Electrical Engineer

Summary/Purpose

Provides analysis and planning for the distribution system; Organizes and maintains GPS/GIS system; Provides technical support to the Engineering Department.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the typical duties of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties and may include other duties as assigned.  The scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of NAEC.  All employees are expected to work in a safe manner and follow all safety rules and regulations at all times.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Assists in designing system improvements.
• Responsible for maintaining the staking database.
• Responsible for the GPS and GIS systems maintenance.
• Prepares and updates records for the system work plan, power requirement study (PRS) and long-range plan.
• Ensures that all maps are current and available for end-users.
• Ensures all technical databases are current and accurate.
• Ensures that the AMR system, both hardware and software, is functioning, updated, and providing bill readings.
• Ensures that core facilities such as substations, distribution systems, transmission systems, load management, communications systems, metering systems, and engineering servers are operational and updated.
• Monitors engineering work orders and service orders for timely completion.
• Reviews and monitors cooperative in-house technical studies such as transformer loading, voltage drops, fault currents, line feasibility, sectionalizing, and load balance.
• Develops plans and schedules to improve sectionalizing, distribution, transmission, and substations.
• Develops and monitors budgets for scheduled improvements and additions.
• Develops and updates maintenance schedules for battery systems, reclosers, regulators, control systems, and transformers.
• Works with engineering consulting firms in the preparation of technical studies, construction contracts, and construction plans.
• Works with contractors to ensure timely construction, adherence to design documents, code compliance, and a safe work environment.
• Develops contracts for labor, material, or both and submits them to bidders.
• Evaluates construction and material bids and recommends the award of contracts.
• Assists in developing Engineering Department budget and work plan.
• Assists members in technical questions related to their electric service, power quality, or rate structure.
• Writes or configures software to make engineering data usable by other employees and to transfer engineering data between software packages.
• Develops programs and designs control systems for our substations, distribution systems, and transmission systems.
• Responsible for maintaining the building security/access/fire system.
• Responsible for maintaining the fiber geodatabase.
• Assists in fiber to the home design, staking, and overseeing of construction. 
• Responsible for the installation, testing, and repairing of all types of systems such as SCADA, fiber, microwave, radio, load control, surge, metering systems, and any other associated electronic equipment.  This includes a lot of downline electrical device automation and monitoring that will be connected back through our Fiber and SCADA system.
• Assists in fiber to the home design, staking, equipment purchases, and overseeing of construction.
• Assists and manages the joint-use process and contracts.  
• Responsible for engineering design for new construction, existing plants, load flows, fault calculations, system specifications, etc. for both fiber and electric.
• Directs the design of both single and three-phase line construction.
• Directs the development of 4-year work plan and long-range studies as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Education/Experience

Must have an Electrical Engineering Degree and a valid Professional Engineering License in the state of Arkansas or the intent to attain a Professional Engineering License.  Experience in a similar role is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to write/complete complex reports.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of electric utility system operations, construction, and maintenance.
• Ability to accurately calculate complex electrical problems and provide solutions.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, members and the general public.
• Must have and maintain professional knowledge of regulatory issues as pertains to functions of Engineering Department.
• Ability to solve problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to interact with members and other employees in a courteous and proper manner.
• Ability to project a favorable image for the Cooperative.          
• Ability to plan work and to properly instruct others.
• Should have good working knowledge of RUS specifications, National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA Rules and Regulations and all Cooperative policies and procedures and Service Rules and Regulations and Rates.
• Should be skilled in areas of planning, controlling, and scheduling functions and coordination with others.
• Ability to effectively motivate, develop, train, and supervise people is strongly preferred. 
• Must possess strong communications skills, team skills, conflict resolution skills, and interpersonal skills as well as extensive problem-solving capability.
• Ability to accomplish a variety of projects simultaneously within established deadlines.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

General office conditions with irregular hours as deemed necessary by the position.  Good dexterity to operate various pieces of equipment, including test equipment, hot-line tools, and computer equipment.  Requires the physical ability of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, and defined light work.  Must possess a current Arkansas driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.  Must be able to read instrument and computer outputs accurately.  Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.  Position requires travel throughout the Cooperative’s service territory, and occasionally working long days to meet deadlines.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, including normal office conditions.  Work is occasionally outside.  Sometimes there may be extreme weather conditions including wind, rain, snow, and dust, and the risk of electrical shock.  Safety precautions and practices are required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, with occasional high levels requiring hearing protection.

NAEC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.  The Engineer position is a safety sensitive position.