Distribution System Design Supervisor

About the Role

The Distribution System Design Supervisor directs and coordinates the planning, design, and construction of the City’s electrical distribution system up to 15kV. This position ensures compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements, and prepares detailed plans, specifications, cost estimates, and documentation for overhead and underground distribution projects. The Supervisor oversees design functions and field operations related to electric distribution, provides leadership to Distribution Designers, Electric Meter Technicians, and Field Service Technicians, and supports utilities operations and long-range system planning.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all distribution system designs comply with City standards, applicable codes, regulatory requirements, and electrical industry best practices, including NESC standards.
• Directs, coordinates, and supports planning, construction, installation, maintenance, documentation, and testing of overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Prepares design sketches, structural/electrical drawings, cost estimates, bills of materials, and project specifications for construction and maintenance activities.
• Develops and evaluates distribution routes, project alternatives, and design solutions based on safety, operational efficiency, and engineering requirements.
• Negotiates rights-of-way, easements, and agreements with property owners, agents, or representatives; obtains necessary maps, contact information, and documentation for easement processing.
• Works closely with utility field crews to collect system data and ensure accuracy of existing and proposed electric distribution design information.
• Supports long-range system planning, capital project development, and construction work planning in collaboration with the Deputy Utilities Director and Planning Engineer.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and technical documentation required by the department.
• Supervises Distribution Designers, Electric Meter Technicians, and Field Service Technicians, providing leadership, training, oversight, and performance guidance.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizens, coworkers, and other City staff.
• Performs Journeyman Electric Lineman duties as needed and assigned.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Supervisory Duties

• Directly supervises Distribution Designers, Water Meter Technicians, and Field Service Technicians, including direction, welfare, discipline, development, hiring, evaluation, and separations.
• Oversees associated budgets, expenditures, and departmental resource management.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment with frequent computer and desk work. The position occasionally requires field visits in outdoor environments, potentially involving uneven terrain, weather exposure, utility infrastructure, and construction areas. Some travel by vehicle between City facilities or project locations is required.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of experience in municipal electric distribution system design, construction/maintenance, or other closely related work.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Advanced coursework or training in utility distribution design, NESC standards, GIS/mapping systems, or related areas is highly desired.
• Two years' experience as a Journeyman Electric Lineman is preferred.
• Experience working directly with electric utility distribution systems, utility engineering, field operations, or technical project management is highly desired.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain ICS 100 & ICS 700 certifications within 12 months of hire.
• Training or certification in AutoCAD, GIS mapping systems, or utility design platforms is a plus.

Required Capabilities

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to regulate attention; to plan; to understand, remember, and apply information; to effectively interact with others; to concentrate and maintain pace; and to adapt or regulate one’s behavior to ensure safety for themselves, coworkers, and the public.
• Proficiency in reading, speaking, and understanding English; proficiency in non-English languages is highly valued.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and compute rates, ratios, percentages, and bar graphs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and to write complex reports for diverse audiences.
• Close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of six feet, and to hear sounds and signals indicating work and safety necessities.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods; use hands and fingers to operate office equipment; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed.
• Ability to lift up to ten pounds regularly and up to twenty-five pounds frequently.
• Proficiency in computer software and applications, office equipment, and professional telephone use; ability to type quickly with few to no errors.
• Ability to multitask using computer, phone, and office equipment while interacting with clients.

Pay

$81,162.68 to $108,216.91 per year.