Career Center

*Dependent on your education and experience, Designer I or Designer II would be applicable.*

Summary

Working in a position of progressively increasing responsibility,  prepares designs  leading to  the  construction of electric utility plant.  Work in this position is carried out in consultation with a design manager or designers. Most decisions are not considered final until reviewed by a supervisor.  All work specified below pertains to distribution infrastructure unless otherwise specified.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Designated Manager

Directs: Designer I directs none. Designer II may be required to direct the work of lower classifications

Representative Duties

1. DESIGNER I
   1. Prepares designs including construction drawings for residential services, residential service upgrades, single phase load center, streetlights and conduit installations.
   2. Field verifies projects for design accuracy.
   3. Obtains utility documentation related to assigned tasks.
   4. Reports grid map inconsistencies.
   5. Performs data collection/entry related to assignments.
   6. Participates in field observation of operating, maintenance and construction-related practices.
   7. Assists Distribution Designers in higher classification.
   8. Participates in introductory orientation leading to proficiency in work order procedures, Chugach operating procedures, materials management, 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).
   9. Prepares written technical/coordination correspondence.
   10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

        

2. DESIGNER II DUTIES
   1. Performs Designer I duties when assigned.
   2. Prepares designs for the following:
   3. Single-phase/Three-phase overhead and underground commercial, residential, or subdivision line extensions
   4. Transformer installations
   5. Three phase load centers
   6. Subdivision primary and secondary facility replacement
   7. Single phase cable replacement projects
   8. Pole and pole top assembly replacement
   9. Performs joint use requests, investigations and designs.
   10. Performs investigations involving overhead and underground lines.
   11. Assists Senior Designers in higher classifications.
   12. Conducts utility(s) conflict research including encroachments.
   13. Participates in sectionalizing and fuse coordination activities.
   14. Conducts plan reviews for state and municipal projects and prepare draft correspondence.
   15. Prepares documents generally associated with the preparation of a work order and construction contract.
   16. Conducts National Electrical Safety Code clearance research.
   17. Conducts field equipment inventories for design purposes.
   18. Performs design calculations in support of related duties.
   19. Uses computer programs to prepare project estimates, sag and tension calculations and calculations related to cable in conduit.
   20. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Relationships

1. Internal
   1. Designated Manager:    Reports to and receives work assignments and direction.  Informs manager of progress in work assignment areas.
   2. Higher level designers within the department:  Works with when assigned, receives requests and provides assistance, exchanges information as required.
   3. Line Extension Coordinator: Responds to inquires and provides information.
   4. Right of Way Agents: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
   5. Other Engineering employees, managers and/or supervisors: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
   6. Other department/division managers and/or supervisors: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
   7. Employees of other departments/divisions: Responds to inquiries and provides information.
2. External
   1. Chugach consumers:    Responds to inquiries and provides information in conjunction with design responsibilities.
   2. Municipal, State or Federal Agencies: Works with to coordinate design or permit-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.
   3. Other Utilities: Works with to coordinate design-related matters associated with delegated work assignments.

Knowledge

1. Requires knowledge of distribution engineering design and construction techniques and related construction material and equipment related to electric utility subtransmission and/or distribution facilities consistent with the level of work responsibility for a Designer I, II, III, or Senior.
2. Requires knowledge of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and Rural Electrification Administration design and construction practices consistent with the level of work responsibility for a Designer I, II, III, or Senior.
3. Knowledge of computer database, spreadsheet and scheduling software, project planning, project estimating, project construction inspection documentation, and as-built documentation consistent with the level of work responsibility for a Designer I, II, III, or Senior.

Abilities and Skills

1. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform mathematical calculations consistent with the level of work responsibility for a Designer I, II, III, or Senior.
3. Must have the ability to physically access rough terrain project site locations without the use of motor operated equipment.

Working Conditions

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

Qualifications

Designer I Qualifications

Experience

Two (2) years combined work experience in computer aided design (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS), surveying, other engineering disciplines, utility line design, electrical construction, or in a position directly related to electric utility distribution line design/construction.

Education

High School diploma or GED and completion of six (6) college semester credit hours in algebra, trigonometry, calculus and/or physics (or directly related coursework) plus an additional three (3) college semester credit hours in either of the following:

• CAD and/or GIS
• Civil, mechanical and/or electrical engineering

Additional coursework towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering is preferred

Substitution

Additional vocational education may substitute for either the required education or work experience provided the coursework is specific to power line design. For these purposes, one year of vocational education is equivalent to either six (6) college semester credit hours of the education required above or one (1) year of the required work experience.

Additional education in any of the required courses above may be substituted for the required experience.  For these purposes, one (1) year of experience is equivalent to six (6) college semester credit hours of education.

Designer II Qualifications

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a four (4) year Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Engineering Science

OR

Documented completion of two (2) years towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Engineering Science and two (2) years of applicable and progressively more responsible work experience in related electric utility distribution design.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of documented progressively more responsible work experience in directly related electrical distribution 

OR

Successful completion of a Designer I training program and Grade 9 (Designer II) proficiency exam. Must meet all qualification requirements of Designer II before April 1 or October 1 to qualify for the proficiency exam.

About Chugach Electric Association

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach. A little more about us: Chugach recently celebrating 75 years! We are a stable company, in a stable industry. And while we may have stability, we are modern, sustainable and forward-thinking to ensure that we provide reliable services for generations to come. We also pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. We have several 20, 30 and 40 + year employees who continue foster an inclusive, innovative corporate environment. Find your spark with Chugach Electric! Chugach's corporate vision: Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska. Chugach's corporate mission: We provide safe, re...liable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members. Chugach's corporate values: Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team. Chugach Electric Association is the leading power utility in Alaska committed to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to our members. We are also one of the few vertically integrated cooperative utilities in North America with a majority ownership stake in a natural gas field which currently provides much of our fuel needs.  In addition, we are actively bringing on new natural gas supplies and clean energy projects.  With a strong focus on planning, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, we strive to deliver cutting-edge energy solutions and services while maintaining our commitment to corporate responsibility.

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