Job Summary:

Working independently and collaboratively with others, this position plays an integral role in executing CPI’s mission, philosophy, and commitment to providing safe, reliable electricity to our community and exceptional service to our internal and external customers. This position shares responsibility with other members of the engineering department for establishing and encouraging a dynamic, high functioning, engaged work environment that fosters a safe and healthy work culture.

The System Engineer will work under the direction of the COO and is responsible for all engineering design aspects of the Co-op’s electrical system. This individual analyzes the electrical system for safe efficient operation and monitors system reliability.

The System Engineer also works closely with Dispatch and the Smart Grid Engineer to ensure effective SCADA system operation. The System Engineer provides support in the automation of the Cooperative’s substation, transmission, and distribution system. This individual provides guidance and direction to employees whose duties relate to engineering functions within the Co-op.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions of the Position:

The essential functions of this position require the frequent and consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance, the execution of CPI strategic initiatives, and in the performance of all managerial duties.

1. Ensures safe operation of the electrical system by selecting and directing the installation and coordination of protective devices.
2. Develops engineering design and construction standards, specifications, and materials standards.
3. Writes requests for proposals and evaluates proposals to recommend a suitable consultant, contractor, vendor, or manufacturer.
4. Writes project scoping documents and contracts, and works directly with consultants, contractors, vendors, and manufacturers to ensure project schedule, budget, and all other deliverables are met.
5. Establishes protective relay settings for substations and transmission lines and evaluates distribution feeders for proper coordination.
6. Analyzes the electrical system for efficient operation and oversees maintenance of electrical system engineering model and databases.
7. Monitors system performance and reliability and maintains records and reports on system operation.
8. Works with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to ensure a safe, adequate, and reliable power delivery system at every BPA/CPI delivery point.
9. Directs and reviews engineering studies to assure power quality meet or exceed industry standards.
10. Recommends and initiates corrective actions to improve efficiency and reliability of the electrical system.
11. Organizes and monitors system peak load data and updates load forecasts.
12. Reviews monthly wholesale power bill and works directly with Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC) and BPA to reconcile discrepancies.
13. Meets with members to resolve complex power quality problems.
14. Provides technical support for SCADA and automation equipment installation, operation, and maintenance.
15. Provides technical support to Dispatch for operation and control of the electrical system through SCADA.
16. Reviews the communication requirements for protective relaying, SCADA, and distribution automation, and recommends improvements or corrective action.
17. Communicates and proposes solutions to the COO on items of significance in a timely manner.
18. Answers questions regarding Co-op policies and projects and addresses customer complaints in a timely and appropriate manner.
19. Performs other duties as assigned by the COO.

Position Requirements:

Qualified candidates for this position will have relevant education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions and meet the minimum performance expectations for this position.

Required Education and Experience 

• Applicant must be a graduate of a four-year college or university with a degree in engineering and/or Professional Electrical Engineer. An emphasis in power systems desirable.
• Ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Oregon within 1 year.
• Minimum 5 years work experience in electrical utility engineering activities.
• Valid driver’s license. Other driving-related requirements may apply depending on the nature and scope of responsibilities associated with driving on behalf of CPI.

Other Requirements 

• The nature of the work requires that the individual establishes and maintains residency within the Co-op’s service area.
• Operate a personal computer, and business applications for work process, spreadsheets, and database creation, editing and archiving.
• Operates standard office equipment and machines such as printer, fax, calculator, copy machine, multi-line telephones and keyboard.
• Operate electrical test instruments including data loggers and power analyzers.
• Setup and operate various analog and digital power system device controls.
• Operates portable, mobile, and base station two-way radios.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other Co-op employees, outside vendors, contractors, and the general public.
• Must have demonstrated ability to be punctual and regular in attendance.
• Demonstrated skill and competence incorporating strategic planning concepts and strategic uses of information technology in obtaining key business objectives/results.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes applicable to CPI and its provision of utility services.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other diverse audiences while providing outstanding customer service.
• Strong technical, troubleshooting, problem solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Well-reasoned decision making with a high diligence regarding organization, planning, workflow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Highly ethical, initiative-taking individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of tools and equipment used in electric utility construction and maintenance.

Availability, Physical Demands, and Other Requirements:

Availability and Accessibility

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions with coworkers and members of the public, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent availability, accessibility, and presence on-site.

Approximately 40+ hours / week may be required to efficiently perform the job duties of this position, including presence at designated internal and external meetings. This position may also require availability and accessibility to respond to and address emergencies and critical situations outside of normal business operating hours in the evenings and/or during weekends.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Receive, understand, evaluate, and appropriately respond to communications from employees, the Board of Directors, and members of the public using available technology, in person and in a public setting when necessary.
• Maintain professional and respectful communication style to ensure reactions and responses to both emergency and non-emergency situations serve as an example to others of appropriate workplace communications.
• Provide intellectually sound and well-reasoned answers, recommendations, and solutions to identified business problems, issues, and/or questions. Efficiently and quickly analyze, process, manipulate, and accurately record extensive amounts of data (some of which is technical in nature) and other information that serves as the basis for this position.
• Move to, from and within our building and across utility-related property site locations, possibly during inclement weather.
• Work for extended periods of time in a stationary position operating computer equipment while consistently grasping, moving, and manipulating documents, office supplies, and other business materials.
• Use a personal computer or other technology devices frequently and consistently for the purpose of reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data, and other business-related information.
• Lift, transport and/or move up to approximately 30 lbs. each day in the performance of regular duties. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and descending a stepladder may be required.
• Drive on behalf of CPI and/or report for work in all types of weather.

Environmental Conditions

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. This position primarily works in a temperature-controlled office environment. Our office spaces include traditional office lighting and office furniture, as well as consistent and frequent noise, interruptions, and other similar distractions.

Disclosures:

I understand that this job description is not an employment agreement or contract. It is intended as a general guide of the job duties and tasks the person in this position may be asked to perform as part of our CPI team. It is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the job duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to this position. Position descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs, and such changes may not be reflected immediately in written form.

Refusal or unwillingness to perform duties and tasks assigned in a positive, professional, and productive manner, even if seeming to fall outside of this description, may be considered insubordination and a violation of CPI policies and expectations.

About Consumers Power Inc.

Consumers Power Inc. 6990 West Hills Road Philomath, OR 97370

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