Electric Project Manager – Storm Protection Program

RUIZ; Florida; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RUIZ Engineering & Construction Management is seeking an Electric Project Manager to lead storm protection projects in a North Florida region. You will own projects from initiation to closeout, coordinating engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, and project controls while serving as the primary client contact.

The role requires experience in electric utility distribution and strong scheduling and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 7+ years in electric utility distribution projects, 4+ years PM role.
• Experience with overhead/underground construction and safety standards.
• Client-facing experience with utilities or contractors.

Responsibilities

• Manage storm hardening projects from scoping to energization and closeout.
• Develop integrated schedules; track milestones and critical path.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and change orders; report variances.
• Coordinate design, permitting, and right-of-way with authorities.
• Lead construction oversight and field coordination with contractors.
• Prepare weekly/monthly status reports and stakeholder updates.
• Ensure safety compliance per OSHA/NESC and quality of as-builts.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Scheduling

Stakeholder liaison

MS Project

Primavera P6

Excel

Reporting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

or equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Excel

ArcGIS

GIS

Job description

RUIZ Engineering & Construction Management is seeking an Electric Project Manager to lead projects within a utility Storm Protection Program. The program hardens overhead and underground electric distribution infrastructure to reduce storm-related outages and speed restoration. Typical scope includes feeder and lateral hardening, overhead-to-underground conversions, pole inspection and replacement, and vegetation management coordination.

The Project Manager owns assigned projects from initiation through closeout, managing scope, schedule, budget, contractor performance, and reporting. The role serves as the primary point of contact with the utility client and coordinates engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, and project controls.

• Location: North Florida (field and office-based)
• Reports to: Program Manager / Managing Director
• Employment type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Manage a portfolio of storm hardening projects (feeder hardening, lateral undergrounding, pole replacement) from scoping through energization and closeout
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules; track milestones, critical path, and work package release
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and change orders; report variances and corrective actions
• Coordinate design packages with engineering teams, including constructability reviews and design change management
• Drive permitting, easement, and right-of-way coordination with municipalities, FDOT, counties, and property owners

Construction & Contractor Management

• Oversee line and underground construction contractors, including directional boring, trenching, cable pulling, and overhead line work
• Lead pre-construction meetings, weekly progress meetings, and job walks
• Monitor contractor production, quality, and safety; resolve field conflicts and elevate issues promptly

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for the utility client on assigned projects
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly status reports, dashboards, and executive updates
• Coordinate with customer outreach teams on homeowner communications for undergrounding work
• Support regulatory reporting tied to the utility's Storm Protection Plan

Safety & Quality

• Promote a strong safety culture and enforce compliance with OSHA, NESC, and utility safety requirements
• Ensure as-builts, closeout documentation, and GIS updates are complete and accurate
• Track and resolve punch list items, restoration, and quality deficiencies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field - or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 7+ years of experience in electric utility distribution projects, with at least 4 years in a project management role
• Direct experience managing overhead and/or underground electric distribution construction
• Working knowledge of utility construction standards, NESC, and OSHA requirements
• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, and multiple contractors at the same time
• Experience as a client-facing lead with a utility or utility contractor
• Proficiency with MS Project or Primavera P6, Excel, and standard reporting tools
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites
• Ability to support storm restoration activations, including extended hours

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification
• PE license or EIT
• Experience with overhead-to-underground conversions, including customer service conversions and easement acquisition
• Familiarity with FPSC regulatory reporting and storm cost recovery processes
• Experience with utility work management and GIS systems (SAP, Esri ArcGIS)
• Prior storm restoration experience in a field or logistics leadership role
• Split between office and active construction sites; field visits require appropriate PPE (FR clothing, hard hat, safety-toe boots)
• Regional travel within the service territory; overnight travel as needed