Field Engineer (Experienced)

Summary:

This position will assist in mentoring staff responsible for the development of engineering designs, design cost estimates and communication of technical and design information to Cooperative members, government entities and third-party builders and developers.

Objectives:

• To assist the Director, System Planning and Design in coordinating field and engineering activities.

• To design distribution facilities to extend or enhance service in compliance with RUS construction specifications and other requirements of RUS, the Virginia State Corporation Commission and The National Electrical Safety Code, in order to obtain the most efficient and effective system design.

• To assist in planning for, preparing and carrying out the Cooperative's Construction Work Plan.

• To plan and carry out assigned projects and participate in system planning.

• To assist and coordinate ODECs construction work plan and other related tasks.

• Perform any field surveys, drawings, sealed and recorded plats for all company districts with assistance from parties requesting work. Provides leadership and guidance to Staking Technicians and Field Engineers.

• Use drawing software on PC to create plat or drawings.

• Answer any questions from parties involved.

• Be responsible for keeping up with all necessary training and re-qualifying requirements to maintain license.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to: Director, System Planning and Design

• Directs: None

• Mentors: Field Engineers and Staking Technicians

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in preparation of the departments annual budget.

• Submit full and concise written reports as required by Director.

• To manage and coordinate all Service Orders and Work Orders related to Planning & Design Engineers & Staking Techs, assuring that all work is done in a timely manner.

• Assist and coordinates the preparation and carrying out of the Cooperative's Load Forecast and Construction Work Plan.

• Assist and coordinates the preparation and carrying out of the Cooperative's Long-Range Plan.

• Design, route and lay out electric distribution and service facilities including transformers in accordance with member's desires, if possible, while satisfying RUS Specifications, and accepted practices for design and construction of rural lines and prepare staking sheets, member orders and connection orders in accordance with the Cooperative's accepted practice.

• Negotiate for and prepare easement agreements for new construction and system improvements.

• Prepare load studies and recommend changes and additions required to meet the member's needs.

• Advise member and public regarding engineering problems regarding electric service requested and/or required.

• Operate and maintain transportation equipment, tools and working equipment in proper condition, and report deficiencies or repairs needed.

• Prepare staking sheet and related agreements to accommodate joint use of poles and trenches by other utilities in accordance with the agreement with each utility.

• Prepare required work order documents for transmission line construction and retirement as directed.

• Prepare sketches, plats and construction cost estimates as required.

• Performs all required engineering calculations or analysis for the department or other departments in the Cooperative.

• Assist and coordinates outside resources.

• Coordinates and schedules all work related task for the Staking Techs. and Field Engineers.

• Assist Construction and Operations personnel in carrying out the Construction Work Plan or other WO projects.

• Instruct and guides Staking Technicians and Field Engineers in the development program so they are prepared for advancement.

• Maintain system maps including necessary drafting as required.

• Must possess good computer skills, to include a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required by job responsibilities.

• Investigates and resolves member and contractor requests for service upgrades, relocations, right of way problems or other changes to existing facilities.

• Prepares and obtains construction permits from VMRC, Corps of Engineers, Accomack County Wetlands Board, US Department of Environmental Quality and VDOT.

• Provide technical knowledge to support the research and recommendation for system upgrades and improvements.

• Provide training for Cooperative or other personnel as required and directed

• Assists in Virginias Miss Utility locates when needed to support electrical design projects.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the latest RUS, NESC and other specifications and codes so that job designs are in compliance.

• Personally agrees to adhere to and abide by the Cooperative's safety rules, safety policies, and safety procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

Establishes and maintains the following contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication:

Internal

• System Management Supervisor: To seek advice on special projects, details, and procedures so that other personnel may be properly informed.

• Field Engineers and Staking Technicians: To coordinate activities and offer guidance.

• Operations and Construction: To discuss special line design projects and/or locations of facilities.

• Asset Supervisor: To discuss WO and material ability and specs.

• Members Services: To address any member issues and assist with calls or questions.

• Accounting: Provide necessary information for the purpose of WO closings and special reports.

External

• Members: Maintains a relationship with applicants, members, businesses and the public that will command respect for the Cooperative.

• Local, county, state, and federal governmental agencies: To confer and coordinate with relative to building or relocating distribution lines and facilities.

• Utility companies: To coordinate activities for joint use, permits and conflicts.

• Electricians and contractors: To advise and seek advice for providing service and/or the requirements thereof.

Specifications and Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution is preferred. Eight (8) years of utility related experience in engineering design, cost estimating and work planning for electric systems may substituted for education.

Experience:

A minimum of four (4) years of utility engineering experience, including related experience in electric power and basic maintenance procedures, supervisory responsibility and project management.

Job Knowledge:

Must have a strong knowledge of mathematics and be able to develop a working knowledge of distribution line design, transformer sizing, construction specifications, right-of-way easement procedure, National Electrical Safety Code, National Electric Code, Virginia Department of Transportation utilities relocation procedure, drafting, construction materials, communication skills, GPS, and surveying. Must possess a valid drivers license. Understand and adhere to all regulations and requirements set up by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Must possess basic computer skills, to include a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required by job responsibilities.

Abilities and Skills:

Must have the ability to:

• Power system planning.
• Design distribution lines, service laterals, and transformer sizes.
• Prepare clear and concise staking sheets, plats, right-of-way easements and other support documents.
• Prepare cost estimates for line extensions and relocation projects.
• Communicate with the general public and secure right-of-way easements and contractual agreements.
• Pole loading studies.
• AMI System for Engineering studies.
• Must have strong PC skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
• Perform all office and field procedures related to completing a successful survey.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

The majority of the work schedule will be performed traveling to and working at various field locations within the service territory with some office time each day. Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and negotiate uneven terrain over long distances. Must be willing to assist with service restoration during storms. Overtime may be required at times of heavy workload or outage emergencies.

Occasional travel for meetings, seminars and conferences may be required.