Engineering Technician

Location: Brandon

Engineering Technician

Location:

Colman or Brandon, SD

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Join Sioux Valley Energy Sioux Valley Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to communities across eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota. We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Engineering Technician to join our Engineering Department. This position plays a vital role in supporting electric system planning, design, maintenance, and reliability through engineering analysis, drafting, data management, field investigations, and technical support.

Key Responsibilities Create, update, and maintain AutoCAD drawings, electrical switch gear drawings, construction specifications, and engineering standards documentation. Collect, analyze, and maintain engineering and system data to support construction work plans, engineering studies, and system reliability initiatives. Assist with system studies, including sectionalizing, protection coordination, short-circuit analysis, and reliability improvement projects. Support preparation of construction work plans, environmental reports, and annual construction budgets.

Create and maintain construction units and records within staking and utility software systems. Prepare switching orders and assist with planning and implementation of switching operations, alternate feeds, outage restoration, and maintenance activities. Investigate, design, and stake distribution system projects; prepare staking sheets, permits, and construction documentation. Troubleshoot electronic switch gear, controls, and related equipment. Coordinate and maintain records for equipment testing programs, including electronic controls testing, battery maintenance, oil testing, dissolved gas analysis (DGA), thermal inspections, and other maintenance activities.

Assist with SCADA installation, testing, and documentation. Maintain engineering and distribution maintenance records and communicate findings requiring follow-up by engineering or operations personnel. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent. Technical school degree or at least two years of college-level coursework in a technical field. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with spreadsheet, database, and word-processing applications.

Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and technical writing skills. Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric principles to utility engineering and design problems. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Electric utility experience in engineering, operations, construction, or consulting.

Experience with electric line design and construction. Knowledge of AutoCAD and computer-aided drafting. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems. Understanding of electric utility engineering practices, system protection coordination, utility specifications, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). Working Conditions This position combines office and field work, with approximately 20% of time spent outdoors. Candidates must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and around electrical equipment.

Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required.

Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally. Ability to perform field measurements, inspections, and research activities. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and copiers. Ability to communicate effectively and present information to others. Why Sioux Valley Energy? At Sioux Valley Energy, you'll be part of a team committed to powering our communities through innovation, safety, and exceptional service.

We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the reliability of the electric system serving our members. Apply Today If you are interested in building a rewarding career with a member-focused electric cooperative, we encourage you to apply for the Engineering Technician position. Sioux Valley Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.