DUCK RIVER ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION. Shelbyville, Tennessee

Transcription

1 DUCK RIVER ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION Shelbyville, Tennessee Position Description Electrical Engineer I. OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The position of Electrical Engineer was created to help achieve the aim for which the Cooperative was organized, that is, To make electric energy available to all members at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management by providing for specific operational duties and responsibilities to be delegated to a competent, well-trained person whose knowledge of and ability in this position will contribute to the attainment of the basic aim of the Cooperative. The specific objectives for this position and the responsibilities to be fulfilled to achieve the objectives include: A. The provision of technical skills needed for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining adequate, reliable electric service for consumer-members of the Cooperative. 1. Reviews work orders for adequate design, initials/date approval, and authorizes release of work orders to construction following departmental processing and request file screening, subject to authorization of the Director of Engineering. 2. Develops system work plan recommendations and supporting technical studies involving major service projects, system improvements, conversion projects, sectionalizing and substation improvements. 3. Analyzes line extension construction costs, rate structure, and other factors affecting variable and fixed costs to determine operating margins, amortization terms, supplemental line charges, deposits, facilities rental charges, special billing demands, and monthly minimum billing provisions. 4. Develops and prepares bid specifications on materials for major projects and submits to the Director of Engineering. 5. Studies all cooperative policies, operating procedures, by-laws, rules and regulations, national codes and publications to keep current and able to interpret or apply same when needed. 6. Keeps abreast of procedures for implementing standard service contracts, service extension construction cost contributions, refundable deposits, and other supplemental arrangements necessary in handling consumer service requests in accordance with established policies and procedures.

2 7. Develops term provisions of draft Industrial Power Contracts, together with related correspondences, margin studies and other supporting data, for supplying commercial and industrial consumer power requirements, subject to review and further handling by the Director of Engineering. 8. Coordinates field survey work involving line relocations where affected by federal and state highway/roadway construction projects, and develops cost estimates, supporting drawings and forms required for preparation and submission to appropriate transportation agencies or departments. 9. Reviews communications, plans, drawings and other data received from architects and/or consulting engineers relating to electrical service inquiries, and develops appropriate technical data from field investigations, surveys, calculations and other necessary activities to properly respond and comply with requested information. 10. Advises contract electricians and/or consumer/members regarding short circuit current available at the Cooperative s supply point of delivery, when requested for large industrial and commercial jobs, or other more general requests required in conformity with the current editions of the National Electrical Code and State of Tennessee Department of Insurance Regulations Number Develops construction and crew scheduling plans necessary to implement system conversion projects, or other major projects, in the field and coordinates distribution of written procedures, circuit drawings and crews needed, subject to approval by the Director of Engineering, Director of Operations and Director of District Services. 12. Inspects completed construction work orders to assure adherence of RUS/DREMC design specifications, and prepares clean-up lists for review with the Director of Engineering and subsequent return to construction crews for corrections. 13. Directs property surveys necessary for the Cooperative to evaluate procurement and development of properties, and for mapping ground elevations, contours, or other features relative to the preparation of site plan drawings. 14. Directs and/or coordinates field activities relating to information needed for complying with the Tennessee Code Annotated in the sale of specific Cooperative distribution plant and the relinquishing of service rights in territorial areas annexed by neighboring municipalities, when directed by the Director of Engineering. 15. Investigates unusual consumer complaints, circuit voltage complaints and other problems requiring technical assistance. 16. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all system lines, feeders, sectionalizing equipment, regulators, capacitors, substations, and related other plant equipment or properties. 17. Directs construction of substation switch structures, fencing, grading and other general site development, and coordinates/schedules related activities necessary

