Distribution Designer Trainee

Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is a progressive Electric Utility Cooperative located in North Eastern Oregon along the beautiful Columbia River, offering a wide variety of activities year-round. UEC is experiencing rapid growth in the commercial and industrial area and has a challenging position for the right candidate. UEC is seeking a full-time Distribution Designer Trainee to be located at the utility office in Hermiston Oregon. UEC offers a competitive wage and benefits package and a 4 day, 10 hour a day work week.
SUMMARY
The Distribution Designer Trainee is an employee who, depending on ability and training, learns and performs distribution design duties under the direction of a Distribution Designer or Supervisor. The Distribution Designer Trainee Program is a three-year program requiring continuous progression of the Trainee.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include other duties as assigned.

• Provides courteous, prompt and accurate distribution design services that will create goodwill with the members, contractors/developers and the general public in all daily contacts. Ensure that members/customers receive and understand the UEC policy and procedures information regarding line extensions prior to beginning the design work.
• Progressively learns the UEC electric system and the UEC approved distribution construction and equipment specifications.
• Trains to prepare standard distribution line extensions as assigned based on basic electrical theory and methodology used by UEC. Employee must be familiar with the application of distribution system devices such as over-current protection devices, surge arresters, voltage regulators and capacitors.
• Learns engineering computer programs as required to complete required functions of the job, both desktop and network applications, including file management and operations within the Windows operating system and preparing drawings, as requested, related to materials and equipment used in distribution system design.

JOB DUTIES may include other duties as assigned.

• Trains to assist in keeping engineering data bases such as map files and related records in an up-to-date manner as delegated by the Engineering Department Manager or Supervisor.
• Learns to ensure personal compliance, and report any observations of non-compliance with all policies and procedures relating to the National Electric Code, the National Electric Safety Code, and the UEC Safety Code.
• Learns to prepare cost estimates to be invoiced that reflect the total cost of the work order and the calculated member's contribution in aid of construction that accurately reflect the line extension policy.
• Learns to secure right-of-way easements and/or permits for standard line extensions. Progressively obtains knowledge of easement law, land ownership rights, title, easement descriptions and the processes required to record easements and obtain permits from various governing agencies operating in the Cooperative's service territory.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in work with members, customers, or coworkers, including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Conducts themselves in a manner that reflects well on UEC and contributes to harmonious relations with members and the general public.
• Respectfully takes direction from supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS
Ability to accurately utilize in-field staking tools, such as GPS and other survey equipment that may be required to produce electrical engineering designs at 2nd 6 months of training.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
To be qualified to enter the Distribution Designer Trainee Program preferred requirements are; An associate's degree in computer aided engineering/drafting or a related field from two-year College or technical school, five (5) years technical experience in a related field or a minimum of two (2) years utility design experience may be substituted for an Associate Degree.
EOE M/F Disability/Veteran.