CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

RIGHT-OF-WAY TECHNICAN – ENGINEERING ASSISTANT

STATUS: NON-UNION | SALARY | EXEMPT

JOB CODE  54-4422

1.     POSITION FUNCTION/OBJECTIVE

Under the direction of the Director of Engineering, the Right-of-Way Technician – Engineering Assistant is on a routine basis to secure easements and permits that establish the Right-of-Way for the construction and maintenance of Cooperative electric facilities and infrastructure.  On a routine basis, serve as an assistant to System Engineers for Cooperative Mapping & Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).  On a less routine basis, perform basic technical and design duties to assist other Engineering Department staff to complete required objectives.  In all aspects of the position, the Right-Of-Way Technician – Engineering Assistant applies technical knowledge, sound technical judgment, and skill to ensure the processes meet present and future requirements rendering safe, efficient, dependable, and economical service to members, contributing to the attainment of the basic objectives of the Cooperative.

2.     PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the guidelines provided by board policies, operating policies and procedures, approved work plans, budgets and delegation from the Director of Engineering, the Right-Of-Way (ROW) Technician-Engineering Assistant assumes the responsibility and has authority for the following activities:

1. Private land – Obtain property information and the names and addresses of property owners for all properties along the route of a proposed electric line extension(s).
2. Create drawings of requested easements and draft ROW easement documents.
3. Assist with the maintenance of Cooperative Mapping/GIS Programs by processing mapping/GIS data, maps, and routine communications from surveys, other agency/data providers, Service & Work Order activities, and all aspects of the Cooperative that involve or link to mapping.
4. Work with ROW staff, ROW resources, IT staff, Technicians or Specialists, and System Engineers to establish accurate transfer of interrelated information between the utilizing Cooperative systems.
5. Contact property owners in person, by phone or by mail to obtain easement for electric line. Notify property owners of existing easements and proposed electric line extension(s). Work with property owners to obtain permission or easements for existing electric line(s) that will be relocated.
6. Serve as witness and Notary Public for the execution of easements and other documents as needed.
7. Public land and right-of-way – Secure permits and/or easements for electric lines/facilities from all entities, not limited to the following:
   • State of Michigan and related Offices (State lands; EGLE (DNR), MDOT, MDEQ, MSHPO)
   • United States of America (USFS, USACE, and other US owned lands)
   • Michigan Counties (Road Commissions, Drain Commissions)
8. Tribal Land – Secure documented permission, permits, agreements, and/or easements from all State and U.S. Government officially recognized Indian Tribes.
9. Obtain permits for work in wetlands, lands of sensitive habitat or species, railroad crossings, and river crossings.
10. Draft the required documents for vacating easements that have been approved by the Cooperative.
11. Prepare permitting and easement documents for recording purposes. Record documents approved for recording.
12. Participate in the development and maintenance of engineering and cooperative systems/tools/applications, documentation, libraries, including mapping (GIS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), system modeling, loading, power quality, asset tracking/accounting, asset maintenance records, environmental programs (PCB, SPCC), etc.
13. Work closely with all Engineering Department employees, other department employees, manufacturers, and vendors to facilitate engineering and operation activities tasked by the Cooperative Engineering Department.
14. Pilot Cooperative UAS to perform surveys of Cooperative assets.
15. Provide for storage and update of all engineering documentation and drawings related to Cooperative facilities per Standards, consistent with Cooperative policy, or practice.
16. Perform other duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of the Cooperative in interest of good management practices.
17. Attend training programs when requested or required to continue employee development.

3.     POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay.  Refer to Cloverland Electric’s Employee Handbook for policies on exempt (salaried) employees.

4.     EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Minimum of an associate degree in environmental science, geographic information systems, engineering, or another related field.
3. Preferred experience in drafting (Computer Aided Drafting), mapping, geographic information systems (GIS) or surveying, real estate, title work, or environmental sciences/engineering.

5.     KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Proficient or demonstrate an ability in detail oriented, spatial relationship problem-solving.
3. Proficient or demonstrate an ability to conduct research/investigation and report upon information that is legally accessible (public).
4. Proficient in use of typical computer hardware and software applications; word processing, spreadsheets, and communication equipment.
5. Proficient in use or demonstrate ability to develop proficient use in drafting, CADD, or CAE.
6. Demonstrate the ability to acquire and maintain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification to pilot Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
7. Personal Characteristics:  Employee is to perform the essential functions and elements of this position competently in efforts to attain future Engineering Department positions with the adequate skills and demonstrated responsibility. Must demonstrate the following: team player, high integrity, good personal habits, regular work attendance, courteous and friendly, tact and persuasiveness, able to work well individually or with diverse groups of people, and gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside the Cooperative.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Day to day work is performed both indoors and outdoors.  Indoor work can be performed in a traditional or remote office environment.  Work performed indoors is typically in a climate-controlled office environment at a desk with minimal physical exertion. Position requires repetitive motions with hands and fingers for keyboarding.  Must be able to adhere to deadlines and work independently.  Accessible via mobile technology (cell phone, email, other mobile devices) 24 hours a day for timely response during emergencies.  Work performed outdoors can vary based on weather conditions; inclement at times, temperature may range from subzero to high heat and humidity.  Good physical dexterity is required, position may require walking in all types of terrain, sitting, standing, and driving/riding in a vehicle.
2. Travel is mostly within the Cooperative’s service territory. Occasional travel to trainings, seminars and/or conferences outside the service area may be required. Must be willing to work outside of regular business hours, as needed to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

7. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to: Director of Engineering

2. Supervises: None

JOB DESCRIPTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Job descriptions are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, depending on risk to health and safety of the employee and/or others. The basic requirement of every position is to perform all tasks as assigned.  Duties and scope of position may change based on needs of the Cooperative.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative staff members are required to work in a safe manner and in accordance with the procedures listed in the Cooperative’s Safety Handbook. Cloverland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.