Job Definition

Provides conventional engineering design services to the District’s electric system in a technically sound, safe, timely, and cost effective manner to enable the District to realize its goals and objectives. Plans, organizes, assigns, and conducts work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered on assigned tasks. Performs as project leader on medium to large projects and assignments.

Snohomish PUD is seeking a self-starter who enjoys working in a collaborative team environment.  This position requires experience with electric power systems and makes frequent use of such tools as power flow analysis software. The successful candidate will become part of the distribution planning team, assigned to and responsible for a geographic region of the county. Distribution planners provide settings for voltage regulation devices, specify size, location, and operation of reactive power sources, perform flicker and power quality analysis, and develop contingency switching plans for System Operators to use when abnormal conditions occur so that system overloads and unacceptable voltages don’t result. In addition, they develop load forecasts, perform system impact studies for major load or generation interconnections, and develop system improvement projects to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric service to our customer-owners.

Distinguishing Characteristics

DIRECTION RECEIVED:

Independently performs most assignments with supervision and guidance as to objectives. Receives technical guidance on unique, unusual or complex problems and issues. Work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment and conformance to objectives. Manages time to work concurrently on multiple assignments.

Essential Job Functions

Performs conventional engineering design and analysis in an area of engineering specialty requiring significant knowledge of related fields by compiling and analyzing statistical and technical data and conducting a wide variety of studies including report development.

Performs as Project Leader on medium to large projects and/or on projects which may have relatively few complex features requiring an overall knowledge of engineering principles and methods.

Prepares Specifications, Request for Proposals, evaluates Bids, and prepares recommendations on material, contracts, purchase of materials and equipment for management consideration for conventional projects. Manages contract work on assigned projects.

Plans and conducts engineering assignments to develop and recommend new and improved concepts, techniques, operating procedures, engineering and construction standards, and practices in the related engineering field. 

Directs, coordinates, and reviews/approves work of the project team and consultants’ work on conventional projects based on pre-established District standards and practices.

Provide consulting services, including training, to District staff, vendors, customers, consultants, and others in the related field.

Responds to and investigates customer questions and complaints; interprets and provide information concerning services, programs, projects, policies and objectives. Effectively interacts, responds, and coordinates activities with customers including governmental agencies.

Establishes goals, objectives, priorities, and schedules on assigned projects. Establishes project cost estimates including resource availability (labor and material) and alternatives to accomplish planned goals and objectives.

Recommends, develops, and implements new or changed processes, standards, and procedures to improve efficiency in the assigned area.

Specialized Job Functions

N/A

Other Job Functions

Responsible for budgets and schedules on assigned projects and/or tasks.

Prepares capital and Operations and Maintenance program estimates for capital and Operations and Maintenance plans.

Serves as acting supervisor in the absence of supervisor.

Serves on task or work groups to improve engineering and work processes and methods.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience/Education

Engineer

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering ; and,
• Four (4) years directly related engineering experience and FE** or EIT; or 6 years related engineering experience; and,
• *Must have demonstrated the successful accomplishment of work of the nature defined for this job level, “Engineer”.

**Note: FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Certification is recognized by the Washington State board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and is equivalent to an EIT (Engineer in Training).

*Note: For the employee who has met the minimum entry education and experience requirements, the additional time required to be proficient in performing the job is six months to one year.

Professional Engineer

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Engineering; and, Six (6) years related engineering experience, with 2 of those years as a Lead or Project Engineer; and, *Must have demonstrated the successful accomplishment of work of the nature defined for this job level, “Professional Engineer” 

Principal Engineer

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; and, Nine (9) years progressive applicable engineering experience, with 3 of those years  as a Lead or Project Engineer capacity in the electric or water utility engineering field.

OR

• Washington State Professional Engineer License (PE), or ability to obtain through reciprocity; and, Eight (8) years directly related engineering experience, four (4) of which are performed at an electric utility; and, *Must have demonstrated the successful accomplishment of work of the nature defined for this job level, “Engineer”.

License/Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using distribution load flow software such as Synergi, Cyme, or Milsoft
• Proficiency with scripting tools to automate analysis
• Eperience with spatial load forecasting
• Excellent report writing skills
• Adept at database management
• Familiarity with non-traditional energy sources (distributed energy resources)
• Effective time management skills
• Electrical engineering background
• Experience in transmission or distribution system design and project management
• Proficiency with large-data integration for planning analysis

Working Conditions