3 for complying with joint TVA/DREMC project work schedules, when directed by the Director of Engineering. 18. Develops operating and line switch procedures, related circuit maps, one-line diagrams, substation procedures, line and station numbering schemes, and other data for distribution to district operations personnel. 19. Instructs engineering, construction, and operations personnel in the proper applications, function and operation of all types of electrical equipment used to transform or regulate, meter, measure, test, switch or operate, insulate, repair, and/or be used otherwise, when requested. 20. Approves system protection and sectionalizing changes upon request of and consultation with district personnel, where deemed necessary and technically compatible for coordination with overall circuit/substation protection, subject to the approval/authorization of the Director of Engineering. 21. Develops maintenance testing procedures, techniques, safety requirements, equipment descriptions, and written instructions for shop and field testing. 22. Schedules annual maintenance programs for testing substation components, operating and controlling circuits, transformer facilities, and other related equipment, when requested or directed by the Director of Engineering. 23. Develops substation relay setting change recommendations for coordinating with TVA source-side relay changes, or DREMC load-side circuit sectionalizing changes. 24. Studies system wide ammeter readings taken by operations personnel at substations and line switch locations, keeps ammeter recordings current, and develops load shift recommendations for district personnel to maintain line circuit balance. 25. Reviews and tabulates interruption report summaries by district and posts consumer interruption index records, when requested. 26. Makes certain that assigned vehicles are operated and serviced in accordance with established policies and procedures, maintaining accurate mileage and service records. 27. Develops and helps administer training courses and procedures necessary to qualify individuals for particular engineering classifications, and assists with functionally related training for district and other departmental personnel, when assigned. 28. Strives for maximum, efficient, and constant growth in engineering techniques, knowledge, and procedures by keeping currently informed on product innovations, new technology, research progress, and through courses, seminars, and conferences designed to develop and improve abilities and overall competency. 29. Acts for the Director of Engineering when directed and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

4 30. Performs such other activities or duties as may be required or directed. B. The provision of special and general services to other departments and district offices to facilitate cooperation and functional assistance. 1. Renders assistance with the preparation of studies, reports, statistical data, records, notices, and other paperwork affecting other departmental or district office functions. 2. Coordinates supplemental and back-up assistance for district field engineering services, operations and construction functions, and other technical needs when requested or authorized. 3. Directs operational activities related to shifting circuit loads to correct district circuit and substation balance when requested and authorized by the Director of Engineering. C. The promotion of good public and member relations. 1. Participates in farm, civic and community affairs and organizations by individual involvement and cooperation throughout the Cooperative service area, and encourages participation of employees and work associates. 2. Uses every opportunity, on the job and off, to develop understanding, acceptance, and support of the Cooperative s objectives, plans, and programs among consumermembers and the general public. 3. Schedules engineering appointments for meetings with members concerning service needs and requests at a mutually convenient time, and on those occasions required, after hours and on days off. II. RELATIONSHIPS A. Reports to: Director of Engineering Keeping him (her) informed concerning work in progress and completed and consulting with him (her) concerning problems which hinder efficient completion of the duties and responsibilities of the position. B. Supervises the work of: Field Engineer project supervision Engineers Aide project supervision Others assigned C. Coordinates or cooperates with: 1. Internal

5 a. Department Heads On matters, relating to engineering services, work orders and related records, and other functional relationships interrelated or of mutual concern. b. District Managers On matters relating to engineering services involving work order preparation and handling, service contracts, extension charges and/or contributions or deposits, technical consultation and related assistance, jointuse relationships, and other mutual concerns. c. Area Managers On matters relating and similar to those outlined for the District Manager. d. Manager of System Operations Technical consultation and assistance involving construction, power distribution-operations-maintenance, switching and other similar concerns. e. District Field Engineers For advice and consultation related to safe, uniform, and economical engineering design; work order preparation; handling service requests, member service contracts, extension charges/contributions or deposits; administering policies and procedures; and rendering technical assistance/coordination in the construction operation and maintenance of distribution lines and related equipment throughout the district. f. Engineering Services Coordinator and Engineering Clerks On services performed as a part of normal, daily, engineering functions, for technical engineering support on projects and engineering calculations, and for scheduling of clerical assistance. g. Engineering Department Staff On services performed as a part of normal, daily, engineering functions, and on specific assignments in relation to individual engineering responsibilities and expertise. h. Operations Supervisor By informing of special line design and answering questions about the specifications required. i. Other Employees By cooperating with in maintaining pleasant working relationships and to improve morale; to exchange ideas, information and job experience that will benefit the organization and insure the continued progress of the Cooperative. 2. External a. Tennessee Valley Authority On matters pertaining to power supply and substation siting, transmission line crossing applications, joint-use permits, system operations coordination, substation maintenance, station/line design changes, voltage regulation, area/reservoir developmental projects involving line relocations, new and relocated roads, and other related concerns.

