Senior Power Engineer

Job Title

This position provides an opportunity for professional advancement as the City prepares for long-term succession in Utility leadership.

$10,000 Housing Incentive Negotiable Signing Bonus, Relocation Incentives, and Vacation Bank / Sick Leave Transfer. This is an exempt, management-level position in the Electric Utility Department. General direction is provided by the Electric Utility Director. Leadership responsibilities include the direct supervision over assigned personnel, which may include various consultants and/or contractors. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the engineering activities of the Electric Department.

Responsibilities include system design, operation, and asset management for the electric distribution system which includes the substation(s), distribution system, hydroelectric plant, SCADA, and advanced metering infrastructure. The Senior Power Engineer provides highly responsible and technical staff assistance to the Electric Utility Director, and assists in the coordination of operations and maintenance activities of the utility department and outside agencies, as needed.

The Senior Power Engineer must work closely and effectively with the Electric Operations Superintendent providing highly responsive technical support to assist in the efficient and prudent operation of the Electric Department.

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

• Provide technical assistance to engineering, technical services, and field staff as well as customers to identify and solve various problems related to construction, operation, and delivery of power.
• Work closely with the Electric Operations Superintendent in the review and evaluation of work methods and procedures.
• Review project plans and drawings with supervisors and other staff as appropriate; recommend changes based on field observations and operational requirements; provide technical advice and assistance on difficult work problems.
• Research and develop material specifications and standards for electric equipment and construction practices.
• Perform system protection and coordination studies and review system protection equipment settings and operations, adjusting as necessary to provide a highly reliable distribution system.
• Complete distribution modeling including underground and overhead distribution systems design, voltage drop/correction, load flow, power factor correction, and system protection.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and oversee the implementation of local, state, and federal regulatory compliance activities related to area of assignment.
• Assist and support the Electric Operations Superintendent in the development, review, and updating of safety training, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform a variety of advanced technical and professional engineering tasks using sound engineering judgment, including project planning, analysis, design, construction management, and contract administration; special studies and report preparation for various utility construction projects related to distribution line, metering, substation, and power engineering.
• Assists in the preparation of the capital improvement plans and budget.
• Assists in the preparation of presentations and at times will be required to attend meetings outside of normal business hours.
• Serve as construction manager for various large or technical electric projects; oversee preparation of bid documents; oversee contractor performance and compliance with project plans and specifications; coordinate, schedule, and oversee specialty inspections; review and approve payment requests and review technical submittals; prepare and/or oversee the preparation of project documents including project justifications, budget analyses, preliminary cost estimates, and schedule.
• Prepare reports, presentations, analyses, and estimates for new or modified services and facilities, as well as long range maintenance and capital improvement needs; justify and recommend specific proposals and projects; participate in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Plan and budget of the utility; prepare the budget recommendations including projecting project costs, staffing needs, and anticipated expenditures by fiscal year with detailed breakdowns and justification as assigned.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and metrics to operate the Electric department using best practices.
• Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Electric Operations work plan; prioritize work activities, projects, and programs; monitor and…