Associate Project Designer/Project Designer

About the role

This technical role designs and manages approximately 50–100 electric distribution projects from inception to project release by applying engineering principles, accounting for equipment and labor to estimate project timelines and costs with minimal input from senior colleagues. Projects include, but are not limited to, new construction, maintenance, internal planning projects, and relocation of electric distribution facilities.

Responsibilities

• Professionally communicates company policy and procedures, electric service requirements, NESC codes, and project schedules and status to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the Company throughout the design process as the assigned point of contact for the project.
• Inspects project sites, designates facility placement, designs company-owned fiber projects, determines metering requirements, and prepares service agreements and detailed drawings utilizing AUD, Auto-Cad, or other tools as appropriate.
• Analyzes electrical load data and performs calculations to determine size and location of electric distribution facilities based on engineering standards, existing or proposed easements, Right-of-Way permits, and operational needs and requirements.
• Coordinates installation/relocation of other utilities (e.g., cable television, phone, etc.).
• Prepares underground agreements, billing authorities, revenue calculations, coordinates the negotiations and acquisition of Right-of-Way permits, environmental permits, easement agreements, and highway/railroad permits.
• Mentors and models appropriate procedures to junior colleagues and assists with new trainee development.
• Identifies safety issues—checks equipment and work area regularly to ensure safety and compliance; identifies hazards and improvements that could prevent safety problems; evaluates impact of decisions and actions on own and others’ safety.
• Assists in storm restoration processes by driving, patrolling, scouting damaged locations, and digitally obtaining information (local, regional, or mutual aid).
• Assists in customer issue resolutions and regulatory inquiries.
• For DESC only: Assists in storm restoration by creating switching orders to change field conditions, troubleshooting lines, restoring power, field switching, holding clearance, and obtaining material lists.

Requirements

• Associate Project Designer: 0–2 years of directly related experience
• Project Designer: 2–3+ years of directly related experience
• Successful completion of the Electrical Distribution Designer Training Program or previous external experience demonstrating knowledge of fundamental overhead and commercial design.
• Knowledge of distribution design, electricity, company policies, and procedures.

Skills

• Verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
• Time management and organization
• Project management
• Math and technical aptitude
• Ability to effectively interact with customers and team members
• Detail-oriented

Physical attributes to perform essential functions

• Prolonged walking with varying terrain
• Climbing, stooping, bending
• Prolonged standing and sitting

Education

Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated related experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred level of education.

• Preferred disciplines: Technical Studies, Project Construction, Business Administration, or an electrical design certificate from a two-year college partnership
• Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above.

Licenses, Certifications, or Qualifications

• Customer Projects Designer Development Program
• Valid state driver’s license