Superintendent of Engineering

Umatilla Electric Cooperative is headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon (population 18,000+), the largest and fastest-growing city in Eastern Oregon. Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston area has become a hub for logistics and data center activity. The area is 30 minutes south of the Tri-Cities in Washington, two-and-a-half hours south of Spokane, three hours east of Portland, and three-and-a-half hours northwest of Boise. Cost of living is lower than the national average. Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University have branch facilities in Hermiston; Columbia Basin College and a branch campus of Washington State University are a 40-mile drive. Area activities are plentiful, and include golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and snow skiing.  UEC is seeking a full-time Superintendent of Engineering to be located at the utility office in Hermiston Oregon. UEC offers a competitive wage and benefits package and a 4 day, 10 hour a day work week.

Salary: $172,000-212,000 DOQ

UEC Company Benefits & Perks:

4-10 Schedule (Friday’s Off)

401(K) up to 11% Company Match

Pension Plan (100% Employer Sponsored)

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits options

Competitive Wages

Vacation, Sick Leave and 11 paid holidays

Gym Membership Subsidy

Employer Sponsored Training

Various Opportunities for Fundraising and giving back to the community.

For information on the local area, please visit: https://hermistonchamber.com/

SUMMARY

The Superintendent of Engineering is responsible for maintaining working knowledge of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design, equipment specifications, operating principles, preparing technical engineering studies and reports, and development of construction work plans. Plans and directs construction and maintenance activities in collaboration with other departments. The Superintendent delegates functional activities to workers and acts in a supervisory role. This position will work closely with other Engineering and Operations Superintendents to assure clear communications and effective teamwork.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include other duties as assigned.

Responsible for monitoring line extensions, system improvements and maintenance services of the department, ensuring compliance with UEC policies, standards, processes and procedures and with consideration of the annual budget.
Develops maintenance plans, schedules and directs others for execution tracking to completion.
Tracks and maintains power system compliance for UEC regulatory and emergency response guidelines, inspections and reports to ensure the Cooperative is in compliance with all local, state, and federal, and applicable utility regulations.
Directs design of new electric plant or improvements to existing electric plant including substations, transmission or distribution lines. Prepares and presents design drawings and project details for approval as requested.
Oversees development of routine technical specifications; identifies material needs and issues procurement instructions for routine projects; reviews and prepares recommendations for new materials/ equipment specifications.
Directs development of technical studies such as coordination, sectionalizing, voltage, and fault studies.
Oversees development of design drawings, concepts and specifications developed by the engineering department employees or consultants.
Prepares long-term and short-term construction work plans within the limits of required approvals and UEC policies and procedures.
Provides engineering guidance, calculations, analysis, studies, and recommendations for engineering plans/projects within schedule and budget of an assigned project as well as for prospective and/or planned generation or renewable energy projects in the UEC service area.
Serves in active leadership role developing and mentoring engineering staff.
Serves in the “Tech on Call” rotation to support after hour’s member needs.

JOB DUTIES may include other duties as assigned.

Keeps well informed of the latest equipment, practices and procedures in the industry regarding automated electric design systems; the operating principles of power transmission and distribution equipment necessary for operation and maintenance of an electric system; and keeps current on new and improved engineering standards and practices for benefit of UEC.
Prepares operating and capital budget recommendations for the Operations & Engineering Managers related to maintenance of existing plant.
Serves as lead or committee member on various company committees as directed, promoting teamwork between departments, peers, and co-workers.
Coordinates with the Operations Department personnel to ensure prompt response to outages.
Works closely with other departments in development of company procedures and work processes; strategic or department work plan initiatives; and RUS engineering and finance requirements for construction work plans.
Actively promotes a culture of safety and assures safety standards are adhered to.
Complies with UEC policies and procedures
Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the workplace.
Conducts themselves in a manner that reflects well on UEC and contributes to harmonious relations with members and the general public.
Respectfully takes direction from manager.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises union and non-union represented employees. Is responsible for the overall direction coordination and evaluation of these employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education:   Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related Engineering discipline Required. 10 Years of direct leadership and supervisory experience in utility construction or technical role may be substituted for education.

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years in electric utility engineering and supervision, or other related experience.

Qualifications/Skills:

Knowledgeable of specifications and operating principles of power transmission and distribution equipment as well as voltage control, system protection, metering and automation concepts.
Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and be familiar with Rural Utilities Services (RUS) or other electric utility construction specification standards.
Excellent interpersonal skills needed to facilitate project milestones. Clearly and concisely communicate to peers and management.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects on budget and on schedule.
Excellent computer skills including experience with applicable software in such fields as graphic design, technical writing, electric system design software, GIS, analytical electric engineering software, statistics, and web based training.
Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, and communicate by e-mail.
Advanced math skills including the ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.
Displays excellent presentation, persuasion and negotiation skills required in working with members, customers, or coworkers and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
Take prompt action to accomplish assigned objectives and understand/identify issues and opportunities.
A valid Driver’s License is required.
An Engineer In-Training certificate is preferred.
A Professional Engineer License is preferred.
EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran