Jake A. Gauntz
STATE_US
Summary
Operations Manager with eight years of experience supporting large-scale utility and infrastructure projects. Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, and cost, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, and optimize operational processes. Detail-oriented, collaborative, analytical, organized, and effective in fast-paced, compliance-driven environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager I
Pike Engineering
08.2018 - Current
- Managing and leading teams of supervisors, project managers, engineers, technologists, and field technicians in the execution and management of distribution projects, to support the reliable delivery of distribution infrastructure.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and direction to supervisors, project managers, engineers, and technologists in the execution of distribution engineering projects – approximately 17 direct reports.
- Planning work capacity, resource utilization, and task prioritization.
- Project bid development and submission.
- Serve as the primary contact for external stakeholders.
- Develop and improve operational efficiency through standardized processes and workflow organization.
- Ensure project execution processes are in contractual, operational, and organizational compliance.
- Monitor operational performance, productivity, and budgets.
- Prepare and present operational reports, performance metrics, and status updates to senior leadership.
- Provide training, mentorship, and performance reviews for operation supervisors and project managers.
- Employee onboarding and offboarding.
- Support both leadership and team growth and development.
- Developing and fostering client relationships.
Operations Supervisor I
Pike Engineering
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Providing leadership to engineers, technologists, project analysts, and field technicians in the execution of power distribution projects, while overseeing their professional growth and development.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Supervised and coordinated the day-to-day operations of engineers, technologists, and field crews – approximately 21 direct reports.
- Planned and managed work schedules, assignments, and resource allocation.
- Monitored job progress, productivity, and quality of work.
- Oversaw quality control processes for operational deliverables.
- Reviewed project documentation, daily reports, and timesheets for accuracy and completeness.
- Tracking/reporting internal KPI’s and milestones.
- Ensured workflow optimization and schedule adherence.
- Supported and provided training and development of employees, including mentoring, skill development, and performance feedback.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Employee onboarding and offboarding.
Engineering Technologist II
Pike Engineering
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Implementing reliable, safe, and sustainable engineering design practices to electrical distribution systems. Working closely with engineers, project managers, and field personnel to develop technical drawings that comply with applicable standards, client requirements, and utility practices while supporting efficient project delivery from initiation through construction.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Supported the design and the modification of power distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution, substations, and associated equipment.
- Supported the design and the modification of telecommunication systems, including make-ready design, small cell design, pre and post-construction inspections, and QC.
- Performed technical calculations related to electrical loading, voltage drop, structural loading and clearances.
- Created and prepared technical drawings, material lists, and cost estimates.
- Participated in quality control reviews to ensure design accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
- Coordinated and collaborated with engineering leads, project managers, and field teams to address constructability and ensure clarity.
- Maintained accurate project documentation and design records.
- Assisted with emergency response and storm restoration efforts as needed.
Engineering Field Technician
IUJS LLC
03.2018 - 08.2018
- Providing on-site technical support for distribution projects through field inspections and data collection.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Collected field data for overhead, underground, and telecommunication distribution systems.
- Verified field conditions, such as – pole condition, conductor types, equipment type/configuration, clearances, and permitting constraints.
- Supported permitting, easement, and customer coordination efforts as needed.
- Coordinated and collaborated with engineers and project managers regarding discrepancies between field conditions and engineering/job scope plans.
- Maintained clear and accurate field notes and documentation.
- Supported construction, outage planning, and project close-out activities as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological and Agricultural Engineering + Technology
North Carolina State University
12-2017
Skills
- Operational planning & scheduling
- Operational reporting & metrics
- Project execution & tracking
- Productivity & KPI monitoring
- Operational leadership & team management
- Multi-project & multi-team coordination
PROGRAMS
- Microsoft- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Project
- BOUD
- Maximo
- Pole Foreman
- Argus
- QuickBase
- Fulcrum
- Power BI
- Dynamics
- PowerApps
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
Timeline
Operations Supervisor I
Pike Engineering
01.2021 - 01.2023
Operations Manager I
Pike Engineering
08.2018 - Current
Engineering Field Technician
IUJS LLC
03.2018 - 08.2018
Engineering Technologist II
Pike Engineering
01.2018 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biological and Agricultural Engineering + Technology
North Carolina State University