POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Electrical Engineer

Department:  Engineering and Operations   

Status:  Full Time

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Reports To: Engineering and Operations Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Location: Dillon, MT

Effective Date: Open until filled

Compensation: DOE

Position Summary:  Assists in the implementation of engineering-related projects and functions of Vigilante Electric Cooperative (VEC) in accordance with established objectives, plans, procedures, policies, and budgets that results in reliable and safe electric energy delivery service at the best value to member-consumers. This includes overseeing system integrity and reliability programs, distribution design, system planning, metering, substation maintenance, drone review program, and construction work plan development.   

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 directed to perform additional duties as assigned by the Department Manager.

General Responsibilities:

• Participates in educational training and conferences as needed to maintain progressiveness and knowledge in job related areas.
• Works collaboratively with all the staff to determine priorities and to discuss work status, related problems, and solutions of issues and problems at staff meetings and on a one-to-one basis.
• Promotes, develops, and maintains good morale and team spirit.
• Maintains the confidentiality of any work-related information he/she encounters.
• In support of the vision and direction of the Department Manager, develops and maintains a positive, constructive, and supportive working relationship with employees.
• Actively participates in monthly safety meetings promoting a safe working environment across all departments within VEC.

Engineering Services Responsibilities:

• Working in collaboration with other VEC staff and engineering consultants, serving as the lead in the development of multi-year construction work plans, including overseeing inputs to the plan such as engineering studies, load projections, circuit modeling, distribution mapping of facilities, asset management, and system planning.
• Utilizes existing and new software for effective short and long-range engineering work plans and related engineering studies such as system capacitor studies, voltage condition studies, and system sectionalizing studies. Recommends and initiates actions when necessary to correct any undesirable conditions and to maintain overall system integrity.
• Reviews and analyzes system outage records and reports and works collaboratively to recommend changes to mitigate adverse outage situations in order to provide standard reliable continuity of service.
• Maintains load growth trend data for all areas of the system and analyzes its significance in relation to existing plan capabilities.
• Assists in the field design function to construct, operate, maintain, and retire the Cooperative’s electric distribution system facilities, including the acquisition of rights-of-way for crossing members’ and public property.
• Assists in metering technical functions, including providing assistance as needed in sizing transformers and service conductors to large power loads, ensuring quality work regarding the wiring of CT and PT metering installations, and overseeing metering programs, including the programming and application of three-phase electronic meters.
• Assists in the effective coordination of electric system design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the distribution system.
• Participates in the VEC Standards Committee by researching and recommending changes in operations and equipment to better utilize the electric system, reduce costs, and provide reliable electric service. 
• Assists in the analysis and inspection of substations and other electric system facilities to assure uniform construction according to established standards and specification, adequate maintenance, and overall reliability of the distribution system.
• Assists in the development of specifications of substation equipment, overseeing the internal and consultant designs of new substations and designs of necessary modification to existing substations, and supervises such projects.
• Assists in the implementation of VEC’s oil spill prevention and PCB program.
• Assists in the overall utilization of the mapping system and automatic meter reading program.
• As needed, reviews and updates environmental plans, including periodically reviewing SPCC plans for existing substations, and assists in developing new spill plans for new stations.
• Assists in the development of specifications for the acquisition of electric materials and equipment required for reliable operation of the electric system.
• Assists, as needed, with the emergency restoration of the system and storm damage restoration.
• Assists with the coordination and development of the Cooperative’s safety plan and safety accreditation (RESAP) process.
• Becomes familiar with and remains current on all related procedures, regulations, and standards, including National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA, IEEE, and other local governing electrical codes.
• As required, responds to member inquiries on critical issues and ensures the department maintains a good, positive working relationship with members by providing prompt, courteous and reliable service.
• Actively participates as a member in quarterly Standards Committee Meetings and Safety Committee Meetings.

Competencies:

• 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; 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.

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. Position holder must hold and maintain a valid Montana Driver’s License.

Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required. Montana PE license or ability to acquire a Montana PE license is preferred.   Minimum of two year’s experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.

Knowledge: Must have a working knowledge of distribution electric energy delivery and proper application to the rural market. Specific knowledge of electric energy delivery to irrigation accounts is preferred. Working knowledge of RUS specifications, National Electric Code, National Electrical Safety Code, IEEE, and other pertinent specifications and requirements is preferred.  Working knowledge of NISC Billing/CIS software, Futura mapping software and Milsoft engineering software is preferred.

Abilities & Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 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 the general public. Must have a general understanding of utility-applied technology to proficiently utilize technology applications in support of the departments and Cooperative’s objectives and requirements.

Physical Demands:  The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. 

Vigilante Electric Cooperative, headquartered in the southwest Montana community of Dillon, has an immediate opening for an Electrical Engineer.  Please see the attached position description.  VEC serves over 10,600 meters with 2,786 miles of overhead and underground power lines.  If you are interested in pursuing a full time EE position in what we feel is the best part of Montana please apply.  Dillon and the surrounding area is known for its excellent blue ribbon trout fishing and other summer and winter outdoor activities.  From skiing at Maverick Mountain, Discovery or Lost Trail within just a short drive away to snowmobiling or snowshoeing in the virtually unlimited mountainous areas, if you enjoy the outdoors this area is it.  Public land elk and deer hunting opportunities are also virtually limitless.  The closing date to apply is May 1^st.  For further information or to apply please contact Rollie Miller, General Manager or Justin Bair, Engineering and Operations Manager at our office at (406) 683-2327 or rollie@vec.coop or justin@vec.coop.