Job Description Job Description
Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Energized Line Maintenance & Utility Safety Assessment
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Technical Advisor to support a utility safety assessment focused on energized-line work practices, procedures, and workforce knowledge capture. This individual will work alongside a broader assessment team, providing deep subject matter expertise in utility distribution operations, energized work, arc flash hazards, and PPE requirements.
The engagement will help a utility client standardize procedures and safety protocols across its electrical distribution organization while capturing critical institutional knowledge from experienced crews approaching retirement. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with field credibility and experience evaluating safety practices, training programs, and operational standards.
Engagement Details
- Duration: Approximately 6-8 weeks for the initial assessment phase
- Start Date: October-November timeframe
- Work Arrangement: Primarily remote with a hybrid component
- Travel: Required for onsite field observations and interviews
- Location: Missouri (specific client locations to be determined)
- Candidates outside the Missouri/Illinois region will be considered
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed
- Potential for follow-on work beyond the initial assessment phase
Responsibilities
The Technical Advisor will serve as the primary subject matter expert supporting the assessment team and will:
- Review current energized work practices against OSHA 1910.269, IEEE standards, NFPA 70E, and other applicable industry standards
- Observe energized-line and hot-work activities in the field and identify gaps between written procedures, training materials, and actual work practices
- Evaluate existing procedures, arc flash programs, and PPE protocols for consistency and effectiveness across crews
- Identify safety, compliance, and operational improvement opportunities
- Provide technical expertise to support root-cause analyses and prioritized recommendations
- Assess current training approaches and contribute to strategies that drive sustainable behavior change, not just knowledge transfer
- Identify critical practices, tacit knowledge, and lessons learned from experienced field personnel that should be incorporated into future standards, procedures, and training programs
- Support the development and refinement of energized work procedures, arc flash guidance, and PPE protocols
Qualifications
Required
- Deep working knowledge of OSHA 1910.269, IEEE standards, and NFPA 70E as applied to utility distribution operations
- Hands-on experience with energized work practices, arc flash risk assessment, and PPE selection in a utility, electric distribution, or line-work environment
- Experience conducting safety assessments, audits, procedure reviews, or operational evaluations
- Strong understanding of utility field operations and workforce safety practices
- Ability to engage effectively with both field crews and leadership stakeholders
- Willingness and ability to travel for onsite field observations and workshops in Missouri
Preferred
- Experience developing or revising utility operating procedures and safety standards
- Experience with workforce knowledge capture, succession planning, or institutional knowledge transfer initiatives
- Background in training program development, adult learning, or behavior-change initiatives
- Utility consulting, safety leadership, or regulatory compliance experience
