Field Engineer (Electrical Engineer) - Entry level

Summary:

The Field Engineer serves primarily as a distribution system designer, responsible for project design, staking, and securing easements and other required documentation for new construction and system improvements. The position also plays a significant supporting role in system planning through load analysis, routine engineering studies, reliability reviews, and development of construction work plans. Requires strong knowledge of electric distribution design, load studies, RUS construction specifications, the National Electrical Safety Code, and general electric utility planning and operations.

Objectives:

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. Perform any field surveys, drawings, sealed and recorded plats for all company districts with assistance from parties requesting work. Use drawing/staking software on PC to create plat or drawings. Answer any questions from the parties involved. Be responsible for keeping up with all necessary training and re-qualifying requirements to maintain license.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to:

Director, Engineering & Substations Supervises:

N/A Duties and Responsibilities:

Participates in the design, staking, procuring easements, and creating required paperwork (drawings, staking sheets, materials lists, cost estimates, tree trimming, tree replacements, joint use documentation, etc.) for new construction and system improvements. This includes, but is not limited to: General construction (overhead and underground) System Improvement Construction Work Plan Member Services System Protection (fuses, reclosers, GOAB switches, etc.) Design, route and lay out electric distribution and service facilities including transformers in accordance with members' desires, if possible, while satisfying RUS specifications, and accepted practices for design and construction of rural lines and prepare staking sheets, customer orders and connection orders in accordance with the Cooperative's accepted practice. Support system planning and engineering functions by assisting senior engineering staff with technical analyses and studies, including power flow analysis, fault studies, overcurrent coordination, load forecasting, power factor correction, and capacitor placement, to identify system needs and recommend appropriate improvements. Analyze distribution system performance to identify capacity limitations, reliability concerns, and operational deficiencies, and support the development of corrective action plans, engineering recommendations, and long-range infrastructure improvement strategies. Coordinate with Operations and Engineering to perform system studies, reliability assessments, and engineering evaluations related to distribution system upgrades, capacity expansion, infrastructure replacement, and operational improvement initiatives. Support distribution system planning efforts by analyzing existing and projected system conditions, developing technical recommendations, and assisting in the design and evaluation of solutions to address identified deficiencies and future system needs. Assist senior engineering staff in development and coordination of the construction work plan by performing area system planning studies, identifying and evaluating system deficiencies, recommending corrective measures, and developing conceptual improvement plans and preliminary cost estimates for capital and system improvement projects. Use specialized utility engineering and design software systems, including NISC iVUE Connect Staking for project design and staking, SPIDAcalc for pole loading and structural adequacy analysis, and Milsoft and Distribution Engineering Workstation analysis tools for distribution system modeling, planning studies, and engineering evaluation of system performance and improvement alternatives. Perform joint use attachment analysis, including pole loading review, clearance evaluation, and structural adequacy assessment, to support third-party attachment requests and required system modifications. Under the direction of the Director of Engineering and Substations, participate in construction work plan development and management, serving as the senior designer for major or complex projects and coordinating with the design group to develop construction-ready designs. Negotiate for and prepare easement agreements for new construction and system improvements. Prepare load studies and recommend changes and additions required to meet the customer's needs. Advise customers and the 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. Agrees to adhere to and abide by the Cooperative's safety rules, safety policies, and safety procedures. Prepare sketches, plats and construction cost estimates as required. Submit full and concise written reports of field activities and investigations as required. Assist with the securing of topo data and layout of sub-station sites. Instruct and direct staking technicians in the beginning stages of the development program so they are prepared for advancement. Solicit sales for home resource products by providing brochures, through the mail or in person, and having the ability to explain each product. Maintain system maps including necessary drafting as required. Must possess basic computer skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required for 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. Request Virginia's 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. Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

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

Internal Director of Engineering & Substations and Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services:

Coordinate on special projects, technical matters, and procedural issues to support informed decision-making and ensure other personnel are properly advised.

Director of Design & System Management:

Coordinate on project design, construction work plan development, design standards and procedures, and workload scheduling to support timely and effective project design completion.

Staking Technicians I/II, Supervisor, System Management and GIS Technicians I/II:

Provide technical guidance, coordination, and engineering support related to project design, construction work plan development, and system data needs, while maintaining effective working relationships to support timely and accurate completion of assigned work.

Operations and Construction:

Consult on special line design projects, facility locations, and constructability considerations to support accurate design and efficient project execution.

External Members:

maintains a relationship with applicants, members, businesses and the public that will command respect for the Cooperative. Property owners, developers, and their representatives: to discuss facility locations, easement needs, design requirements, and construction considerations related to new service, system improvements, and line extension projects. Local, county, state, and federal governmental agencies: to confer and coordinate with relative to building or relocating distribution lines and facilities. Regulatory, permitting, and review agencies: to coordinate submittals, provide technical information, and represent the Cooperative in matters involving compliance, approvals, and facility-related requirements.

Joint use and communications entities:

to review attachment proposals, resolve design and clearance concerns, and coordinate required modifications to protect Cooperative facilities and maintain compliance with applicable standards.

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 degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited four-year college or university required. Preference will be given to candidates with academic emphasis or relevant experience in power systems, electric utility engineering concepts, or industrial power applications. Other equivalent utility experience may be considered.

Experience:

Six (6) years of experience in an approved utility program may be substituted for the education requirements above.

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 and surveying. Must possess a valid driver's 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, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required for job responsibilities.

Abilities and Skills:

Must have the ability to: 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. 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 in the office. Must be willing to make field visits when necessary for record maintenance. 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. Time Required for

Full Competency:

Three years.