-systems with all aspects of RESAP.
• Provide leadership in safety compliance, including OSHA, Department of Labor, and state regulations.
• Keep abreast of the trends and developments in training, safety, equipment, and materials for the power industry.
• Lead safety audits, on-site observations, and accident investigations as requested by NREA member-systems.
• Maintain and update the NREA Safety Manual and safety inspection procedures in coordination with the JT&S Committee.
• Compose a monthly safety newsletter; emergency bulletins as necessary.
• Coordinate the initial stages of the NREA Emergency and Disaster Plan when assistance is requested by NREA member-systems.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual JT&S Program budget, including event budgets, equipment purchases, and program expenditures. Maintain fiscal accountability in accordance with NREA financial policies and spending authority thresholds established by the General Manager.
• Success in this role will be measured by: (a) training completion and participation rates across member-systems; (b) workplace incident rate trends within the membership; (c) member-system satisfaction with training and safety services; (d) regulatory compliance; (e) timely delivery and quality of program deliverables; and (f) development and retention of the training team.

Internal and External Relationships

Internal Relationships

• NREA General Manager and Staff
• NREA Board of Directors and Committees
• Job Training and Safety Trainers

External Relationships

• NREA member-system directors, managers, and employees
• Industry organizations (e.g., National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, safety associations, electric utility organizations, and partners)
• Vendors, suppliers, and training partners
• Regulatory agencies (OSHA, Department of Labor, state agencies)
• Contracted presenters and consultants

Education and Experience Required

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent; minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in electrical utility safety, utility operations, or workforce training, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory or program leadership role.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.  Equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience may be accepted. Demonstrate substantive technical knowledge of electrical utility operations, including distribution systems, linework practices, and applicable safety standards.
• Required Certifications: Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP); Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP); OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (Construction or General Industry); CPR/First Aid instructor certification. Additional certifications relevant to electric utility training will be considered favorably.
• Proficiency in instructional design and adult learning principles; curriculum development and facilitation; public speaking and professional presentation; budget management and fiscal oversight; strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; organizational and project management; and the ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

About Nebraska Rural Electric Association

Connections working at Nebraska Rural Electric Association