Staking Technician

STAKING TECHNICIAN

Magnolia Electric Power - Summit, Mississippi

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering, the Staking Technician investigates, surveys, designs, inspects, and stakes electric distribution facilities in accordance with Magnolia Electric Power (MEP) standards, RUS specifications, NESC requirements, and applicable regulations. The position prepares staking sheets, maps, easements, cost estimates, and related documentation; performs line locations and inspections; and provides technical support and professional member service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Survey, design, inspect, and stake electric distribution lines and facilities.
• Prepare accurate staking sheets, maps, sketches, easements, and technical documentation.
• Estimate construction costs for line extensions and distribution projects.
• Perform line locations and maintain accurate records and system maps.
• Meet with members to explain line extension costs, construction requirements, and applicable standards.
• Inspect poles, conductors, equipment, and other facilities to identify maintenance or replacement needs.
• Review completed work orders for compliance with MEP standards and applicable regulations.
• Identify and report safety hazards, system deficiencies, and other concerns.
• Prepare required reports regarding staking activities, materials, equipment, and related operations.
• Communicate professionally with members, contractors, developers, governmental agencies, employees, and the public.
• Respond to member questions and concerns and refer issues requiring additional authority or expertise to appropriate personnel.
• Support Cooperative programs, objectives, services, and energy-efficiency efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned and trained.

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Staking Technician reports to the Manager of Engineering and has no direct supervisory authority. The position works closely with engineering, administration, operations, member services, contractors, developers, and Cooperative members.

The position may exercise functional responsibility for specific projects or assignments as designated by the Manager of Engineering.

AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

The Staking Technician performs technical and routine duties in accordance with Cooperative policies, established procedures, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements. The position is expected to exercise sound judgment, seek guidance when requirements are unclear, and protect the Cooperative's interests while supporting safe, reliable, and efficient electric service.

The employee is responsible for assigned equipment, tools, vehicles, materials, and other Cooperative assets and must use resources responsibly.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in electric distribution, preferably with an electric cooperative.
• Experience in utility staking, surveying, line design, mapping, or related operations preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of RUS specifications, NESC, OSHA requirements, applicable codes, and MEP policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering, construction, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to prepare accurate staking sheets, maps, easements, and technical documentation.
• Ability to perform electrical load calculations and evaluate service requirements.
• Ability to operate surveying and measurement equipment.
• Ability to identify and communicate safety hazards and system deficiencies.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the Cooperative's service territory and road systems preferred.
• Proficiency with computers and applicable business or utility software.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record required.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate should demonstrate integrity, dependability, professionalism, strong communication skills, sound judgment, adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and excellent member service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and working in awkward or confined spaces. The employee must frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift more than 50 pounds.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors throughout the Cooperative's service territory and may involve severe weather, uneven terrain, traffic, animals, electrical equipment, and other utility-related hazards. Frequent travel is required.

The normal schedule is Monday through Friday; however, extended hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, severe-weather response, and emergency restoration work may occasionally be required.

The employee must be able to communicate effectively, maintain adequate visual acuity and color discrimination to identify electrical components and materials, and work safely under changing conditions.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, provided appropriate training and instruction have been received.