This position will supervise staff responsible for the development of engineering designs, design cost estimates and communication of technical and design information to Cooperative members, government entities and third-party builders and developers. This position will assist in the professional and technical development of department designers and technical staff. This position will also manage and evaluate the performance of assigned technical staff and proactively initiate measures to correct instances of work product not meeting established quality standards. The selected person will develop and communicate solutions to inquiries from members, government staff and officials, builders and developers and internal company personnel.
Objectives:
To actively participate as a member of the management team where decisions and plans will be developed to ensure the Cooperative's strategies, goals and objectives are accomplished. To ensure all the operational engineering management functions are represented as a member of the Management Team.
To provide for the planning and engineering design of all electrical facilities required to meet the needs of the Cooperative for orderly future system growth and any additions or modifications to existing Cooperative electrical delivery systems where required.
To coordinate the planning, design and construction management of the Cooperative's substation and transmission facilities.
To supervise the orderly transfer of designed facilities to the construction and operations phase of system improvements and/or system additions.
To ensure that the department’s engineering requirements are considered in the planning, design, and implementation of the Cooperative’s mobile field services initiative.
To ensure that the Cooperative is provided with proper technical expertise in the areas of line design planning, construction and power quality, at both the transmission and distribution levels.
To ensure that the appropriate engineering studies; such as Long-Range Plan, 4-Year Construction Work Plan, and Power Requirement Study, are conducted in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
To ensure that very high customer service standards are set for and obtained by those areas under direct control.
To develop and assist other departments, as appropriate, in the preparation of revenue budgets, cost of power budgets, the T&D Capital budget and financial forecast.
To coordinate with the Information Technology team (IT/OT) in developing and defining a long-range IT/OT plan for the Cooperative which aligns the Cooperative’s business drivers and critical success factors with the Cooperative’s IT/OT decisions.
To assist the VP, Engineering and Technical Services & VP, Engineering, Operations and Tech Services in setting and carrying out the overall goals and objectives of the department and the Cooperative in order to ensure that the Cooperative’s Key Performance Indicators will be met or exceeded.
Assist GIS Services to enhance the accuracy of system maps, substation drawings, and circuit diagrams.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to: VP, Engineering and Technical Services
Supervises: Lead Engineer, Sr. Field Engineer, Field Engineers, Staking Technicians
Coordinates: Various outside professionals such as lawyers, consultants, surveyors, right of way agents, construction inspectors, and real estate appraisers, as well as outside contractors associated with the Cooperative's projects
Duties and Responsibilities:
Supervises and assists the developing conceptual distribution layouts for commercial, industrial and residential developments.
Supervises and coordinates work orders assigned to Field Engineers and Staking Technicians.
Supervises, reviews and assists in construction costs estimates to ensure they are accurate and are kept within budget.
Responsible for Pole Loading analysis.
Assists the VP, Engineering and Technical Services in sectionalizing studies and Power Quality complaints.
Assists with the preparation of the Cooperative’s 4-Year Construction Work Plan and the long-range plan, which forecasts the physical electrical asset requirements 20 to 25 years into the future.
Responsible for the preparation of the Environmental Report (ER) as required for new construction activities.
Assists in the review of the Cooperative’s power requirements study, which is prepared by the power supply G&T, ODEC. This study provides a forecast of the Cooperative's consumer growth, kWh sales and purchases, and kW demand 15 years into the future.
Assists with developing the Coop’s T&D Capital Budget, revenue and costs of power budgets as well as on the financial forecasts cost of power studies, and rate cases and directs and is responsible for the preparation of the annual department capital and operations budgets for the areas assigned.
Supervises and is responsible for the Work Plan Management Team.
Assists in the development of the Cooperative’s long-range IT/OT plan through active participation on the IT Planning Team.
Assists in the preparation and administers the execution of contracts for labor and material associated with the system additions and/or modifications in order to meet the scheduled requirements of the approved work plans for system improvements and expansions.
Is responsible to ensure that all applicable national, state and local regulations such as NESC, RUS guidelines and the NEC are meet and applied in all of the Cooperatives designs and engineering practices.
