Each of our positions has a designated salary range. This position's salary range starts at $72,585. Starting wage is based on knowledge, education and experience.
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time
Reporting Relationship: Engineering & IT Manager
Work Location: Topeka or McLouth, KS
Who We Are:
FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits.
FreeState offers excellent benefits including a pension plan, 401(k) matched savings, and medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage. FreeState also provides a health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits and so much more. Employees are provided with on-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture.
Each of our positions has a designated salary range. This position's salary range starts at $72,585. Starting wage is based on knowledge, education and experience.
Primary Accountability:
The Electrical Engineer I is responsible for the design, coordination, overcurrent protection, voltage regulation, load balancing, planning, and troubleshooting of the Cooperative’s electric power distribution and transmission system.
Essential Duties:
Maintains acceptable distribution system voltages and capacity through assessment, system improvements, and the application of voltage regulators, capacitors, and reactors as necessary.
Assures safe, efficient, and reliable transmission, distribution, and substation design for new construction and modifications to existing facilities.
Conducts system planning studies including load projections and modeling of the distribution system with Milsoft Windmil. This includes keeping an up-to-date winter and summer model.
Assists in the development of all studies required by RUS (Construction Work Plan, Long Range Plan, Sectionalizing Study, Contingencies Study, etc.).
Regularly monitors and evaluates distribution equipment inspection sheets and recommends corrective action if necessary.
Reviews applications for the installation of distributed generation.
Assists with managing the Cooperative’s peak shave generators, solar fields and load management.
Assists with the prioritization of work plan projects for Staking Technicians and provides updated information to Management.
Monitors, evaluates, and maintains the cooperative’s SCADA system including interpreting data, installing, and specifying system information as necessary.
Recommends specifications of transformers, regulators, line protection devices, and meters.
Become familiar with and assist with the cooperative’s government UESC contract and processes.
Assists with the review of completed work orders for compliance with applicable codes and construction practices. If corrective action is needed, documents, distributes and enforces the corrective action.
Advises and assists management on special equipment in addition to the rebuilding and repair of existing equipment.
Assists with the coordination and overall integration of engineering projects both internal and external.
Assists with the review of EL reports before submission to the KCC and other utilities, in accordance with required procedures.
Performs additional duties as assigned by Management.
Qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology is required.
Ability to become knowledgeable in electrical distribution system equipment for the purposes of designing and documenting the new electrical services and system improvements is required.
Ability to become knowledgeable in electrical construction as it interacts with electric distribution systems is required; Experience with a public utility or rural electric cooperative is preferred.
Demonstrate a general familiarity and comfort with the computers and standard Microsoft Software.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as the ability to gain government clearance.
Demonstrated knowledge of project management.
Demonstrate effective communication to provide proactive customer service and follow-up skills with the ability to maintain a professional relationship with members and staff.
Physical Demands:
Consistently sits for extended periods of time. Occasionally stands, walks, bends, stoops, squats, lifts, unpacks, and moves up to fifty (50) pounds.
Ability to perform finger and hand manipulation and perform repetitive motions in order to use a computer keyboard and telephone, as well as other office equipment.
Ability to read computer screens, mail and talk on the phone.
Must be able to walk a mile over uneven terrain, and any other requirement associated with power line construction and right-of-way clearing to observe work.
Work Environment:
Professional and deadline-oriented environment involving both indoor and outdoor activities.
May be exposed to outside weather conditions such as extreme cold/heat.
Regular, reliable attendance is required.
Interaction with staff, vendors, and members.
Must be able to report to their primary worksite after regular business hours, as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency situation such as electrical outages, inclement weather, etc.
Ability to travel between offices and attend meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars, as directed.
How to Apply:
If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.coop/jobs to complete an Application for Employment.
FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