6 b. Municipal Electric Systems On matters of mutual concern regarding joint power supply and substation operation, joint-line crossings, construction and design, territorial annexations involving the sale of members and facilities. c. Other Cooperatives On matters of mutual concern and cooperation affecting neighboring relationships, power supply planning with the TVA, federal and state political/legislative matters rate design, job training and safety, joint relationships with the TECA, and other mutual engineering and operation concerns. d. Federal and State Transportation Agencies On matters relating to road and highway construction and improvements, right-of-way, permits for line crossings, and other involvements affecting Cooperative property or distribution facilities. e. Communications/CATV Companies On matters relating to joint-use agreements, construction, and operation involving telephone companies, rural telephone cooperatives, and community antenna television cable companies operating within the Cooperative s service area. f. Architectural/Consulting Firms On matters involving electrical design and planning, advice, restrictions, requirements, and assistance beneficial to the consumer-member client authorizing communication with such firms. g. Industrial/Commercial Consumers On matters pertaining to existing and future power supply requirements, and for consultation, advice or recommendations on operation, load characteristics, equipment changes, energy consumption, and other services affecting consumer electrical costs of business operation. h. Railroad Companies On matters pertaining to egress/ingress on or over railroad owned properties and rights-of-way involving Cooperative power line crossings and facilities requiring applications and permit agreements. i. Manufacturing/Sales Engineers and Distributors For information relative to past, current and future equipment, quotations on major equipment items and quantities, approval of new products for purchase consideration by the Cooperative, problems/defects in workmanship or materials supplied, and other concerns necessary to Cooperative/Supplier relationships. j. Consumer-Members Explaining the Cooperative s plans, procedures, service programs and objectives as necessary; providing efficient and courteous service, resulting in good member relations. k. Civic, Professional and Other Organizations By participating and contributing time, professional/business information, and other assistance of interest and mutual benefit to the various organizations and to the Cooperative in conveying and gaining acceptance for the Cooperative objectives and purposes.

7 l. General Public Maintaining friendly, cooperative relationships with the general public in the performance of these responsibilities; seeking every opportunity to develop understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative s plans, programs and objectives. III. AUTHORITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY The Electrical Engineer shall have full authority to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position in conformity with established policies and operating procedures and shall have full accountability for performance and actions within the scope of this position. He (she) should remember that he (she) is accountable to the Director of Engineering for the efficient performance of these responsibilities and is encouraged to use initiative and judgement in making decisions, remembering that the Cooperative s best interest can be affected by his (her) actions. He (she) should feel free to make suggestions for the improvement of operations and efficiency. He (she) shall secure approval of the Director of Engineering in making decisions when policies are not clear or adequate, or require interpretation. IV. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE: The education requirements for this position include, but are not limited to the following: A. Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Option preferred) from an ABET accredited program B. Previous experience with an electric utility may be a plus, however recent graduates and candidates from other fields will also be considered C. High technical and problem solving skills D. Proficient in the use of software including Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint E. Knowledge of an electrical utility, including system protection schemes and symmetrical components may be a plus. F. Experience with Milsoft WindMil, AutoCAD, ESRI, SEL relays, GIS and SCADA may be a plus. G. Candidate must be willing to work outside in all weather conditions and inside electrical substations. PHYSICAL: Must possess coordination or manual dexterity and visual acuity, as well as the ability to constantly listen and communicate orally, stand, and walk; frequently sit, bend, stoop, squat, lift and twist; to occasionally climb, balance, knell, or crouch.

8 The physical requirements for this position include, but are not limited to the following: A. Constantly uses coordination or mental dexterity: To maintain proper safety while inspecting lines or assisting in line construction and maintenance work. Coordination is also required while driving a truck. B. Constantly sits and uses manual dexterity to draw work orders, complete necessary paperwork, and operate keyboard and mouse at microcomputer and/or terminal. C. Constantly uses visual acuity and sense of hearing to locate possible hazards while performing duties of position, and to operate microcomputer and radio system. Constantly uses ability to communicate effectively while meeting with other employees, members and the public to coordinate and complete responsibilities of position. D. Frequently sits in a truck to drive and/or ride to various sites. The average number of miles and the amount of time driving/riding would vary depending on the number of sites to be visited and various other factors. E. Frequently bends, stoops, and squats to perform inspection of lines and rights-of-way to aid in line construction. F. Frequently twists while performing inspection of lines and rights-of-way to aid in line construction. G. Occasionally climbs and balances on a fence or ladder to complete responsibilities of this position. H. Occasionally kneels and crouches to stake a line or work order. MENTAL: A. Position works primarily with concrete (factual) information which must be processed with accuracy and may require communicating such information to others under moderately tense conditions. B. Employee is often expected to complete tasks under strong time pressures with relatively short notices. C. Work of position often requires intense concentration for long periods of time. D. Employee often experiences intense pressure in dealing with irate customer/members. E. Employee must be able to accept responsible charge for projects assigned.