Responsible for the interconnections and contractual obligations of all generators connecting to the Cooperative’s electrical system.
Develops and implements along with other management members, the operational plan required to accomplish the Cooperative's goals and objectives.
Reviews periodically the functions and activities regarding system planning and design and makes recommendations to the VP, Engineering and Technical Services the organization structure necessary to meet system objectives and requirements.
Develops and stimulates morale and motivates team spirit and enthusiasm throughout the department by appropriate delegations, recognition of accomplishment, counseling, and advancement according to merit, interest and ability; evaluates employee attitudes on organization goals.
Assists with direct-report employees to include developing adequate job descriptions, appraisals and professional development and training plans, recommendation wage adjustments and participating in the hiring and termination processes.
Responsible for making certain those employees who answer directly to this position are fully knowledgeable of A&N’s safety rules and strongly encourage compliance. In addition, takes an active role to enforce A&N’s safety rules, safety policies, and safety procedures.
Must complete at least one (1) professional development activity annually.
Actively participates as a member of the management team by representing departmental and Cooperative concerns while striving to positively position the Cooperative in a competitive marketplace.
Assists and coordinates the system planning for all transmission and distribution electrical system
Assists in the preparation of the Cooperative’s annual Transmission and Distribution Capital, Cost of Power and Revenue Budgets.
Provides engineering and design assistance for transmission lines, substations, distribution, and other Cooperative facilities as required.
Responsible for the preparation of required designs and schedules resources needed to meet Cooperative engineering requirements.
Recommend for approval the purchasing supplies, tools, and general equipment items except transportation equipment for the System Planning and Design Department.
Work jointly with the Key Accounts and Energy Services on more technical projects, more advanced issues concerning testing, maintenance and operations associated with the Cooperative’s key account customers and electrical.
Assists the VP, Engineering and Technical Services with issues concerning relaying, testing, design, and construction of the Cooperative's electrical system.
Assists the Director of Operations & Construction with issues concerning reliability, power quality, design, and construction of the Cooperative’s electrical system.
Attends and participates in National, Regional and State meetings as directed or required.
Reviews the operations of the Field Engineers and Staking Technicians to assure that all Cooperative policies, procedures, and safety rules are adhered to.
Reviews and recommend for approval direct report purchase requests, invoices, timecards, travel, and other expenses as necessary.
Advises and counsels Field Engineers and Staking Technicians with respect to special items beyond their authority and makes the necessary decisions.
Establishes operating procedures for successful operation of the Engineering Department.
Establishes engineering designs and standards for successful and efficient operation of the electric plant and makes recommendations.
Supervises and coordinates the schedules and standards related to Field Engineers activities and prioritizes departmental requirements.
Responsible for engineering review of generator interconnections including the Cooperative’s Net Metering Customers.
Assist VP, Engineering and Technical Services in planning, coordinating, administering, annually updating and distributing the Cooperative’s Load Curtailment Plan and Under frequency Response Plan.
Analyzes system operational and service interruption data to recommend system improvement projects.
Ensures that all Cooperative owned generator assets are properly maintained and operated in accordance with the provisions of the operational permits.
Takes the lead regarding engineering related issues with key accounts.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Relationships:
Establishes and maintains the following contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication between departments:
Internal
VP, Engineering and Technical Services: To determine and relay all transmission and substation projects for completion and provide technical advice and assistance as required. To provide Engineering expertise as well as consultation and guidance to the Department as required.
VP, Operations and Construction Services: To review major projects and plans with respect to the electric system; to inform him of new developments; to obtain information, guidance and interpretations of policies; to obtain necessary approvals.
Field Engineers and Staking Technicians: Manage the development of the technical staff through mentoring, instructing of technical engineering principles and governing electrical and safety codes. Provide instruction and teach the technical designers in areas of company policies, safety, terms and conditions under which NOVEC provides electric service. Evaluate the performance and manage the development of technical staff.
