Position Summary: Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering Services, responsible for and/or participates in power system design and maintenance activities including project design and management, transmission and distribution system planning, developing equipment specifications and budgeting. Collaborates with other members of the engineering department to ensure that the systems used to serve the membership of McKenzie Electric are safe, efficient and reliable.

Responsibilities and Competencies: The following responsibilities and competency statements are essential functions of this position and are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job function. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of personnel so classified.  The person in this position may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO or the Manager of Engineering Services.

Responsibilities include the following. Other duties are as assigned.

• Maintains MEC’s short and long-range load projections and plans as required to maintain/improve the reliability and integrity of the electrical, transmission, substation and distributions system.
• Assists in overseeing overall planning of facilities including load growth and overall system design
• Aides in the Maintenance of the SCADA and communication systems and works with other members of the engineering department to make improvements and updates to those systems.
• Oversees the review and planning and modeling of transmission projects.
• Oversees substation engineering projects and MEC’s project management
• Establishes regeneration specifications, considerations and requirements and communicates these plans as needed.
• With assistance from outside consultants as necessary, makes updates to the long-range plan.
• Manages the asset management system.
• Assists with distribution modeling.
• Oversees substation record drawing updates.
• Manages the transmission and substation design guide and completes periodic reviews and updates as necessary.
• Assists in providing training to personnel to ensure that applications and installations are understood.
• Develops and provides budget information for recommended electrical system improvements and modifications
• Acts as a resource and provides technical expertise for/to other departments to resolve electrical system problems and recommends corrective action.
• Assists in performing annual transmission, substation and distribution system studies/analysis (voltage drops, coordination studies, capacitor placements, Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, etc.)
• Works as part of a team for the development, preparation and maintenance of MEC’s transmission, substation and distribution systems.
• Investigates and recommends standards for construction and application of electrical equipment and recommends new products including material and equipment.
• Is available to support emergency electricity restoration and storm damage repairs.
• Performs all responsibilities in accordance with MEC’s Policies and Operating Procedures, National Electric Safety Code, National Electrical Code, RUS Standards and OSHA Regulations.

Competencies:

• Ability to maintain a strong sense of propriety concerning confidential matters.
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with members, director, managers, supervisors, fellow employees, representatives of other utilities, outside consultants and the public.
• Follows policies and procedures; upholds organizational values; works with ethics and integrity.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.
• Manages difficult or emotional member situations; responds promptly to member needs; solicits member feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Focuses on solving conflicts, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to new and to others’ ideas.
• Speaks and writes clearly and informatively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continually build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Treats people with respect in actions and speech; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; includes appropriate people in decision making process.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time effectively; sets and achieves challenging goals.
• Adapts to changes in work environment; manages competing demands.
• Volunteers readily; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Maintains and promotes a positive, professional attitude.
• Views the Cooperative as a unit of interdependent functions and assists when needed.
• Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Ability to make decisions within established precedent and with limited supervision

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of RUS construction specifications, National Electrical Safety Code, OSHA regulations and National Electric Code
• Proficient or the ability to become proficient in the use of WindMil Engineering Analysis, ASPEN Modeling, Microsoft Project, Excel, Microsoft Word and AutoCAD
• Basic electrical engineering theory knowledge and a general understanding of its application.

Abilities & Skills:  Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and written, with the capability to effectively teach, mentor, and coach personnel to achieve desired performance.  Must relate well with all types of people and have the ability to listen, as well as to present and explain circumstances and results.  Must be able to handle confidential information and gain the respect of others.  Must be able to positively represent the Cooperative and effectively communicate with and to the general public.  Must have the technical aptitude to logically and objectively evaluate obstructions and impediments to plans and programs, make rational independent decision, and develop reasonable solutions to problems.  Must have, or be able to acquire, sufficient technical knowledge to understand and relate government regulations and safety issues to achieve the requirements of the position.  Must have a general understanding of utility applied technology to proficiently utilize technology applications in support of the department’s and Cooperative’s objectives and requirements. Personal characteristics shall include integrity, motivations, positive professional image, courtesy and good attendance.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of members or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.

Physical Demands:

Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and temperature changes. Some overnight travel to industry trade shows and training conferences is required.

Frequent physical activity to include walking, bending, lifting up to 25 pounds, occasional lifting in excess of 25 pounds, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, crawling, pushing, and pulling. May spend long periods of time driving and/or riding in company vehicles to reach remote areas of the service territory.

Must be able to communicate clearly for work and safety compliance. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud.

Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution desired; Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering Discipline required; five years’ experience with a transmission/distribution utility in an engineering capacity desired.

Contact Carissa Suter, HR Manager, at csuter@mckenzieelectric.com or 701-444-6735 to request an application.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, public assistance status, status with respect to marriage, or off-duty participation in lawful activity in compliance with applicable law, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable laws.  All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire in compliance with federal law.