Electrical Engineer

POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. Position: Electrical Engineer

B. Position Function:

1. To assist with engineering, construction, operations and maintenance functions of the Cooperative’s substations, distribution and transmission system in such a manner as to assure all facilities meet the highest standards of capacity and condition by employing the most efficient application of engineering planning that provides for the Cooperative’s membership.

C. Reporting Relationships:

1. Reports to Operations Engineer
2. Authority over substation personnel

D. Responsibilities:

1. To perform load forecasts, long range plans, four-year construction work plans, voltage drop studies, short circuit analysis, arc-flash analysis, coordination studies and other engineering and operational studies on the cooperative’s distribution & transmission system to assure adequate, balanced system capacity and service reliability to the cooperative’s membership.
2. To perform engineering analysis utilizing Milsoft's WindMil and Light Table software.
3. To perform SEL and ABB protective relay settings for distribution breakers and reclosers.
4. To interact and communicate with management requires strong oral and written communication skills along with strong presentation skills.
5. Knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, IEC, NERC/SPP and other industry standards as well as NESC, NFPA/NEC, RUS and other applicable codes and regulations to insure that the Cooperative’s substation facilities are designed, constructed and operated in a safe and efficient manner with consideration for limited liability.
6. To prepare written technical documents such as procedures, design criteria, specifications and reports.
7. To evaluate electrical systems, products, components, and applications, and designing and conducting research programs.
8. To develop, maintain and administer the Cooperative’s SCADA system.
9. To maintain and administer the Cooperative’s NERC compliance requirements.
10. In addition to these responsibilities, other duties may be assigned from time to time, by the Operations Engineer or General Manager.
11. Responsible for oversight of substations and the equipment within the substation.
12. To review and modify new and existing engineering designs for our substations and equipment within, including substation relay schemes or settings which may require periodic modifications.

E. External Relationships:

1. Members: Establishes the recognition and acceptance of ownership benefits and responsibility to encourage and promote the effective and efficient use of electric energy. Provides helpful, courteous assistance and service.
2. General Public: Presents a friendly, courteous image for the Cooperative.
3. Power Companies and Other Cooperatives: Exchanges information that would be mutually beneficial and helpful in maintaining good working relationships, particularly with the power supplier’s dispatch and control center.
4. Legal and Regulatory Agencies: Maintains professional relationship with agencies and organizations involved in safety and other applicable regulations.

F. Position Specifications:

1. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university and is expected to be well versed in power engineering. Additional specialized training related to electric utility system design, operation and planning is also preferred.
2. Experience: A minimum of three years of experience from a consumer owned or publicly held electric utility system is desirable. Experience managing others in a professional setting is preferred. Registration as a Professional Engineer is highly desirable or must be able to obtain registration within five years.
3. Knowledge: A working knowledge of distribution system design, construction, operations and maintenance specifications and standards is preferred. A working knowledge of applicable codes, regulations and standards, both Federal, State and local, is also preferred. Knowledge of budgeting, load forecasting, and engineering related information systems is desirable.
4. Abilities and Skills: The ability to effectively coordinate available resources is essential. The ability to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing, and maintain accurate records is essential. Should possess in-depth conceptual and working knowledge of consumer owned utility relationships and standards as required by applicable state and federal agencies. Should be capable of drawing valid conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendations as well as set priorities and meet deadlines. Must possess the ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public, as well as supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
5. Working Conditions: Generally accepted office working conditions that may include outdoor work within substations or around parts of the distribution/transmission system. Occasional work outside normal working hours may be required. Travel to allied organizations and professional groups to represent the Cooperative at training and informational meetings may also be required.
6. Physical Requirements: Sedentary work requiring exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or light lifting of generally 10 pounds or less. Job requires sitting most of the time requiring repetitive motions with hands and fingers such as dialing and keyboarding. Work is primarily indoors requiring the use office equipment such as a copier, computer and printer, but could require outside work within our substations or on the system evaluating electrical equipment. Must be able to read, write and do engineering calculations with proficiency, analyzing data and reports, conducting research, coordinating people and resources, directing and supervising people and evaluating performance. Skills in developing plans procedures, and goals required. Must be able to present information to others clearly and accurately and work under stress. Must be willing to submit to random alcohol and drug testing per company policy.
7. Other Requirements: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.