Electrical Engineer I or II

City of Ames • 50010, IA

2d

About The Position

The City of Ames Electric Services department is recruiting for Electrical Engineer I or II and establishing a Civil Service eligibility list for Electrical Engineer I. The list may be used to fill one or more vacancies and remains valid for up to one year after certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission. Electrical Engineer I performs, under general direction, electrical engineering work related to City electric facilities and operations, primarily in distribution and/or substation design and project management. Duties include preparing, reviewing, and modifying specifications, drawings, and construction work packages; coordinating with customers, contractors, staff, departments, and agencies on project planning, design, and management; and responding to customer inquiries. Electrical Engineer II performs electrical engineering duties related to City electric facilities and operations under general direction, and may train, mentor, and partner with Electrical Engineer I staff and provide support for electrical outages.

Both levels prepare engineering plans, designs, drawings, maps, reports, cost estimates, work instructions, and construction specifications; conduct studies and inspections; evaluate bids; coordinate design and construction; provide technical support; and ensure compliance with applicable operating procedures, safety rules, policies, and regulations. Employees are expected to support the City’s Excellence Through People values, including continuous improvement, customer service, innovation, data-driven decisions, fiscal stewardship, integrity, safety, respect, and teamwork.

Electrical Engineer I requires a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university, with graduation by May 2027, and at least three months of engineering experience in the appropriate functional area. Relevant co-op or internship experience may count. The employee must obtain an Engineer in Training certificate within 12 months of appointment and hold a valid driver's license. Electrical Engineer II requires the same accredited bachelor's degree, at least five years of relevant engineering experience, and registration as an Electrical Professional Engineer in Iowa or another state, with the ability to obtain Iowa registration within six months of appointment. A valid driver's license is also required.

The role involves work both indoors and outdoors, use of engineering and office software and equipment, and exposure to weather extremes, noise, mechanical and electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils. Physical activities include frequent sitting and walking or standing, lifting objects, and climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other listed activities. Selection includes an education and experience evaluation, interviews, reference checks, and a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Electrical Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university, with graduation by May 2027.
• Electrical Engineer I: At least three months of engineering experience in the appropriate functional area; related co-op or internship experience may count.
• Electrical Engineer I: Obtain an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate within twelve months of original appointment.
• Electrical Engineer II: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• Electrical Engineer II: At least five years of engineering experience in the appropriate functional area; related co-op or internship experience may count.
• Electrical Engineer II: Registered Professional Engineer (Electrical) in Iowa, or registered in another state and able to obtain Iowa registration within six months of appointment.
• Both levels: Possess a valid driver's license.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices, industry safety rules, operating guidelines, and applicable City and agency regulations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations concerning electric utility design, construction, and operations.
• Knowledge of computer applications used in electrical engineering and of CAD and GIS principles and practices.
• Skill applying engineering theory to operational problems; ability to research technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop solutions.
• Ability to prepare and interpret engineering plans and specifications, perform complex mathematical analyses, and prepare utility project design details, estimates, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, coworkers, supervisors, contractors, vendors, and governmental representatives.
• Ability to address citizen questions, concerns, and complaints; use standard office computer equipment and software; work independently; and operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare plans, designs, drawings, maps, reports, cost estimates, work instructions, and construction specifications for the City's electric system.
• Conduct studies and inspections supporting the operation and maintenance of the electric system.
• Prepare, review, and modify specifications, drawings, and construction work packages for distribution and/or substation projects.
• Coordinate project planning, design, and management with customers, contractors, City staff, departments, and outside agencies.
• Evaluate bids and coordinate design and construction activities.
• Respond to general and project-specific customer inquiries and address questions, concerns, and complaints related to projects.
• Provide engineering technical support to other City departments.
• Ensure compliance with City operating procedures, safety rules, policies, and applicable agency regulations.
• Electrical Engineer II: Train, mentor, and partner with Electrical Engineer I staff as directed, and assist them as necessary.
• Electrical Engineer II: Provide support for electrical outages.
• Maintain and promote the City's Excellence Through People values and Total City Perspective.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package (details provided through the City of Ames Benefits information).
• Eligibility to participate in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, subject to program requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level