Electrical Distribution Designer, Lead

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the daily activities of distribution designers in the design of residential, commercial, industrial, overhead and underground electric distribution facilities. The role involves coordinating, overseeing, and scheduling processes for supplying electric power with key stakeholders, planning and monitoring work assigned to the electrical distribution design work group, and developing master system plans for future growth in large developments. It also includes coordinating the right of way permitting process, implementing and managing solutions from conceptualization through completion, and negotiating with property owners and developers to acquire electric utility easements. The designer will create designs and materials lists for distribution facilities, draw and edit new distribution facilities within the Global Information System, and prepare cost estimates for new line extensions and relocations. Responsibilities also include recording survey instruments and descriptive data, utilizing surveying instruments, meeting with members to explain procedures and fees, coordinating with project managers and construction crews, researching property ownership, obtaining permissions and permits, and preparing/reviewing easements and exhibits. The role requires interpreting and enforcing company safety policies, the Line Extension Policy, and the National Electric Safety Code, inspecting URD construction and maintenance, serving as the primary customer contact during construction, preparing large-scale distribution designs with minimal supervision, and maintaining assigned vehicles and tools. Additionally, the position involves assisting and reviewing the work of less experienced designers, ensuring contractor and crew compliance with specifications, inspecting underground infrastructure, notifying supervisors of problems, making recommendations for improvements, mentoring junior staff, acting as a subject matter expert, providing technical direction, and performing notary duties. The role also requires operating PEC vehicles in accordance with policies and maintaining driver eligibility. Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary and may be required to work more than 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to electric utility distribution power design AND Three years of directly related experience AND One year in a leadership or project lead capacity OR Associate’s Degree in a field related to electric utility distribution power design AND Five years of directly related experience AND Two years in a leadership or project lead capacity OR High School Diploma or equivalent AND Seven years of directly related experience AND Two years in a leadership or project lead capacity
Valid Texas Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Report that comply with PEC policy
Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing mapping information
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service
Knowledge of Utility Center and Arc-Map
Knowledge of relevant inspection equipment, construction specifications, underground developer specifications, policies and procedures
Knowledge of general real estate laws and regulations property rights and easement acquisition
Knowledge of National Electric Code and National Electric Safety Code specifications
Knowledge of PEC Specification Manual and PEC Safety Manual
Skilled in time management
Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities
Skilled in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers
Ability to read and understand survey plats, engineering drawings and land use requirements
Ability to read and understand legal essentials of easements and property deeds and State recording laws
Ability to comprehend and modify right of way documents, determine legal descriptions and title documents on property types
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems
Ability to traverse all types of terrain
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions

Responsibilities

Coordinate, oversee, schedule processes and procedures for supplying electric power with key stakeholders including members, developers and contracted crews
Plan, assign, schedule, organize and monitor the work assigned to the electrical distribution design work group
Develop master system plans for future growth in large developments
Coordinate the right of way permitting process with outside entities desiring to encroach upon company easements
Obtain right of way permits
Implement and manage solutions from conceptualization through planning, construction, project completion
Negotiate with property owners and developers to acquire electric utility easements in support of distribution requirements
Create designs and materials lists for distribution facilities, including residential, commercial and subdivision new line extensions
Draw and edit new distribution facilities within the Global Information System to ensure accuracy and connectivity
Prepare cost estimates for new line extensions and relocations
Record survey instruments and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketch and plats
Utilize surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, measuring equipment, chain saws and assorted hand tools
Meet with members to explain routing options, procedures, fees, services and company policies
Coordinate with project managers, department members, construction crews and department planners to determine right of way requirements
Coordinate pre-development and pre-construction meetings
Research property ownership, using various resources, including title companies, real estate office, county court clerk and appraisal offices
Obtain permission from property owners and regulatory authorities for access and permits
Prepare and review easements and exhibits, including property descriptions
Develop, enhance and maintain property ownership lists for special projects
Interpret, adhere to, and enforce the company safety policy, the Line Extension Policy and the National Electric Safety Code
Inspect the URD construction and maintenance of cooperative facilities
Serve as the primary contact for the customer during the construction process
Prepare large scale distribution design with minimal supervision
Provide proper and routine maintenance and care for assigned vehicle and associated hand tools
Assist and review the work of lesser experienced Electrical Distribution Designers
Ensure contractors and district construction crews have met all cooperative specifications and regulations
Inspect underground infrastructure installed by contractors to ensure they meet all cooperative specifications for installation
Notify supervisors and other appropriate personnel of problems encountered in the inspection process
Make recommendations for process improvements and solutions to problems
Mentor less experienced Electrical Distribution staff
Act as subject matter expert on electrical distribution design issues
Provide day to day technical direction
Perform Notary duties
Operate PEC vehicle(s) for business purposes in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local law and PEC policies and procedures
Maintain driver eligibility through appropriate valid Texas Driver's License and driving record in accordance with PEC policy
Maintain the security of confidential information
Stay abreast of advances in technology
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned
Provide technical direction and day to day instruction to less experienced Electrical Distribution Designers, Inspectors and Right of Way Agents.