Engineering Tech

Are you a skilled and motivated professional looking for a new opportunity to showcase your talents? Look no further! Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our dynamic team as an Engineering Technician. If you’re passionate about serving the community, ensuring a reliable power supply, and enjoying what the territory has to offer, this is the perfect role for you.

About Us: WEC has been a pillar of the community for over 80 years, providing exceptional electric services to the residents and businesses of The Dalles, Oregon, and its surrounding areas reaching to areas including Dufur, Grass Valley, Maupin, and Mosier. We serve approximately 5,000 square miles serving Wasco and Sherman Counties along with portions of Jefferson, Wheeler, and Gilliam Counties. Even with a large service territory we take immense pride in fostering a close-knit and supportive work environment, where teamwork and safety are paramount. As we continue to grow, we are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence in service delivery.

Position Overview: As an Engineering Technician at the cooperative, you will be an integral part of our engineering team. Your primary responsibilities will be to provide project management and support for the analysis, design, operation and maintenance, and construction of electrical power systems.  You will play a crucial role in supporting the safety and reliability of our power grid and providing excellent timely service to the membership. WEC’s main office is in The Dalles, OR, and it is preferred that employees live within approximately 45 minutes from the office.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Engineering Design, Analysis, and Planning: Perform basic electrical engineering design, calculations, and analysis under guidance. Prepare plans, specs, cost estimates, and technical documents. Assist with QA/QC, review submittals, and troubleshoot construction problems. Assist in the preparation and implementation of long-range plans, construction work plans, and studies. Use Milsoft WindMil and LightTable to ensure safe and reliable coordination of system protective devices.
2. System Design and Maintenance: Assist in the design, maintenance, and general aspects of WEC’s overhead, underground, transmission, and distribution systems and substations. Ensure compliance with standards and preventive maintenance programs.
3. Protection and SCADA: Assist in system coordination of fusing, relaying, protective equipment, and SCADA. Participate in protection studies, implement procedures for protective setting changes, and troubleshoot related issues.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Review construction standards, maintain records related to design, construction, and operation of the electrical system. Ensure compliance with WEC, RUS, and NESC standards.
5. Project Management: Develop and implement project scopes, schedules, and budgets. Monitor project activities, communicate progress, and participate in consultant selection. Ensure quality and compliance with QA/QC procedures.
6. Technical Assistance, Troubleshooting, and Process Improvement: Provide technical assistance, troubleshoot operational and maintenance problems, and develop solutions. Participate in investigations, collect data, and write reports. Contribute to work process improvement efforts within interdisciplinary teams. Collaborate with colleagues to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Leadership and Technical Expertise: Provide technical leadership on various projects, including SCADA system infrastructure, AMI metering infrastructure, protection equipment upgrades, and IT/cybersecurity.
8. Safety and Standards: Maintain a working knowledge of safety procedures, industry best practices, and relevant codes and standards. Ensure adherence to safety protocols.
9. Communication and Collaboration: Effectively communicate engineering concepts and solutions to non-engineers. Collaborate with other engineers, departments, and external partners to achieve common goals.
10. Engineering Research and Analysis: Conduct analyses, studies, and feasibility assessments to address operational problems, efficiency improvements, asset management, and regulatory concerns.
11. Professional Development: Stay informed about industry advancements, new engineering standards, and practices. Continuously improve engineering skills and stay up to date with technological developments.
12. Technical Presentations: Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal teams, management, and external stakeholders. Convey complex engineering information in a clear and understandable manner.
13. Flexibility and Adaptability: Be responsive to high-demand situations, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to the resolution of urgent engineering challenges.
14. Dispatch:  Be able to obtain dispatch responsibilities and to be on-call dispatch in a regular weekly rotation.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering. Successful completion of the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam from a state licensing board is preferred.
• Experience: At least 2 years of practical experience in electrical system maintenance and troubleshooting within an electric utility environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using electrical testing equipment and software, such as Digital Multi Meters, GIS, and CAD software. Familiarity with SCADA systems is a plus.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, interpret technical information, and develop effective solutions.
• Safety-Oriented: Demonstrated commitment to safety protocols and safe working practices.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to work in varying weather conditions and handle occasional emergency call-outs.
• Certifications: Any relevant certifications in electrical systems, maintenance, or safety would be advantageous.

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive salary of $40 -$45/hr.
• Excellent benefits package including:
  • Generous NRECA medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • NRECA Retirement and Security Plan (R&S), at an upper-tier multiplier
  • Life Insurance
  • Monthly contribution to employee 401 (k)
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make a positive impact on the community you serve.
• Relocation expense reimbursement is available.

Location:

The Dalles, Oregon, is nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge and offers an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. With its charming small-town atmosphere and scenic surroundings, The Dalles provides an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.

Join us at Wasco Electric Cooperative and become part of a team that embraces innovation, safety, and service excellence. Apply now to embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey as an Engineering Technician.

Please submit cover letter, resume and application to:

Wasco Electric Cooperative, Inc
Attn: Manager of Engineering & Operations
PO Box 1700
The Dalles, OR 97058

Electronically to: jobs@wascoelectric.com