Power - Electrical Systems Engineer

Systems Electrical Engineer

The City of Idaho Falls and Idaho Falls Power/Fiber is currently recruiting for a Systems Electrical Engineer. This position performs a variety of professional technical duties related to; systems design, maintenance, and operation, project design, management and oversight, system long range planning and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Development of city-wide electric operations, including infrastructure development, power generation, substations, system protection and coordination, electric service installation, distribution, transmission and maintenance. Coordination for technical issues with other utilities that interact with IFP

Supervision Received: Works under supervision of the Engineering Manager.

Supervision Exercised: No direct supervision but is expected to provide leadership as a more experienced engineer for other IFP electrical engineers and for the technical aspects of the utilities Design Technicians work.

Compensation: The City of Idaho Falls Power Department offers a competitive salary structure for this Electrical Engineer position. Compensation is based on licensure status and professional experience:

• Non-Licensed Electrical Engineer: $95,004 – $116,598 annually

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE): $123,677 – $151,788 annually

This role includes a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and the ability to grow within a well-established municipal utility.

Essential Functions: Is the primary position responsible for the operational limits and coordination of the IFP electric system; for loading, alternate configurations, coordination, and growth planning.

Assists in maintaining and updating utility Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); develops ten-year projections in conjunction with various department heads and operations experts within the division; anticipates priority projects and makes recommendations for CIP alterations.

Is the primary person for IFP's document control for the design, construction, and as-built drawings for equipment, powerplants and substations.

Acts as a project manager for internal and contracted construction projects to ensure quality and a timely completion; writes project material specifications for procurement, e.g., poles, power cable, transformers, breakers and other equipment as needed.

Ensures compliance with design standards; reviews and prepares plans and specifications; analyzes plans and anticipates issues and problems; prepares preliminary project feasibility studies; prepares cost estimates; coordinates with various utility departments to minimize disruption of services; develops electrical system software model and maintains electric system modeling software. Review drawings submitted by design staff for new electrical service infrastructure.

Develops bid specifications for projects and equipment acquisitions; coordinates bid processing, submittal review, and award, makes recommendations for major purchases and financial commitments, complies with City and State purchasing policies and statutes.

Assists with in-house and/or contracted electrical engineering functions related to system development, modifications, and enhancements; assists substation and electrician staff with developing project design, operating and maintenance parameters, schedules, procedures, and as-built drawings for system-wide transmission, distribution, infrastructure and related facilities, initiates studies consistent with NEC, NESC, FERC, NERC, EPA and OSHA compliance requirements, assists with critical incident or emergency decision making related to city electric systems and commits city resources.

Assist in reviewing safety manual changes for compliance with various codes (NEC, NESC); assists as needed in the investigating of incidents.

Assists with electrical mapping system contributing to city-wide GIS system; ensures accuracy of electrical database, enters related model data into system model data bases, spreadsheet(s) and/or GIS.

Performs periodic field duties related to investigation and inspection of power system, staking projects, construction, etc.; participates in field emergency operations and outage repairs.

Understand and implement all safety policies, practices, procedures and related utility best practices.

Works collaboratively in a positive and productive manner with co-workers, other City employees, and the public.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from college with a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering;

AND

B. minimum four (4) years relevant work experience in utility electrical systems and power generation engineering;

AND

C. An Idaho Professional Engineering license, or a professional engineering license in another state and the ability to obtain an Idaho License by reciprocity within 6 months of employment.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of general electrical engineering principles and practices; modern methods, principles and practices of power transmission and distribution; NEC, NESC, FERC, NERC, and EPA regulations and various environmental quality laws; equipment and materials used in construction and maintenance operations; current codes, standards, safety practices and principles involved in power utility operations, i.e., substations, generation, transmission, distribution, and fiber optic; various drafting and design instruments and software applications, i.e., AutoCAD; power management and power supply issues as they pertain to the operation of IFP; data base programs, spreadsheets, word processing.

Considerable knowledge of personal computer applications, i.e., AutoCAD, Excel, Word, Outlook & Access, etc.; principles of fiscal management; materials and construction methods used in the electrical utility industry.

Working knowledge of utility policies and procedures including safety manual requirements.

Skill in the use of computer and various specialized software applications.

Ability to keep operating records and prepare reports; operate and enhance sophisticated utility system modeling applications, ability to write formal reports and prepare presentations; ability to use independent and discretionary judgment; ability to develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, consultants and contractors; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

3. Special Qualifications:

Valid Class "C" Driver's license is preferred.

Work Environment: Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with periodic field work subjected to variable weather. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching and lifting (50 lbs). Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance. High voltage and mechanical hazards exist in the field. Necessary safety equipment may be required including hard hat, safety glasses & leather gloves. Periodic safety training is necessary.