Columbia Rural Electric Association is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Manager of Operations located at the Cooperative’s Walla Walla Service Center.
The Manager of Operations is a key member of the Cooperative Management Team and is responsible for the overall direction and administration of the Operations Department. The position leads the department through the General Foreman and other assigned supervisors and oversees vegetation management, inspections, fleet, equipment, and personnel. The Manager must balance multiple projects, assignments, and personnel in a fast-paced operating environment while ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective operation, construction, maintenance, and emergency response of the Cooperative’s electric system.
The Manager must demonstrate strong team-building and leadership skills, work collaboratively as a member of the Cooperative Management Team, manage time effectively, and communicate operational information professionally and consistently with established standards.
The Manager converts Cooperative priorities, approved budgets, work plans, safety requirements, and operating standards into clear department direction, schedules, expectations, and results. The Manager administers the collective bargaining agreement, manages bargaining-unit labor, and coordinates employee and labor-relations matters with the Chief Operating Officer and Human Resources. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility line construction, operations, maintenance, or system supervision is required. Supervisory or management experience, including experience leading through a General Foreman or comparable field supervisor, is preferred. Completion of a recognized lineworker apprenticeship, college or university coursework, utility-management training, or other relevant technical and supervisory education is preferred. A combination of education, electric utility experience, technical training, and management experience may be considered in lieu of education. Candidates must be proficient in computer applications; possess a valid driver’s license; and have working knowledge of electric distribution and transmission operations, line construction, switching, outage restoration, utility safety requirements, and applicable codes, standards, and regulations. The position may serve in the Duty Officer rotation and requires timely after-hours response during outages, emergencies, Mayday calls, and other significant operations events.
Columbia REA offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package as well as an opportunity for professional development and growth. Please send a cover letter with a professional resume to Columbia REA, Attn: Human Resources, 2929 Melrose, Walla Walla, WA 99362, or email jobs@columbiarea.coop. Position is open until November 12, 2026. Salary Range: $135,301-216,374/annually. EOE V-D M-F.
