POSITION SUMMARY: Direct the overall engineering operations of the Cooperative; Interface with consumers or their representatives to ensure design requirements, electrical codes, safety codes and prudent engineering practices are followed in the construction of projects; Initiate and/or interface with the Cooperative’s consultants, regulatory agencies and power supply entities to meet governing body regulations, expansion of the Cooperative electrical system, and maintain a secure supply of electric power.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises: Engineering Technician; Crew Foreman – Engineering; Work Order Clerk; Engineering Field Coordinator; Patrolman; Equipment Technician; Community Relations Specialist.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct the overall engineering operations of the Cooperative
Supervise the technical and operating staff of the engineering department
Aid the staking, construction and maintenance departments as needed
Prepare a Work Plan and a Capital Budget to support the Work Plan
Solicitation of RFP’s for capital projects
Responsible for the analysis of the Cooperative’s transmission and distribution system and the design and construction of complex electrical power systems
Maintain a knowledge base of products, procedures, industry initiatives and governmental regulations
Compile and evaluate design and test data
Prepare technical specifications and analyze technical data to determine appropriate limits and variables for product, process or materials specifications
Prepare and study technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems and topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
Operate computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks
Confer with engineers, customers and others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects and products
Direct and coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation and testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes and customer requirements
Design, implement, maintain and improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products and systems for commercial, industrial and domestic purposes
Prepare specifications for purchase of materials and equipment
Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction and installation standards and specifications
Investigate customer or public complaints, determine nature and extent of problem and recommend remedial measures
Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time and within budget
Manage the design and construction of large transmission, substation, and distribution construction projects
Plan and implement research methodology and procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects
Perform a variety of standard engineering computations and analysis
Prepare engineering drawings, maps, and construction specifications
Perform staking and survey work
Perform transmission and distribution system studies
Research material specifications and resolve material issues
Construction Inspections
Prepare procedures documentation
Support North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance program
Serve as technical advisor on department initiatives
Oversee design and construction of major transmission, substation, and/or distribution system projects
Complete assigned projects and identification of system needs for the development of future projects and improvements
Maintain the security of confidential information
Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned.
Interface with consumers or their representatives
Gather design data and specifications from consumers for larger or more specialized projects
Interpret and implement electric and safety codes for the protection of consumers and the Cooperative
Produce design calculations, documents, drawings and cost estimates as needed
Provide proactive thought and designs to include expansion capabilities of the electric system
Initiate and/or interface with the Cooperative’s consultants, regulatory agencies and power supply entities
Employ and manage consultants in the analysis, design and/or management of projects and processes
Provide assistance to financial, environmental, safety, insurance and operation consultants as required
Prepare and provide data and reports to regulatory agencies such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Interact with representatives of local area electric utilities
Coordinate with consultants, members, developers and government entities on all projects
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of personnel so classified. The CHIEF ENGINEER shall be required to perform any other duties assigned in order to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Southwest Power Pool (SPP)
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Power Engineers, Inc. – Engineering Consultant
GDS Associates, Inc. – Engineering Consultant
AEP/SWEPCO
Power Supply Cooperatives – NTEC & ETEC
Neighboring Electric Utilities
Northeast Texas Power, Inc. – Construction Contractor
Various Vendors and Suppliers
Job Knowledge, Training and Experience: Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited school; Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas; Experience performing engineering duties in Texas and surrounding states; Knowledge of Power System materials.
Equipment Operated: Non-Commercial Vehicles; Have and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.
Abilities and Skills: Effectively communicate with consumers and fellow employees; Possess working knowledge of personal computers and commercially available software; Utilize test equipment to document electric system parameters and address consumer concerns; Have knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service; Skilled in time management; Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities; Ability to read and understand schematics and design drawings; Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing; Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems
Physical Effort: Sit for extended periods; Perform pedestrian surveys of construction projects and existing facilities; Safely operate a motor vehicle; Lift and carry light loads over short distances; May be required to stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel; May be required to sit or stand for long periods of time; May be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 25 pounds; May be required to travel; May be required to work more than 40 hours per week.
Working Conditions: Most duties performed in office(s); “On-call” Supervisor duties on a rotating basis; Activities may require visits to field in summer and winter weather; Occasional “call-out” due to abnormal system occurrences or storms outside of normal working hours; May include activities in substations and on transmission.
Serves 36,000 meters in 6 counties of Northeast Texas. Part of the Texarkana, Mt. Pleasant, Dangerfield metro areas. The Cooperative Office and Operations Center is located in Douglassville, TX.