Designer I, Power Distribution

Disaster Resource Group•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Designer I applies technical skills to design complex projects and provides expertise in safe, cost-effective, and reliable distribution power facilities for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This is an entry-level working position in the Engineering department. Incumbents generally have 0–2 years of utility-industry experience and perform routine tasks with supervision and support from more experienced staff. The natural progression is to Designer II; advancement depends on demonstrated knowledge, skill proficiency, relevant industry experience, and supervisory evaluation rather than years of service alone. The position prepares project and job packages, performs drafting and design support, makes engineering calculations, collects and analyzes field data, and applies applicable codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and utility construction practices to overhead and underground distribution projects. The Designer uses design software and work-management tools, evaluates distribution equipment, communicates project status, and coordinates with construction personnel and clients to address project issues. The role also involves maintaining organized records and supporting company and client goals through professional customer relationships. The work takes place in a climate-controlled office as well as outdoors, where conditions may include extreme heat or cold, noise, and sun exposure. Physical duties include regular walking up to two miles per day and occasional sitting, standing, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Required personal equipment includes a hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, ID card, cellular phone, EH-rated footwear with toe box OSHA ratings, PVDs, and a DRG Safety Traffic Vest. The role may also participate in storm restoration activities as a Driver, Wire Guard, or Assessor when needed.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field and at least 2 years of utility experience is preferred; a BS in Engineering qualifies with no prior experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with 4 or more years of equivalent utility experience without a degree.
Proficiency in basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, general science, and scales of weight and measurement as applied to engineering computations and construction.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office-based applications.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
Ability to read and understand policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions using common-sense understanding.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion with business information.
Self-motivated, savvy, reliable, trustworthy, and technically competent.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player.
Demonstrated time-management skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to constructively manage multiple tasks.
Valid driver’s license and a vehicle suitable for business use; mileage reimbursement may apply.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field with at least 2 years of utility experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare project and job packages, including material lists, requisitions, labor estimates, site drawings, and construction drawings, in a cost-effective manner that maximizes safety and service reliability.
Read and interpret blueprints, maps, change orders, improvement plans, construction specifications, procedure manuals, and operational procedures.
Perform drafting work and assist with preparing designs, plans, and reports.
Make accurate engineering calculations.
Collect and analyze field data and prepare accurate, detailed reports and records.
Learn, practice, and promote all safety policies and procedures at all times.
Apply applicable codes, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures to assigned work to create safe, cost-effective designs for moderately complex overhead and underground projects.
Use design software and work-management tools.
Evaluate distribution equipment, including transformers and fusing.
Follow utility construction practices on public rights of way and private land.
Communicate job status regularly to ensure client expectations and delivery dates are met.
Coordinate with construction personnel and clients to resolve project issues.
Develop relationships with internal and external customers and represent the company and client professionally while supporting their business goals and expectations.
Maintain organized files and records.
Participate in storm restoration activities as a Driver, Wire Guard, or Assessor if needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k).
Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
Paid time off that can be used for vacation, sick leave, family medical leave, personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, military leave, voting, or other purposes.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
Group critical illness coverage.
Group hospital indemnity coverage.
Group accident coverage.
Pet insurance.
Company discounts.