Utility Project Planner/Sr (Electric)

Montana-Dakota Utilities; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana-Dakota Utilities is seeking qualified candidates for Utility Project Planner roles across multiple locations in the United States. The position involves project management, coordination of gas and electric construction, and feasibility studies to support residential and commercial energy initiatives.

The role requires a two-year degree in business, project management or energy-related field and 2+ years in the energy sector; Sr requires four years and a year in Planner duties.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree in business, project management or energy related field with technical emphasis.
• Two years related energy industry experience.
• Four years related energy industry experience, with at least one year as a Utility Project Planner.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the timely completion of project design and estimating and post construction as-built reviews.
• Responsible for utility project management, oversight, scheduling and coordination of gas and/or electric construction and maintenance projects, the coordination of construction teams and meeting project deadlines in the most efficient and cost-effective manner within schedule.
• Proactively builds and maintains relationships with developers and builders and researches local zoning plans, master planning reports, and other resources to identify new developments and opportunities for customer growth.
• Seeks out and solicits new or conversion load customers within assigned territory. Prepares feasibility studies, negotiates extension contracts and expedites the approval process.
• Completes executive summaries and contributes subject-matter expertise towards the justification of gas and/or electric distribution and transmission system projects and other construction related activities.
• Manages the completion of system workflows, locates, right of way, easements, and permit acquisition and required documentation relating to construction and maintenance of projects and equipment, including post project material and quantity verification.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Education

Two-year degree in business, project management or energy related field

Two years related energy industry experience

Four years related energy industry experience, with at least one year as a Utility Project Planner

Job description

Responsible for project management and coordination, project designing and estimating of electric distribution and transmission systems and other construction related activities. Performs rate and cost comparisons and feasibility studies. Independently performs rate and cost comparisons and feasibility studies. Proactively influences residential and commercial energy decisions in alignment with strategic initiatives. Provides support for district management, internal departments, local agencies, and consultants. Provides support and coordination during emergency response and system restoration. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with area architects, developers, engineers, heating dealers, building contractors, other utilities and the public. Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Utility Project Planner: ($73,460 - $91,860)
• Must possess a working knowledge of gas and/or electric utility operations at a level normally acquired through a two-year degree in business, project management or energy related field with strong technical emphasis; and
• Two years related energy industry experience.
• Utility Project Planner, Sr: ($84,460 - $105,570)
• Must possess a working knowledge of gas and/or electric utility operations at a level normally acquired through a two-year degree in business, project management or energy related field with strong technical emphasis; and
• Four years related energy industry experience, with at least one year as a Utility Project Planner; and
• Successful completion of electric Utility Project Planner training courses.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
• May be required to submit to periodic background checks if position requires access to security sensitive business locations and/or systems.
• Required to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, no sponsorships considered.
• Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
• Must complete one-year electric Utility Project Planner training course. Upon enrollment, the course must be complete within 12 months.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

• Ensures the timely completion of project design and estimating and post construction as-built reviews.
• Responsible for utility project management, oversight, scheduling and coordination of gas and/or electric construction and maintenance projects, the coordination of construction teams and meeting project deadlines in the most efficient and cost-effective manner within schedule.
• Proactively builds and maintains relationships with developers and builders and researches local zoning plans, master planning reports, and other resources to identify new developments and opportunities for customer growth.
• Seeks out and solicits new or conversion load customers within assigned territory. Prepares feasibility studies, negotiates extension contracts and expedites the approval process.
• Completes executive summaries and contributes subject-matter expertise towards the justification of gas and/or electric distribution and transmission system projects and other construction related activities.
• Manages the completion of system workflows, locates, right of way, easements, and permit acquisition and required documentation relating to construction and maintenance of projects and equipment, including post project material and quantity verification.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

This position exists in several locations and the emphasis of the various job functions will vary from location to location.

Application Deadline: September 29, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.