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.

• 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 Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Maintain confidential information

• Three (3) years’ experience or Associates Degree and one (1) year experience
• Must be able to apply engineering theory to the design of electric 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 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 GPS unit, transit, laser range finder, soil resistivity tester, ground resistance tester and range poles
• Must be able to safely operate 4-wheel drive truck, 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 be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• 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

• 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 stays (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 ROWs, high elevations in mountainous regions, steep rock canyons and rough creek beds
• May encounter adverse right-of-way conditions which could include mud, sand, rock, flowing water, thick brush and thorns with the possibility of contact with hazardous insects and reptiles

• 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

• None

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.

Connections working at Rio Grande Electric Cooperative Inc