Power Engineer

$10,000 Housing Incentive Negotiable Signing Bonus, Relocation Incentives, and Vacation Bank / Sick Leave Transfer This position provides an opportunity for professional advancement as the City prepares for long-term succession in Utility leadership. Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application. The City of Ukiah is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the engineering activities of the Electric Department. Responsibilities include system design, operation and asset management for the electric distribution system which includes the substation(s), distribution system, hydroelectric plant, SCADA and advanced metering infrastructure. This is an exempt, management level position in the Electric Utility Department. General direction is provided by the Electric Utility Director. Leadership responsibilities include the direct supervision over assigned personnel, which may include various consultants and/or contractors. The Power Engineer provides technical staff assistance to the Electric Utility Director and works with staff in the coordination of operations. Under general direction, the Power Engineer performs engineering studies, prepares load forecasts, prepares plans and cost estimates for electric utility construction projects, and makes feasibility and economic studies of alternative plans. This is a mid-level class within the Power Engineering series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of more routine tasks and duties. Employees at this level are expected to perform under general and technical direction from the Assistant Utility Director or the Utility Director. These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title. Provide technical assistance to engineering, technical services and field staff as well as customers to identify and solve various problems related to construction, operation and delivery of power. Work closely with the Electric Operations Superintendent in the review and evaluation of work methods and procedures. Review project plans and drawings with supervisors and other staff as appropriate; recommend changes based on field observations and operational requirements; provide technical advice and assistance on difficult work problems. Research and develop material specifications and standards for electric equipment and construction practices. Perform system protection and coordination studies and review system protection equipment settings and operations, adjusting as necessary to provide a highly reliable distribution system. Complete distribution modeling including underground and overhead distribution systems design, voltage drop/correction, load flow, power factor correction, and system protection. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and oversee the implementation of local, state, and federal regulatory compliance activities related to area of assignment. Assist and support the Electric Operations Superintendent in the development, review and updating of safety training, procedures and standard operating procedures. Perform a variety of advanced technical and professional engineering tasks using sound engineering judgment, including project planning, analysis, design, construction management, contract administration; special studies and report preparation for various utility construction projects related to distribution line, metering, substation, and power engineering. Assists in the preparation of the capital improvement plans and budget. Assists in the preparation of presentations and at times will be required to attend meetings outside of normal business hours. Serve as construction manager for various large or technical electric projects, oversee preparation of bid documents, oversee contractor performance and compliance with project plans and specifications; coordinate, schedule, and oversee specialty inspections; review and approve payment requests and review technical submittals. Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of project documents including project justifications, budget analyses, preliminary cost estimates, and schedule. Prepare reports, presentations, analyses, and estimates for new or modified services and facilities, as well as long range maintenance and capital improvement needs. Justify and recommend specific proposals and projects. Participate in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Plan and budget of the utility. Prepare the budget recommendations including projecting project costs, staffing needs, and anticipated expenditures by fiscal year with detailed breakdowns and justification as assigned. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of electrical engineering as applied to the design and construction of an electrical power transmission and distribution (T&D) system. Methods and materials used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of an electrical (T&D) system. Safety practices and State and Federal regulations relating to T&D system operation, maintenance and construction.

Computer applications:

MS Office, Computer Aided Drafting and distribution system analysis software. Principles and practices of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management. Pertinent State, Federal and local rules, regulations and ordinances.

Ability to:

Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies. Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Perform technical electrical engineering work of a complex nature. Review plans and documents for conformance to regulations. Develop design drawings for customers and construction teams. Gather data and make accurate engineering computations. Prepare plans and specifications, neatly and accurately. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Tolerate changes in outside temperature from winter to summer and tolerate dust, pollen, wind and rain. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Walk on uneven or steep ground. Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff. Work flexible hours when required.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering (preferably Power Engineering). Registration as a Professional Engineer in California or ability to obtain P.E. License within two years of hire required. Three years of increasingly responsible experience in electrical engineering work in the Electric Utility industry. Applications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants' knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check. In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test. The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures.