LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!
Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.
We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.
Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!
We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.
We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.
Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.
Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document. In the cover letter describe why you are interested in this position, working for the District and how your education and experience apply to the position. Incomplete materials will not be considered.
To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF or WORD document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.
This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review date for application materials is scheduled for December 6.
Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.
SALARY RANGE
In addition to a competitive starting salary (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year.
Substation Electrical Engineer I: $60,640-$75,800
Substation Electrical Engineer II: $70,000-$87,500
Substation Electrical Engineer III: $80,720-$100,900
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. I: $88,400-$110,500
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. II: $96,560-$120,700
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. III: $105,840-$132,300
Substation Electrical Engineer Principal I: $116,240-$145,300
Substation Electrical Engineer Principal II: $127,680-$159,600
Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.
JOB POSTING
The Substation Electrical Engineer will be filled at the level reflecting the selected candidate's education and experience (I, II, III, Sr. I, Sr. II, Sr. III, Principal I, or Principal II)
JOB PURPOSE: The Substation Electrical Engineer performs electrical engineering calculations, analysis, design, engineering operational support and drafts plans and specifications for procurement of the complexity congruent with the assigned level (I, II, III, Sr. I, Sr. II, Sr. III, Principal I, or Principal II).
JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily.
# % of Time Job Functions
- 35% Electrical Engineering: Performs engineering design, analysis, calculations, and project management as assigned, determining the depth needed for electrical systems and equipment associated with transmission and distribution systems in one or more of these primary areas: structural line design, system protection, system planning and studies, or substation/switchyard design. Depending on the primary area of responsibility and the needs of the department, incumbent may perform any of the following duties: Lead other team members in proper execution of technical activities. Provide input to team leads in approach and execution of technical activities to support feasibility studies. Prepare and mark up schematic, one-line, and wiring diagrams. Develop and implement design options and alternatives. Utilize software programs to aid with complex power line design and structure analysis. Perform a broad range of short-circuit, stability and power-flow analysis. Perform fault studies and develop protective relay settings. Independently evaluate system events for proper operation of protection and control systems. Peer review work and provide guidance to lower-level engineers. Prepare cost estimates. Write technical purchase and construction specifications, including construction drawings. Prepare material, professional service and/or labor bid document packages. Follow engineering QA/QC procedures. Review submittals and respond to requests for information during construction.
- 15% Plans & Specifications: Research and provide input for transmission and distribution systems, equipment and other related materials/services for system changes and purchase. Prepare technical plans and specifications of appropriate complexity for procurement. With appropriate review by higher level engineers, performs engineering planning, feasibility studies (including technical report writing), cost estimating, economic analysis and develops alternatives to determine solutions to operational problems, regulatory concerns, efficiency improvements, asset management development, etc.
- 15% Field Support: Provide design and construction field support by answering questions, reviewing options, and providing alternatives. Develops inspection and test plans for capital and O&M work as well as operations and maintenance practices and procedures. Assists or directs electrical maintenance crews in troubleshooting and root cause investigation. Inspect construction activities, work products, and independently resolve a variety of field construction problems. Assist with safety related projects that require design, concept, and installation. May have budgetary responsibility for assigned O&M programs.
- 10% System Operations Support: Works with System Operations to coordinate maintenance and outage studies for planned switching activities. Monitors and analyzes real-time system status to ensure safe and reliable operation, recommends adjustments to System Operation.
- 10% Project Management: Knowledge of project evaluation, scheduling, budgeting, and contract execution. Leads projects and objective oriented teams interacting with engineering consultants, crew superintendents, foreman and contractors, staff engineers, managers, etc. to troubleshoot and resolve problems. Oversee and monitor project activities from inception to closeout. Communicates project progress to internal clients, supervision, management, commissioners and public. Write status and tracking reports. Procure materials. Takes lead in selection of consultants and management of consultant contracts. Ensure compliance with QA/QC procedures to maintain the project quality May develop budgets, schedules, and procurement documents for programs. May act as the lead engineer or project manager
- 10% Regulatory Compliance/Codes & Standards: Gaining basic knowledge of principals, codes, and standards of other engineering disciplines. Interpret codes and standards including nuances of application, identifying different possible interpretations. Contribute to the development of company technical standards. When assigned, has primary District responsibility for compliance with NERC Reliability Standards. Interpret codes and standards including nuances of application, identifying different possible interpretations. Leads the development of required technical process related to the assigned Standards. Actively monitors compliance and verifies controls are in place and documented to provide assurance of compliance. Performs annual compliance self-assessments. Stays abreast of changes and modifications in work procedures and standards that may lead to non-compliance and takes action to mitigate risks.
- 5% Training: Identify and attend training to maintain and learn new skills.
- Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District Policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
- Ongoing Drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
(All Levels) Post-Secondary Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A.) in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. EI (Engineering Intern) or EIT (Engineer in Training) achieved by passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, preferred for junior roles; PE in the State of Washington strongly preferred for senior level roles
Experience:
Substation Electrical Engineer I: Entry level. No experience required. Candidates with work experience transmission and distribution systems, with an electric utility or similar applications are preferred.
Substation Electrical Engineer II: Requires a minimum of two (2) years’ experience performing fundamental transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include examples of successful application of basic engineering in the form of reports, specifications and drawings, participation in data collection and field research or inspections.
Substation Electrical Engineer III: Typically requires four (4) to eight (8) years utility or relevant comparable experience, such as working at a consulting firm for a utility, performing electrical engineering design and project management for power distribution systems. Moderate experience in applying the principles, practices and procedures
of engineering, project management and construction is required. Performance at this level typically requires developmental experience gained at the Electrical Engineer II level
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. I: Requires a minimum of six (6) years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. II: Requires a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.
Substation Electrical Engineer Sr. III: Requires a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.
Substation Electrical Engineer Principal I: Requires a minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in two or more specialty areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include application of complex engineering principles in two or more specialty areas; providing technical guidance in complex situations where there is limited or no standardization, successful mentoring, application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.
Substation Electrical Engineer Principal II: Requires fifteen (15) years’ progressively responsible experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in three or more specialty areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. Experience must include application of the most complex engineering principles in three or more specialty areas; the transfer of knowledge to other engineers in a designated engineering specialty area; and delivery of technically complex and innovative designs to a wide variety of both technical and non-technical audiences.
- In depth knowledge of the application of engineering tools and software. Refers to training material, textbooks, and references occasionally to verify accuracy or determine proper methods for less common problems.
- Knowledge of codes and standards in multiple engineering disciplines.
- Knowledge of project evaluation, scheduling, budgeting, and contract execution for complex projects.
- Knowledge of how other engineering disciplines relate to assigned discipline.
Skills & Abilities
- Interpret and apply common codes and standards including the NESC, IEEE, NFPA, NEC, ANSI, FERC, NERC, WECC, etc.
- Able to analyze and resolve complex engineering problems in area of discipline.
- Able to understand and participate in cross discipline problem analysis and solutions.
- Able to lead the effort to investigate problems and develop and evaluate alternatives
- Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to complex engineering problems.
- Able to develop, collect, and present data and evidence in a clear, and accurate manner.
- Able to prioritize and break work assignments down into manageable parts.
- Able to communicate complex engineering concepts and opinions both orally and in writing for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Able to collaborate with other District engineers regarding engineering concepts and opinions and lead a multi-discipline engineering team to solve problems.
- Requires the ability to accurately estimate costs and work schedules for projects.
- Requires the ability to mentor junior engineers, providing effective feedback on work products.
Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Complexity: Prioritizes and performs a broad range of technical or professional work at complexity level appropriate to job level. Solves day to day problems using established policies, regulations, or work rules.
Decision Making: Works under supervision appropriate to job level.
Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment: To perform this job successfully, an individual will be expected to have proficiency in at least one of the District’s engineering software programs; Windmill, SpidaCALC, PowerWorld, GE-PSLF, Aspen One-Liner, or PLS-CADD. An individual should also be proficient with Internet Explorer (required) Internet software; Maximo (preferred) Asset Management software; Primavera (preferred) Project Management software; Microsoft Excel (required) Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Word (required) Word Processing software. The individual will be required to operate computers, printers, peripherals, and telephones.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; to perform repetitive hand or arm motion. The employee is frequently required to talk, hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or twist torso; carry or lift unassisted up to 25 pounds; lift unassisted above shoulder up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and color vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); work near moving mechanical parts; outdoor weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level is usually moderate.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: An employee may not be hired or transferred to a job, or continue in a job if currently employed, if they do not satisfy the following job requirements. These District requirements cannot be waived by supervisors.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire). A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Pursuant to the Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) of 2001, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 is mandated to conduct background screening of personnel granted rights to access credit card holder information.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
EEO
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish.
Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)