Career Center

Distribution Designer I

Summary

This is an entry level Distribution Designer training position. Assignments are limited to entry level design directed towards qualifying this individual for eligibility in a higher classification. This position is not intended to perform comprehensive independent design work which is normally performed by higher classifications. This position is expected to broaden and develop knowledge and expertise regarding design practices, operating procedures, materials management, right-of-way issues, computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, and geographic information systems (GIS) software. After one (1) year experience in this position, individuals shall start testing for advancement to the Distribution Designer II position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares designs including construction drawings for residential services, residential service upgrades and streetlights
• Obtains utility documentation related to assigned tasks.
• Reports grid map inconsistencies.
• Performs data collection/entry related to assignments.
• Participates in field observation of operating, maintenance and construction-related practices.
• Assists Distribution Designers in higher classifications.
• Participates in introductory orientation leading to proficiency in work order procedures, Chugach operating procedures, materials management, purchasing, utilization of CAD/GIS services, utilization of survey field data and working with Member Services, System Control Department (Dispatch), and Substation and Line Operations (Operations).
• Assists Distribution Designers in higher classifications.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Training, Licensure, Certification:  Must possess valid Alaska driver's license.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of distribution engineering design and construction techniques, materials, and equipment related to electric utility subtransmission and/or distribution facilities preferred.
• Knowledge of NESC and RUS design and construction practices is preferred.
• Some knowledge of computer database and spreadsheet software, project planning and/or project estimating is preferred. Requires strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations consistent with level of work responsibility.
• Ability to physically access rough terrain project site locations without the use of motor operated equipment.

Distribution Designer II

Summary

Working in a position of progressively increasing responsibility, prepares designs of moderate complexity leading to the construction of electric utility plant. Work in this position is carried out in frequent consultation with a design manager or designer in a higher classification. Most decisions are not considered final until reviewed by a supervisor. This position will be eligible to take a proficiency exam to advance to the Grade 10 (Designer III) status.

Representative Duties

• Performs Designer I duties when assigned.
• Prepares designs for the following:
  • Conduit installations
  • Subdivision primary and secondary facility replacement
  • State and Municipal load centers
  • Street and yard lights
  • Transformer installations
  • Service drops
  • Single-phase/Three-phase overhead and underground consumer line extensions
• Assists Senior Designers in higher classifications.
• Conducts utility(s) conflict research including encroachments.
• Assists in cable testing and failure analysis.
• Assists in the development of sectionalizing and fuse coordination studies.
• Conducts plan reviews for state and municipal projects and prepare draft correspondence.
• Prepares staking sheets.
• Prepares documents generally associated with the preparation of a work order and construction contract.
• Conducts National Electrical Safety Code clearance research.
• Performs preliminary drafting for construction drawings.
• Conducts field plant inventories for design purposes.
• Field verifies projects for design accuracy.
• Performs design calculations in support of related duties.
• Uses computer programs to prepare project estimates, sag and tension calculations and calculations related to cable in conduit.
• Prepares written technical/coordination correspondence.
• Prepares line mile report sheets for work order closing.
• Performs preliminary construction inspection of trenching and "corflo" installations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Internal - Relationships

Designated Manager:  Reports to and receives work assignments and direction. Informs manager of progress in work assignment areas.

Higher level designers within the department:  Works with when assigned, receives requests and provides assistance, exchanges information as required.

Line Extension Coordinator:  Responds to inquires and provides information.

Right of Way Agents:  Responds to inquiries and provides information.

Other Engineering employees, managers and/or supervisors:  Responds to inquiries and provides information.

Other department/division managers and/or supervisors:  Responds to inquiries and provides information.

Employees of other departments/divisions:  Responds to inquiries and provides information.

External - Relationships

Chugach consumers:  Responds to inquiries and provides information in conjunction with design responsibilities.

Municipal, State or Federal Agencies:  Works with to coordinate design or permit-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.

Other Utilities:  Works with to coordinate design-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.

Knowledge

Requires some knowledge of distribution engineering design and construction techniques and related construction material and equipment related to electric utility subtransmission and/or distribution facilities. Requires some knowledge of National Electric Safety Code and Rural Electrification Administration design and construction practices. Some knowledge of computer database, spreadsheet and scheduling software, project planning and project estimating.

Abilities and Skills

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations consistent with level of work responsibility under this position description. Must have the ability to physically access rough terrain project site locations without the use of motor operated equipment.

Working Conditions

Design work will normally be performed in a standard office environment. Field work in all types of weather conditions will also be required. Some out-of-town work may also be required. Must possess valid Alaska driver's license. Some overtime may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.