Job Opening: Engineering Technician

Applications accepted until filled.

How to Apply: Applicants shall submit in writing their qualifications for this position. Please submit to Aaron Brown, PO Box 1687, Grand Island, NE 68802-1687, or abrown@southernpd.net.

DEFINITION

To design distribution plant construction plans, evaluate/design requests for new service and line relocations into line designs and layout consistent with approved construction specifications and right‑of‑way requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Engineering and Operations Manager.

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Within the limits of approved board policies, operating guides and procedures, assumes responsibility and has commensurate authority for the following activities:

• Investigates, designs, and stakes distribution lines, services, relocations, cable replacements, and street lighting and prepares necessary staking sheets to initiate required construction.
• Performs required design, staking, and pricing of relocation and road grading projects to insure compliance with applicable codes and Board and Management policies.
• Receives and analyzes services requests and initiates engineering orders to provide adequate and timely service to customer.
• Determines and secures the necessary right-of-way and permits for distribution lines and services facilities to insure that the cooperatives facilities are constructed in the proper location.
• Investigates and resolves consumer inquiries related to engineering functions to promote customer understanding and assure fair treatment.
• Receives and analyzes requests for increased service capacity and issues work orders and service orders to initiate required construction.
• Analyzes and directs customer requests for combining or separating existing services to provide fair and efficient use of energy.
• Analyzes and directs customer requests for combining or separating existing services to provide fair and efficient use of energy.
• Evaluates and determines the appropriate metering of new service installations to assure accurate operation and proper application.
• Provides engineering, designing, and staking for municipal systems with engineering services contracts to meet their system needs.
• Coordinates scheduling of urgent and unforeseen projects with the Engineering and Operations Manager to provide timely service to customers.
• Provides advice and assistance to customers and SPPD employees to assure conformance with applicable specifications, codes and standards.
• Inspects and field checks completed work orders to assure compliance with applicable specifications, accurate material charges, and quality workmanship.
• Makes appropriate recommendations regarding out-of-ordinary material requirements so material conforming to specifications can be purchased on a timely and economic basis.
• Maintains a current knowledge and understanding of RUS, NESC, and other applicable standards and regulations to insure that the Districts distribution facilities are designed and constructed in a safe and efficient manner consistent with these standards.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Utility operations and construction.
• Standard utility specifications and the National Electric Safety Code.
• AutoCAD software is required.

Ability to:

• Effectively coordinate available resources is essential. 
• Effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing, is essential. 
• Possess in-depth conceptual and working knowledge of consumer-owned utility relationships and standards as required by applicable state and federal agencies.
• Use office equipment such as a copier, computer and printer. 
• Communicate to individuals, small and large groups.
• Read, write and do arithmetic. 
• Analyze data and reports, conduct research and coordinate people and resources.
• Develop plans, procedures and goals as required. 

License or Certificate:

• Valid Nebraska driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.  Vocational/Technical school degree or two years of college level courses in technical field required. 

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of utility experience may be substituted for some educational requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Activity:

Lifting: