Distribution Designer I or II - Chugach Electric Association

Job Description

Dependent on your education and experience, Designer I or Designer II would be applicable.

Distribution Designer I

Job Description

SUMMARY

This is an entry level Distribution Designer training position. Assignments are limited to entry level design directed towards qualifying this individual for eligibility in a higher classification. This position is not intended to perform comprehensive independent design work which is normally performed by higher classifications. This position is expected to broaden and develop knowledge and expertise regarding design practices, operating procedures, materials management, right-of-way issues, computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, and geographic information systems (GIS) software. After one (1) year experience in this position, individuals shall start testing for advancement to the Distribution Designer II position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares designs including construction drawings for residential services, residential service upgrades and streetlights
• Obtains utility documentation related to assigned tasks.
• Reports grid map inconsistencies.
• Performs data collection/entry related to assignments.
• Participates in field observation of operating, maintenance and construction-related practices.
• Assists Distribution Designers in higher classifications.
• Participates in introductory orientation leading to proficiency in work order procedures, Chugach operating procedures, materials management, purchasing, utilization of CAD/GIS services, utilization of survey field data and working with Member Services, System Control Department (Dispatch), and Substation and Line Operations (Operations).
• Assists Distribution Designers in higher classifications.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience

Two (2) years combined work experience in computer aided design (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS), surveying, other engineering disciplines, utility line design, electrical construction, or in a position directly related to electric utility distribution line design/construction.

Education

High School diploma or GED and completion of six college semester credit hours in algebra, trigonometry, calculus and/or physics (or directly related coursework) plus an additional 3 college semester credit hours in either of the following:

CAD and/or GIS

Civil, mechanical and/or electrical engineering

Additional coursework towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering is preferred.

Substitution

Additional vocational education may substitute for either the required education or work experience provided the coursework is specific to power line design. For these purposes, one year of vocational education is equivalent to either six (6) college semester credit hours of the education required above or one (1) year of the required work experience.

Additional education in any of the required courses above may be substituted for the required experience. For these purposes, one (1) year of experience is equivalent to six (6) college semester credit hours of education.

Training, Licensure, Certification

Must possess valid Alaska driver's license.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Some knowledge of distribution engineering design and construction techniques, materials, and equipment related to electric utility subtransmission and/or distribution facilities preferred.

Knowledge of NESC and RUS design and construction practices is preferred.

Some knowledge of computer database and spreadsheet software, project planning and/or project estimating is preferred. Requires strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations consistent with level of work responsibility.

Ability to physically access rough terrain project site locations without the use of motor operated equipment.

Distribution Designer II

Job Description

SUMMARY

Working in a position of progressively increasing responsibility, prepares designs of moderate complexity leading to the construction of electric utility plant. Work in this position is carried out in frequent consultation with a design manager or designer in a higher classification. Most decisions are not considered final until reviewed by a supervisor. This position will be eligible to take a proficiency exam to advance to the Grade 10 (Designer III) status.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Performs Designer I duties when assigned.
2. Prepares designs for the following:
   1. Conduit installations
   2. Subdivision primary and secondary facility replacement
   3. State and Municipal load centers
   4. Street and yard lights
   5. Transformer installations
   6. Service drops
   7. Single-phase/Three-phase overhead and underground consumer line extensions
3. Assists Senior Designers in higher classifications.
4. Conducts utility(s) conflict research including encroachments.
5. Assists in cable testing and failure analysis.
6. Assists in the development of sectionalizing and fuse coordination studies.
7. Conducts plan reviews for state and municipal projects and prepare draft correspondence.
8. Prepares staking sheets.
9. Prepares documents generally associated with the preparation of a work order and construction contract.
10. Conducts National Electrical Safety Code clearance research.
11. Performs preliminary drafting for construction drawings.
12. Conducts field plant inventories for design purposes.
13. Field verifies projects for design accuracy.
14. Performs design calculations in support of related duties.
15. Uses computer programs to prepare project estimates, sag and tension calculations and calculations related to cable in conduit.
16. Prepares written technical/coordination correspondence.
17. Prepares line mile report sheets for work order closing.
18. Performs preliminary construction inspection of trenching and "corflo" installations.
19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

1. Designated Manager: Reports to and receives work assignments and direction. Informs manager of progress in work assignment areas.
2. Higher level designers within the department: Works with when assigned, receives requests and provides assistance, exchanges information as required.
3. Line Extension Coordinator: Responds to inquires and provides information.
4. Right of Way Agents: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
5. Other Engineering employees, managers and/or supervisors: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
6. Other department/division managers and/or supervisors: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
7. Employees of other departments/divisions: Responds to inquiries and provides information.

External

1. Chugach consumers: Responds to inquiries and provides information in conjunction with design responsibilities.
2. Municipal, State or Federal Agencies: Works with to coordinate design or permit-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.
3. Other Utilities: Works with to coordinate design-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Successful completion of a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Engineering Science.

OR:

Documented completion of two years towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Engineering Science and two years of applicable and progressively more responsible work experience in related electric utility distribution design.

OR:

Successful completion of a Designer I training program and Grade 9 (Designer II) proficiency exam.

OR:

High School diploma or equivalent and five years of documented progressively more responsible work experience in directly related electrical distribution design.

KNOWLEDGE:

Requires some knowledge of distribution engineering design and construction techniques and related construction material and equipment related to electric utility subtransmission and/or distribution facilities. Requires some knowledge of National Electric Safety Code and Rural Electrification Administration design and construction practices. Some knowledge of computer database, spreadsheet and scheduling software, project planning and project estimating.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations consistent with level of work responsibility under this position description. Must have the ability to physically access rough terrain project site locations without the use of motor operated equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Design work will normally be performed in a standard office environment. Field work in all types of weather conditions will also be required. Some out-of-town work may also be required. Must possess valid Alaska driver's license. Some overtime may be required.

Company Description

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.
 

A little more about us: Chugach has been around for a long time, recently celebrating 75 years! We are a stable company, in a stable industry. And while we may have stability, we are modern, sustainable and forward-thinking to ensure that we provide reliable services for generations to come. We also pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. We have several 20, 30 and 40 year tenured employees who continue foster an inclusive, innovative corporate environment. Find your spark!

Chugach's corporate vision:
Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's corporate mission:
We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's corporate values:
Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

Benefits

Health Benefits (Available through IBEW with the Alaska Electrical Trust Fund)

• Medical & RX
• Dental
• Vision

For more information, you can contact the IBEW Hall at 907-272-6571 or visit www.aetf.com 

Financial Security

• 401K Plan
• Defined Benefit (Pension through IBEW)
• Dependent Flex Spending Account

Life Insurance Benefits

• Basic Life Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Supplemental Life Insurance

Work, Life, Health

• 160 hours vacation for the first year
• 9 Paid Holidays 2 Float Holidays 1 Birthday Holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation