DEFINITION

Develops long and short-range planning associated with all major system distribution line and substation design, improvements, and inspections.  Exercises a high degree of decision-making that involves interpretation and application of District policy along with analysis of fact and circumstance. Has regular contact with other District staff, consultants, contractors, and customers requiring considerable tact and diplomacy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Engineering and Operations Manager.
Supervises Electrical Engineer and Electro-Mechanical Specialists

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Within the limits of approved board policies, operating guides and procedures, assumes responsibility and has commensurate authority for the following activities:

• Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, monitoring, employee performance, ensuring staff members are trained and cross trained, resolving conflicts, and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Prepares, implements, and monitors long and short-range work plans, goals, and objectives for the department.
• Provides technical expertise for engineers and technical staff to design, test, construct, commission, and maintain electrical utility facilities.
• Designs system protection and loading schemes to resolve problems and maintain equipment protection and coordination.
• Designs, deploys, and manages SCADA and communication systems.
• Ensures proper integration of distributed generation with the District’s grid.
• Analyzes data to determine feasibility of technical proposals.
• Analyzes, writes, and maintains equipment specifications and performance requirements.
• Analyzes engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data pertaining to equipment design.
• Determines feasibility of designing new equipment or modifying existing facilities.
• Analyzes test data to determine if design meets functional and performance specifications.
• Performs studies for voltage drop analysis, motor start analysis, fault current analysis, and other technically related areas and correct for system deficiencies.
• Reviews and solves power quality problems. Works with engineering consulting firms in the preparation of technical studies.
• Assists in design and layout of underground subdivisions and other developments.
• Understand, observe and enforce the districts safety and security procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and possession of a Professional Engineer’s license.

Experience:

A minimum of five years engineering experience relating to electric utility planning and operations with emphasis on design, construction, and operation of electrical distribution systems.

Knowledge of:

• General theory, practice, work methods and procedures of electrical power distribution system design, construction, and maintenance.
• Current pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Remain available, as required, to handle unusual or emergency situations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contracted in the course of work.
• Tactfully respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Prioritize and assign division work.

About Southern Public Power District

Southern operates over 7,112 miles of distribution and sub-transmission lines that are served by 78 substations located throughout the District’s 4,028 square mile service area. Southern purchases all of its power from Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) of Columbus, Nebraska. Our chartered service area extends through the rural areas of seven counties: Adams, Franklin, Hall, Hamilton, Kearney, Merrick, Phelps, and a small portion of Clay County.

Connections working at Southern Public Power District