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SUMMARY:
Position is responsible for promoting and adhering to DCEC Electric Cooperative (the Cooperative) safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines to obtain the most safe, efficient and effective system design while providing quality service to member-consumers to ensure member-consumer needs are met with timely and accurate responses for service or information.  Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, this position designs, stakes, maps and inspects primary, secondary and service installations for new services, system improvements, sectionalizing equipment and retirements of existing facilities.  This position is responsible for all associated project documents and orders, providing technical assistance to others within the organization and assisting in maintaining and updating the Cooperative’s digital maps and correlated records within the G.I.S. mapping system utilizing ESRI, MilSoft and NISC iVue products.

General:

• Schedule appointments and meet with members, developers and contractors at the work site providing input regarding the design and construction of new facilities, upgrades, modifications or removal of existing facilities.
• Participates in the design, staking, procuring of easements, and creating required paperwork (drawings, staking sheets, material 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
• System protection (fuses, reclosers, GOAB switches, etc.)

• Prepares load studies and cost estimates for system changes and additions required to meet the member's needs.
• Prepares staking sheet and assists in preparing agreements to accommodate joint use of poles and trenches by other utilities or communication companies in accordance with the agreement with each company.
• Adheres to and abide by the Cooperative's safety rules, safety policies, and safety procedures.
• Submits full and concise written reports of field activities and investigations as required.
• Maintains system maps including necessary drafting as required.
• Prepares and obtains construction permits from DEC, Corps of Engineers, US Department of Environmental Quality and NYDOT.
• Provide technical knowledge to support the research and recommendation for system upgrades and improvements.
• Request one-call locates when needed to support electrical design projects.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of the latest OSHA, RUS, NESC, and other specifications and codes so that job designs are compliant.
• Assist GIS Specialist in updating maps and drawings.
• Ability to carry and operate chainsaw safely without assistance.
• Assist Operations Department with large outages as needed.
• Participate in annual meeting as required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Previous staking and design experience with Rural Utility Service specifications is preferred.

Minimum Requirements for each Level:

(L-I)      High school diploma and a strong mathematics aptitude required and four (4) years general utility experience with emphasis on design, scheduling and construction, or an equivalent combination of training and experience as deemed by management.

(L-II)     An AS degree in a STEM program or specialized electric utility courses and either two (2) years electric utility design experience or eight (8) years general utility experience with emphasis on design, scheduling and construction. Internal applicant utility experience levels reduced to one (1) year electric or two (2) years general.

(L-III)    Completion of an approved comprehensive staking technician certification program as well as an AS degree in a STEM program or specialized electric utility courses and either four (4) years electric utility design experience or twelve (12) years general utility experience with emphasis on design, scheduling and construction. Internal applicant utility experience levels reduced to two (2) years electric or three (3) years general.

(L-IV)   Completion of an approved comprehensive staking technician certification program as well as an AS degree in a STEM program or specialized electric utility courses and either seven (7) years electric utility design experience or sixteen (16) years general utility experience with emphasis on design, scheduling and construction. Internal applicant utility experience levels reduced to three (3) years electric or four (4) years general.

(L-V)    Completion of an approved comprehensive staking technician certification program as well as an AS degree in a STEM program or specialized electric utility courses and either ten (10) years electric utility design experience or twenty (20) years general utility experience with emphasis on design, scheduling and construction. Internal applicant utility experience levels reduced to four (4) years electric or five (5) years general.

General experience requirements may be reduced by two (2) years with BS degree in a STEM related field from a four-year college or university.  Utility experience requirements may be reduced up to three (3) years based upon QPE review and at the discretion of the Engineering Manager and CEO.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The majority of the work schedule will be performed traveling to and working at various field locations within the service territory with some office time each day. Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and negotiate uneven terrain over long distances. 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.

QUALIFYING PRACTICAL EXAMINATION (QPE):

All applicants must complete a series of exercises which demonstrate electric utility design knowledge and technique.

Certifications/Licenses:

Must maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Must be able to maintain a Notary Public license

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of RUS specifications, National Electrical Safety Code, OSHA regulations and National Electric Code
• Possess understanding of cooperative policies, terms and conditions of service, rates, regulations and approved practices, particularly as it pertains to line operations activities.
• Working understanding of electricity, electronics, surveying and/or computerized drafting.
• Familiar with system geography.
• Demonstrates a general understanding of the cost to do business and views self as a resource in controlling business costs.
• Basic understanding of NISC iVue.
• Must be proficient with Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk or sit. Works outside with great physical exertion requiring upper body strength and stamina. The employee will routinely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds, occasionally heavy work requiring exertion of up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Emergency work and irregular work hours are conditions of this position. Must be available for scheduled after hour call outs. This position is subject to work in adverse weather elements/hazards conditions such as high temperatures, ice storms, outages, etc. and is subject to work-related hazards while performing the job. Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulations.