Powering Connections with James Woolley,
Engineering Field Planner
At Lake Worth Beach Electric Utilities, success comes from people who bring both technical expertise and dedication to serving the community. One such individual is James Woolley, Engineering Field Planner, whose 15 years of service have made him a trusted representative of the department and a vital connection between the utility and its customers.
A Career of Versatility and Dedication
As the primary point of contact for many residents and businesses, James reflects the image of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utilities every day. His work includes handling requests for changes to electric service, investigating reports of power imbalances, and coordinating design and fieldwork. He enjoys the balance of office planning and hands-on implementation, “I get to see what I design being built,” he explains.
James began his career as a mechanical engineer but soon discovered opportunities in electrical engineering. “Engineering does not rest solely on a specific branch,” he shared, “It allows engineers to excel in various fields of study.” That openness to opportunity ultimately led him to working at Lake Worth Beach, where his skills have continued to grow and diversify.
Hands-On Work and Proud Achievements
While many might think of engineering as desk work, James’ role often requires physical effort. From using jackhammers to cut through cement to setting poles in the field, he embraces the chance to apply both technical and manual skills.
Among his many projects, James is particularly proud of his work on the Evermore and Woodspring hotels in collaboration with the new Chipotle and Chick-fil-A. Designing the correct distribution plan for these developments required innovative solutions and careful planning to meet the city’s growing needs.
What Sets Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility Apart
What James enjoys most about working for Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility is he is offered the chance to engage in both office and field activities. In other places, outside contractors handled fieldwork, leaving him only with data to analyze. At Lake Worth Beach, he does both. “It’s a path to further learning,” he explains.
He also praises the work culture within the department, where respect, communication, and collaboration drive success. Teamwork, he says, is all about “working efficiently as a group for a common goal” and supporting one another along the way.
Looking Ahead and Life Beyond Work
Looking forward, James is excited about upcoming substation upgrades and the construction of a new tie line that will strengthen reliability for Lake Worth Beach and neighboring communities. He’s also interested in developing his skills further in electronics and computer security, areas that will continue to shape the utility industry.
Outside of work, James enjoys mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu, and spends his weekends bodybuilding. He’s also known for his good sense of humor, “Fun brings spice to life” James laughs.
For those beginning their careers in electric utilities, James offers advice, “Become familiar with the city by driving through it entirely and then get to know the system voltages of its electric grid.”
After more than 15 years, James continues to embody the mission of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utilities through balancing technical skill, customer service, and teamwork while helping to power the City of Lake Worth Beach.
