What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Outage Planner position at ESPO Corporation?
Project Outage Planner
Location: Reading, PA or Akron, OH
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Project Outage Planner to support outage planning, scheduling, and coordination activities for transmission and distribution projects. This role plays a critical part in ensuring construction and maintenance work can be safely and efficiently executed with minimal impact on system reliability. The Outage Planner will work closely with Project Managers, Construction teams, Operations, Engineering, and field personnel to develop outage sequences, prepare switching documentation, and align outage schedules with project timelines.
This is a high-visibility role supporting large capital project portfolios and requires strong communication, analytical skills, and a commitment to safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to all aspects of safety and compliance.
- Develop construction and outage sequence plans, incorporating data from multiple teams and systems.
- Lead project staff in planning outage and switching schedules that support project timelines.
- Coordinate switching activities for transmission lines, distribution lines, substations, and related equipment.
- Analyze outage requests for risks, contingencies, and operational impacts.
- Communicate outage plans and switching documentation to field personnel, control centers, and project management teams.
- Provide accurate switching documentation in alignment with operational procedures and safety standards.
- Prepare and deliver reports that summarize upcoming outages, switching sequences, and project impacts.
- Recommend improvements to outage planning methods, processes, and tools.
- Maintain awareness of real-time system activity and adjust plans as needed.
- Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Project Outage Planner I
- Two-year technical degree preferred; instead of a degree, 2-4 years of related experience will be considered.
- 0-2 years of related experience in project coordination, scheduling, utility operations, or line/substation construction.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
- All qualifications of Planner I, plus:
- 2 years related experience, ideally in outage planning, utility operations, or transmission/distribution environments.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, standards, and equipment documentation.
- Working knowledge of electrical system equipment and utility operations preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop safe and efficient switching orders and outage plans.
ESPO Corporation
Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965
ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401 (k) after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.