Utility Operations Application Specialist

Job Title: Utility Operations Application Specialist

Duration: 5 month contract

Location: Paramus, Hybrid

Pay: 65-70/hr

We seek an experienced Utility Operations Application Specialist to provide operational application support for a regulated utility, with primary focus on Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). This role serves as a key liaison between field/operations teams and technical delivery partners to ensure these mission-critical platforms are stable, secure, and optimized to support day-to-day utility operations.

The specialist will troubleshoot and resolve complex application and data issues, support reporting and integrations, and partner on configuration and enhancements within controlled change processes. The ideal candidate brings strong utility operations experience with hands-on technical skills--particularly SQL proficiency--to support and improve work execution and asset lifecycle business processes.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer, monitor, and maintain MWM and EAM applications to ensure reliable performance.
• Provide Tier 2/3 application support for end users, including operations, field, dispatch, and planners, through triage, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
• Track incidents and requests in ServiceNow, coordinate resolution with internal teams and vendors, and document fixes/workarounds to prevent recurrence.
• Execute controlled changes, including configuration updates and support for application upgrades and patching.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with required utility/IT controls, including access management, audit evidence, change control, and documentation.
• Write and optimize SQL queries for data validation, troubleshooting, and operational reporting.
• Support integrations and data flows, including APIs and interfaces between MWM/EAM and dependent systems.
• Develop and maintain support documentation, including runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and configuration notes.
• Assist with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of required applications on desktop and mobile devices; coordinate with IT as needed to resolve device or deployment issues.
• Conduct user training and provide ongoing support to ensure optimal use of applications.
• Perform system health checks and proactively identify areas for improvement.
• Assist in project planning and execution for new application implementations or major upgrades.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for critical system support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education / Experience / Background

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.

• 5+ years of experience in utility operations and related applications.

• Strong background in enterprise asset management and/or mobile workforce management systems; knowledge of Meter Management/AMI metering is a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Interest in environmental sustainability and supporting efficient utility operations.

• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Required:

• Good understanding of utility operations and processes.
• Hands-on experience supporting Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) and/or Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems in a production environment.
• Strong SQL skills for troubleshooting, data validation, and reporting; Oracle and/or MS SQL Server preferred.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience working within IT service management and change control processes, including ServiceNow/ITIL concepts.
• Ability to support and troubleshoot installations and configurations on Windows PCs and iOS devices, including connectivity, certificate/VPN, and version compatibility issues.
• Knowledge of IT security best practices.
• Data analysis and reporting skills.
• Understanding of compliance expectations in a regulated utility environment.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Proficiency creating and maintaining support documentation.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Preferred / Plus:

• Experience with IFS MWM and/or specific EAM platforms such as HxGN or Kloudgin.

• Metering/AMI or meter management exposure, such as Sensus, Itron, or Neptune.

• Experience supporting integrations and interfaces, including APIs and data flows, and coordinating issue resolution across teams/vendors.

• Exposure to scripting/automation, such as Python or PowerShell.

• Project coordination/management experience.

• CERTIFICATION / LICENSES / TRAINING

• Cloud Infrastructure Certification, such as AWS, is a plus.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Local position preferred, with remote work allowed up to 2 days per week.

• Time flexibility required.

• The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation – connecting the right people with the right opportunities in technology, engineering, accounting & finance, digital marketing, and manufacturing.

• As one of the largest staffing companies in the US, we operate with a global reach and a performance-first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results – building high-impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.