Systems Protection Engineer

1       PURPOSE OF POSITION:

1. To perform engineering and planning for the Coop’s electrical system. Is involved in difficult work on highly technical problems and participates in the formulation and enforcement of Coop policies, standards, and specifications.
2. Exercises a high degree of decision-making that involves interpretation and application of Coop policy along with analysis of fact and circumstance. Has regular contact with other Coop staff, consultants, contractors, and customers requiring considerable tact and diplomacy.
3. Occasionally engages in light to moderate physical exertion and works in both an office and field environment. May be exposed to extreme climatic conditions.

2       RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES:

a)         Meets and reviews with Coop staff, developers, consultants, and other agencies in the preparation of plans and specifications.

b)         Interprets plans, blueprints, safety orders, and government rules and regulations as related to planning and engineering activities.

c)         Assists in compliance program as well as adheres to and implements applicable compliance standards and requirements.

d)         Research and designs system protection, automation, and loading schemes to resolve problems, and maintain sectionalizing coordination and fault isolation.

e)         Investigates equipment event files to determine if MWEC equipment operations coincided with system protection and loading scheme as designed and programmed.  Propose corrective action when required.

f)           Maintains engineering records and files.

g)         Prepares or assists in the preparation of environmental reviews, technical reports, equipment specifications, and bid specifications.

h)         Designs switching procedures.

1. Provides assistance needed to insure adequate service including continuity of service to critical loads.

j)           Assists with technical support and lends guidance in the design and layout of construction projects as needed.

k)         Assists in the development of Coop construction standards and specifications.

l)           Reviews plans, cost estimates, and construction sheets for projects, developments, and additions to the Coop’s electrical system. 

1. May be involved in short range and long-range work plans, including drawings, plans and specifications for the construction of distribution, substation, and transmission facilities.

n)         Makes Coop Board presentations if requested.

o)         Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and operate a motorized vehicle without the assistance of another employee.

p)         Any and all other duties as assigned.

3       POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

a)     EDUCATION: 

Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and possession of a Professional Engineer’s license or the ability to obtain a North Dakota P.E. license within 5 years of employment.

b)     WORK EXPERIENCE: 

5-7 years of relatable work experience.

c)     JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

Must have working knowledge of generally accepted electrical engineering principles.  

d)     ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Must possess knowledge about operating and electrical systems.  Excellent computer skills are required.  Must have good mathematical skills and an above average knowledge of physics, science and mechanics.  Must be knowledgeable about current industry technology, concepts, principles, practices, and established procedures.  Knowledge of transmission & PSSE load flow models are desirable. Ability to read and understand blueprints, staking sheets and specification books for maintenance and construction projects of the Cooperative.  Good mathematical, drafting and mapping skills are required. Strong analytical skills required.  Strong presentation skills are required.  Ability to certify, review and approve items affecting the operation of the Cooperative and the delivery of reliable service.  Ability and willingness to cooperate and work as part of a team.  Good project management skills required.  Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a two-way radio.

e)     WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work is typically performed indoors and outdoor work is often required.  Occasionally the job exposes employee to machinery and its moving parts, fumes and/or chemicals, and a noisy environment.  Will be in areas of high voltage and will follow appropriate safety requirements.

              Normally have regular hours of work.  Overtime may be required.

f)       PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary work requiring exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  Light lifting of up to 20 pounds. Job requires work on a computer most of the time.  Requires repetitive motions with hands and fingers such as dialing and keyboarding.  Primarily inside work.  Must be able to use office equipment such as a copier, computer and printer.  Must be able to communicate to individuals and small groups. Requires analyzing data and reports, conducting research, and coordinating people and resources.  Skills in developing plans, procedures and goals required.  Must be able to present information to others and work under stress.

4       WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Internal:

• Establishing and maintaining pleasant working relationships with all fellow employees in achieving the objectives of the Cooperative.
• Works mainly with Engineering, Distribution Automation, and Substation departments.

1. External:

• Cooperating with members and the general public and assisting them in a friendly and courteous manner. Also, promotes an understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative's objectives, viewpoint, and programs. 
• Contractors and consulting engineers

5       MEMBER RELATIONS DIVISION:

1. Systems Protection Engineer shall have full authority to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position in conformity with established policies and procedures.

1. Systems Protection Engineer should remember that he/she is accountable to the General Manager and the management of the Cooperative for the efficient performance of these responsibilities and that, although some of the responsibilities may be delegated or assigned to another person, the accountability cannot be.

1. Systems Protection Engineer is encouraged to use initiative and judgment in making decisions, remembering that the Cooperative's best interests can be affected by his/her actions. He/she should feel free to make suggestions for the improvement of operations and efficiency.

1. Systems Protection Engineer 1 shall secure the approval of the Senior Electrical Engineer, or General Manage, in making decisions when policies are not clear or adequate, or require interpretation.

6       REPORTS TO:

a)     Senior Electrical Engineer and the General Manager

1. Keeping the Electrical Engineer, Senior Electrical Engineer, Substation Department, Operations Manager, and General Manager, and other appropriate personnel 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.
2. DISCLAIMER:
3. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

1. MWEC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on its duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities.