Engineer I, II

Position Summary
The Engineering Department is responsible for the short and long-term system planning for the cooperative, as well as day-to-day engineering. This includes general engineering duties as well as special projects of a technical nature. This position contributes to the responsibilities of the department by assisting in planning and implementing the cooperative’s work plans. May include supervision of union and non-union employees.

Qualifications
·         Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, emphasis in power system studies preferred

·         Seven years Engineering experience

·         EIT/FE completion (Engineer I), Oregon Professional Engineer registration, or the ability to obtain registration in Oregon within six months (Engineer II)

·         Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
·         Strong management skills in the areas of communication, motivation, delegation, and employee development

·         Comprehensive knowledge of principles relating to the design and operation of transmission, substation, and distribution systems

·         Comprehensive knowledge of applicable industry policies, rules, regulations, and codes relating to design and operation of electric utility facilities

·         Project Management skills

·         Strong understanding of engineering economic analysis

·         Oregon Professional Engineer registration or EIT/FE completion.

·         Supervisory and Project Management experience would be valuable for this position.

·         Experience working for an electric utility is strongly preferred, including knowledge of basic utility operation, common line material and equipment, economics, and NESC code.

·         Experience supervising, coaching, and developing employees

Competencies
·         Safety Awareness and Participation

·         Adaptability

·         Technical/Professional Knowledge

·         Decision Making

·         Planning and Organizing

·         Problem Solving

·         Ability to take appropriate action on one’s own initiative.

·         Strong management skills in the areas of communication, motivation, delegation, evaluation, employee development and planning.

·         Accuracy, dependability, and loyalty to the Cooperative.

·         Ability to work well with other employees and the public.

·         Comprehensive knowledge of principles relating to the design and operation of transmission and distribution systems

·         Comprehensive knowledge of applicable policies, rules, regulations, and codes relating to design and operation of transmission and distribution

·         Achieve timeliness in customer response, technical analysis, and job completion

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.      Perform technical studies on fault current, power factor, voltage drop, capacity, flicker, interconnection, etc., as required.

2.      Plan, design, and manage large and complex construction projects, and ensure they meet OTEC standards and NESC requirements.

3.      Assist in reviewing distribution and transmission switching procedures for safety, protection coordination, load shifting capability, and voltage levels prior to approving switching procedures.

4.      Review system records and updates for device numbers, substation drawings, and system single-line diagrams.

5.      Plan, design, and program SCADA system to ensure data collection and reliable operation. SCADA work includes master system programming and remote field communications system networking.

6.      Maintain communication with all large power consumers.

7.      Assist in the upgrade of engineering construction standards for safety and efficiency.

8.      Inspect, physically audit, report discrepancies, and stamp approval of completed OTEC work orders, as assigned.

9.      Ensure OTEC is in compliance with NERC reliability standards.

10.  Initiate and evaluate power quality investigations to ensure high quality service.

11.  Direct, monitor, and evaluate work of supervised employees.

12.  Provide technical assistance to lineman, meterman, substation techs, and staking, as needed.

13.  Innovation

14.  Communication

15.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities
·         Perform analysis and make independent technical decisions consistent with engineering principles.

·         Provides technical oversite of Engineers in Training (Engineer II).

·         Perform technical studies on fault current, power factor, voltage drop, capacity, flicker, interconnection, etc., as required.

·         Plan, design, and manage large and complex construction projects, and ensure they meet OTEC standards and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NESC) requirements.

·         Assist in reviewing distribution and transmission switching procedures for safety, protection coordination, load shifting capability, and voltage levels prior to approving switching procedures.

·         Review system records and updates for device numbers, substation drawings, and system single-line diagrams.

·         Plan, design, operate and program Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure data collection and reliable operation. SCADA work includes master system programming and remote field communications system networking.

·         Maintain communication with all large power consumers.

·         Assist in the maintenance of Engineering Construction Standards for safety and efficiency.

·         Inspect, physically audit, report discrepancies, and stamp approval of completed OTEC work orders, as assigned.

·         Ensure OTEC is in compliance with NERC reliability standards.

·         Initiate and evaluate power quality investigations to ensure high quality service.

·         Direct, monitor, and evaluate work of supervised employees.

·         Provide technical assistance to lineman, meterman, substation techs, and staking, as needed.

·         Participation in cooperative strategy and initiatives

Working Conditions

This position is responsible for leadership, performance management, hiring and supervision of the Engineering Aide and the Meter Department, including both union-represented and non- represented employees.

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Workload may require working beyond normal work hours to meet schedules.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand. This position requires that the employee has no restrictions on hours of work and travel and may be required to assume supervisory rotational “on call” duties. Travel is required within the four-county service territory during the business day and infrequently overnight. Occasional out of the area travel is expected to attend various activities such as meetings, training, and other events.

This job operates in a professional office environment routinely using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Work may be in a variety of environments including outdoors in all weather conditions, around energized electrical equipment, and in noisy or dirty environments with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The work requires the ability to see and hear to detect problems and ensure the safety of employees and others in response to exposure to the hazards associated with this position. The work requires the ability to operate tools, equipment and vehicles associated with the job functions. Work activities involve combinations of walking, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, and sitting for extended periods, lifting and carrying and standing for extended periods.

Disclaimer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits of Working at OTEC

OTEC employees are dedicated to providing safe, reliable energy and a high level of service excellence to our members. A career at OTEC includes many benefits. We offer our employees work/life balance, comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan options, retirement benefits, continued professional development and training, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity

OTEC is committed to hiring the best qualified persons to perform the tasks involved in providing high quality service to its members. In fulfilling that commitment, OTEC shall provide equal employment opportunities to all persons seeking employment, and shall see that its hiring practices, working conditions, benefits and privileges of employment, compensation, training, opportunities for advancement (including upgrading and promotion) and transfers and termination of employment (including layoffs and recalls) are such that there is no discrimination as to employees of OTEC because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood or disability.

OTEC is an alcohol and drug-free employer.