Customer Project Associate

About the role

The Customer Project Associate coordinates and oversees routine Level 1 and 2 projects, ensuring alignment across various functional areas to meet critical objectives under tight timelines. This role develops and monitors comprehensive work plans covering schedules, milestones, expenditures and cash flow.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor project activities to ensure progress, alignment, and timely delivery of goals.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans that track schedules, milestones, and key deliverables.
• Monitor expenditures and cash flow to help projects stay within budget and support responsible resource use.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, gather updates, and keep communication flowing.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying risks, tracking dependencies, and helping teams stay on course.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Construction Management or other job-related field from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year experience in project management, utility construction, customer-facing roles and/or other job-related fields.
• An Associates degree plus three (3) years experience in project management, utility construction, customer-facing roles and/or other job-related fields.
• A high school diploma/GED plus five (5) years experience in project management, utility construction, customer-facing roles and/or other job-related fields.
• A valid Arizona Drivers License.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications

• Experience in electric utility industry and customer-facing roles.
• Ability to adapt and respond to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complaints, negotiate and problem-solve.
• Proficiency in Windows, Word, Excel, CC&B, GIS, Maximo, Primavera and other work order/project management tools.
• Analytical skills for evaluating project variables.
• Basic electricity knowledge, drafting/CAD experience and completion of college-level algebra.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Major Accountabilities

• Successfully completes the APS Customer Project Training, including on-the-job training (OJT).
• Manages routine Level 1 and 2 design projects (e.g., upgrades, relocations, conversions, maintenance, street lighting, dusk-to-dawn lighting, new services) by planning, designing, scheduling and coordinating all facets of the project from initiation through construction, energization and close out.
• Supports more complex Level 3 design projects under guidance from a senior level project manager.
• Collaborates with customers, developers and internal departments to assess needs, determine scope, obtain plans/maps/drawings and make decisions regarding the design and installation of APS facilities.
• Identifies best source of APS power, cost-effective design, usability of existing equipment based on load analysis and voltage drop calculations while adhering to required specifications.
• Affirms the need to obtain easements from property owners and permits from municipal authorities.
• Presents work authorizations (WA) and job estimates.
• Determines and communicates customer charges required in advance of construction in accordance with the APS extension policy.
• Prepares and presents invoices to customers; manages scheduling and ensures job packages are complete prior to releasing jobs to construction.
• May conduct or coordinate inspections during installation of customer electric service facilities to ensure compliance with APS design standards.
• Provides instruction to customers/contractors to ensure hassle-free service.
• Coordinates with internal departments and customers to communicate project requirements ensuring adherence to construction standards and safety code requirements.
• Maintains project management and customer information databases.
• Closes out projects upon completion.
• May coordinate with third-party contractors or vendors.
• May assume additional planning responsibilities for jobs assigned to contractors.
• May provide emergency response support during emergency events such as summer storms or other catastrophic events.