SENIOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ENGINEER w/supplemental questionnaire

As the sixth largest publicly owned utility in the country in terms of customers served, our innovative energy programs, customer satisfaction and service are known throughout the state and nation. SMUD's purpose is to provide solutions for meeting our customer's electrical energy needs. As a community-owned utility, SMUD's vision is to be a leader in customer satisfaction and a positive force in promoting community benefits. We offer a rewarding work environment, a diverse workplace, competitive salaries, excellent benefits and much more.

Last Day to Apply: 10/9/2006


Position Purpose:

To perform professional, technical and analytical functions in analyzing the performance of an assigned distribution system area; identifying corrective actions needed to ensure that the distribution system is configured to meet the Districts short-, medium- and long-range needs in an efficient, cost-effective and safe manner; and is in compliance with the Districts guidelines and applicable laws and regulations.


Salary Range: 80,976.00 - 101,112.00


Requisition Number: 1697


Employment Type: Regular


Essential Functions:

1) Leads and performs complex distribution system planning and design by monitoring system planning and design; developing and maintaining the District's distribution system maintenance philosophy; and developing, maintaining and revising safety practices related to planning and operations.
2) Conducts analyses of system performance and projected systems demands by forecasting electrical load growth; modeling and analyzing system impacts; identifying system deficiencies; recommending cost- effective corrective actions; performing work justification studies; producing annual work plans for capital and O & M expenditures; evaluating new technologies; and reviewing safety trends to identify areas for improvement.
3) Provides high-level expertise and guidance by providing technical review of community projects and programs with potential District-wide impact; reviewing co-generation proposals to evaluate system impacts; drafting interconnection agreements including required mitigation; evaluating the impact of distributed technologies, including energy efficiency and dispersed generation; performing technical and economical analysis of distribution automation alternatives; identifying and recommending automation investments; and performing detailed analysis of power quality data and recommending and planning solutions to power quality related problems.
4) Performs and leads the performance of activities related to system protection by identifying and resolving difficult distribution system protection issues that impact performance and safety; analyzing system protection, operation and electrical system configuration; preparing operating criteria that include system protection, reliability, safety and economics; developing distribution system protection standards, guidelines and practices; evaluating the need for and conducting definitive distribution system protection studies; maintaining protection databases and documentation; developing and maintaining the distribution system inspection and maintenance programs; and performing root cause analysis.
5) Assists in developing the required employee competencies by assessing employee skills and training needs; evaluating, selecting and modifying training programs; developing and presenting technical training; arranging for and coordinating training conducted by others; facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge within the work group and with other work groups; and providing coaching and mentoring as needed.
6) Assists in planning, reviewing and conducting work activities and researching required project information associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.
7) Performs related duties as required.


Experience Required: 5 years


Education Required: Bachelor's Degree
REQUIREMENTS


Minimum Qualifications:


[Knowledge of:] Methods and techniques for planning, organizing and overseeing work activities, and training staff; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; techniques for exercising leadership and authority; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and practices for negotiating; principles and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; complex computer systems and resources, electronic records, database administration; principles, practices and procedures related to power distribution systems, concepts and systems related to distribution construction, planning, operation and maintenance including steady state and transient circuit analysis, electrical equipment design and application, grounding, protection and coordination; concepts and systems related to engineering analyses of reliability, power quality, root cause, and economic and systems data; computer-aided modeling and analysis; methods and equipment related to distribution system monitoring; theories and practices related to electric power system design; theories and practices related electric distribution system planning; load data analysis and forecasting methodologies; policies, practices and procedures related to distribution system maintenance; performance management techniques related to Project Management; principles and practices for contract management; procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling, and monitoring and managing projects; governing codes, industry standards and generally accepted utility practices utilized in distribution system design and operation; budgeting processes, techniques and tools;

[Skill to:] Establish and maintain working relationships internally/externally; identify and assess training needs for staff; interact with others to influence and motivate; interpret District policies, procedures, applicable MOUs and/or other special agreements; oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; analyze complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; analyze procedures/systems and develop/implement operational improvements; analyze situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action; determine the potential long-term outcomes of a change in operations; develop an estimation of how a system should work under ideal conditions; evaluate and resolve complex technical issues; interpret, analyze and apply pertinent policies, procedures,regulations and requirements; organize highly complex and conflicting data in a readily understandable manner for various audiences; prepare a business case to weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; serve as reference person for other employees; serve as an expert witness in court; monitor and manage projects; perform complex technical engineering analysis and forecasting; use complex computer-aided modeling and analysis toots; write technical documents; assist in budget preparation and administration; perform engineering economic analysis; prepare conceptual designs and costs for major complex installations and reconstruction jobs.

[Education:] BS degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Electrical Engineering or related field.


[Experience:] Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in planning, design and operation of electric utility distribution systems or three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible journey-level relevant work experience as a District Distribution Systems Engineer.


Licenses/Certifications:

Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) registration with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Must possess and maintain valid California drivers license and satisfactory driving record.


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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO SUBMIT AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, GO TO WWW.SMUD.ORG/CAREERS