Job Training and Safety Instructor MREA

The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), representing electric cooperatives in Minnesota (www.mrea.org ), is seeking qualified applications for the position of Job Training and Safety Instructor. This position reports directly to MREA’s Director of Safety Services and is a Minnesota based position. The position is a vital part of the safety services program that involves providing safety services to our members, developing and delivering training, travel to member locations with overnight stays each week, and fostering a safe and healthy work environment for our members.   

 MREA fosters unity among and provides service and leadership to all of Minnesota’s 50 locally owned, nonprofit electric cooperative utilities. 

 The Job Training and Safety Instructor will:

• Help lead a high-performing culture of safety.
• Develop training programs and related written materials by researching topics and preparing presentation materials and handouts.
• Deliver high quality and engaging safety and technical training programs at our member system facilities and other locations.  
• Conduct compliance and engagement activities such as safety inspections, crew observations, safety committee facilitation
• Foster a safety and healthy work environment for our members by providing information on safety topics, technical subjects, work rules, and work practices.
• Promote and foster a positive safety culture.
• Develop and maintain positive professional working relationships with our member systems.
• Serve as a technical resource for our member systems in areas of electrical operations, safety related work practices, employee health and safety compliance (OSHA, ANSI, etc.)
• Make recommendations on improving safe work practices
• Assist in the development, planning, coordination, and presentations at association sponsored training events including workshops, training schools, and meetings.
• Work in a team environment with other members of the safety and loss control department.
• Promotes MREA culture by actively participating in association events and activities.

Education is acquired through completion of a documented course of study in either a safety-related field, an electrical utility field, and/or a lineworker apprenticeship program. Knowledge is typically acquired through 5 - 7 years of experience as an electrical line worker.

General knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures, practices, work methods, and reporting requirements that apply to electric cooperative safety.

Knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC), and rules enforced by OSHA, FMCSA, DOT, the EPA, and other federal and state regulatory agencies. Willingness to research different rules and regulations as necessary.

Knowledge of electric power transmission and distribution systems and their operating principles and practices; knowledge of electrical theory. Knowledge about the operation of vehicles and equipment typically used while constructing or maintaining overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems.

Serve as an Apprenticeship Instructor for our line worker apprenticeship training program, delivering high-quality instruction across nine training days annually to develop apprentices into skilled, safety-conscious journeyman line workers through hands-on training of essential linework skills.

Must be able to work outside normal business hours when required to conduct safety service days, attend meetings and/or interact with various groups.

Work location is based out of home; will be required to attend meetings at MREA Headquarters in Maple Grove, MN as determined and/or to pick up supplies, etc. It is typically at least 2 times a month.

Travel is required as part of the job to go onsite to system member locations each day with an average of two overnight stays each week, with some weeks exceeding this level. A vehicle is provided which is used for business only. Travel outside the state may also be required for external members and/or attendance at conferences and meetings.  

Must be able to handle interactions with various groups that may not agree with each other and have the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds on a frequent basis.

 Starting salary based on experience in the range of $92,000 – 110,000.

 Please send a detailed resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references to melissa@mrea.org by Friday, June 13