Communications and Public Relations Coordinator: Provide technical advice and assistance in support of the Cooperative’s marketing.
Director of Operations and Construction: To provide engineering expertise and support as required insuring higher levels of system reliability including providing technical advice and solutions to system issues as required. To coordinate the activities required of Field Engineering to carry out the design construction and other activities that involve both departments as well as provide technical advice and assistance as necessary.
IT Department: To coordinate matters concerning the IT/OT requirements of the Cooperative in order to meet the Cooperative’s goals and objectives.
External
Members: To maintain courteous and cooperative relationships, which create goodwill, and assist them in electrical matters
Attorneys: To develop, promote, and maintain professional and congenial relationships so as to ensure that Cooperative operations are conforming to all legal statutes.
Consulting Engineers: To develop and promote relationships necessary to obtain help in order to perform design, relaying, and engineering studies as needed.
County Administrators: To maintain an ongoing relationship with the various County Administrative staff in order to effectively carry out the business necessary to meet Administrative requirements.
Rural Utility Services (RUS): To maintain and promote an ongoing relationship with the General Field Representative in order to ensure that Cooperative is in compliance with all applicable RUS requirements.
Power Suppliers: To maintain and promote cooperative working relationships; to coordinate and cooperate in design and permitting; to interchange information of mutual interest.
State Corporation Commission: To maintain an ongoing relationship with the various Commission staffs in order to effectively carry out the business necessary to meet Commission requirements.
Contractors: To develop and promote professional relationships that will result in Cooperative projects which are in compliance with their contract's terms and conditions and which are closed out on budget and on time.
Public and Community: To actively participate in civic and community affairs and projects in such a manner as to bring improved public relations to the Cooperative; to seek every opportunity to obtain understanding, acceptance and support for the Cooperative's plans, programs, and objectives.
Engineering Technical Societies: To actively participate in society meetings to keep abreast of technological advancements and support future development of the engineering profession.
Utilities: To develop and maintain professional relationships and to exchange technical information.
Landowners: Work with landowners on easements to obtain a mutual agreement.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution is preferred, with a minimum of eight (8) years of utility related experience in engineering design, cost estimating and work planning for electric systems. Absent a degree, a minimum of eight (8) years of utility related experience in engineering design, cost estimating and work planning will also be considered for this position. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of Virginia preferred. Must complete at least one (1) professional development activity annually.
Experience:
A minimum of four (4) years of utility engineering experience, including related experience in electric power and basic maintenance procedures, supervisory responsibility and project management. Experience should include substation and transmission design, project management, RUS design, contractual requirements and relaying. Prior experience supervising engineers, engineering technicians, technical designers, and/or other utility technical personnel is preferred.
Job Knowledge:
Must have a general knowledge of electricity, electrical circuits, electrical apparatus, metering, transformer banks and the operations of a rural electric transmission and distribution cooperative. Requires familiarity with mobile radio systems, which includes the installation and removal of mobile radios and other associated equipment. Must be familiar with all aspects of design, scheduling, construction management, and relaying of facilities needed to meet the demands of the electrical system. Must have working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code, National Electrical Code, apparatus, metering, SCADA and Load Management equipment and AMI equipment. Must be familiar with work orders and closeouts procedures. Must possess basic computer skills, to include a working knowledge of Milsoft Windmil, Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required by job responsibilities.
Abilities and Skills:
Must be able to provide leadership and supervision to departmental staff. Must have the ability to communicate with membership, general public and other employees. Must be able to make design recommendations concerning the addition and upgrading of facilities to the cooperative's electric plant. Must be able to represent the Cooperative's interest in negotiations with equipment suppliers and interconnecting utilities. Must be able to supply technical advice on all related design matters to the Engineering Department. Ability to analyze and solve technical problems. Must support the Cooperative on all matters related to established Policies and Procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Most of the work is performed in the ANEC office. Occasional field trips for inspection of facilities or meetings with members, power and equipment suppliers and consultants. Attendance of seminars and conferences several times a year may be required.
Subject to call at any time for emergencies and working in inclement weather.