The entry level position of Staking Technician has been established to evaluate member service requirements, property details, geographic features and existing RGEC plant and equipment to support the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and accounting of overhead and underground electrical distribution facilities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs power line assessment activities and engineering field operations required to support the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and accounting of overhead and underground electrical distribution facilities
Typically makes initial contact with Cooperative member to understand electrical service requirements and evaluate existing electrical distribution facilities
Develops proposed distribution line extension and/or upgrade, creates electronic staking sheets and performs ROW flagging/field staking of line necessary to provide the requested service
Shall perform ROW field investigations, easement research and related support, as needed
Performs internal work order final inspections and assists engineering consultant inspectors with RUS Form 219 work order inspections
Performs system inspections which will include examination/documentation of pole-line condition, asset inventory, GPS data collection, pole tagging, joint use contacts and ROW condition assessment
Develops maps, engineering drawings and sketches for special projects, as assigned
Learn and comply with the Cooperative's safety rules and procedures
Maintain confidential information
Qualifications:
Three (3) years' experience or Associates Degree and one (1) year experience
Must be able to apply engineering theory to the design of electrical distribution lines
Must successfully complete first three (3) of seven (7) TEEX Introductory Electric Utility Module courses within 1 year of hire
Experience with GPS, engineering field staking software and AutoCAD are a plus
Must be able to understand GIS, mapping terminology and surveying concepts
Must be able to interpret system maps, engineering drawings and staking sheets
Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn other software programs, as needed
Must demonstrate the ability to learn and apply basic computer, technical and mathematical skills
Must be able to operate, maintain and safeguard expensive engineering tools and field equipment such as GPS unit, transit, laser range finder, soil resistivity tester, ground resistance tester and range poles
Must be able to safely operate a 4-wheel drive trucks, 4-wheeler ATV, transport trailers and winching equipment
Must demonstrate ability to work safely and comply with Cooperative's safety rules
Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and able to organize work efficiently in order to meet project deadlines
Possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language and be able to communicate technical information effectively
Possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees, members, suppliers and consultants
Must pass federal government security clearance background check
Possess a valid Texas drivers' license
Insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Working Conditions:
To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
Work outside under various weather conditions
Extensive fieldwork will be required in conjunction with normal office duties
Subject to irregular hours
Some overtime hours may be required
Subject to travel, including multiple over-night stay (Travel extensively inside RGEC's service territory)
Work outside in various, sometimes adverse, weather situations such as extreme heat and cold, high winds, rain, snow, and ice storm conditions
Work outside in varying, sometimes extreme, types of terrain which may include highway ROW's, high elevations in mountainous regions, steep rock canyons ad rough creek beds
May encounter adverse right-of-way conditions which may include mud, sand, rock, flowing water, thick brush and thorns with the possibility of contact with hazardous insects and reptiles
Physical Requirements:
Required to pass a physical examination when employed
Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights
Sitting/standing/walking for extended periods of time
Traveling
About Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. was chartered under Texas law , July 27, 1945, and has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United Sates. RGEC serves 18 counties in Texas and 2 counties in New Mexico, which covers approximately 35,000 square miles.
At RGEC, “Owned by Those We Serve” is more than a slogan—it’s the way we do business every day. RGEC is owned by those who receive their electric service from the co-op.
