Engineering Support Coordinator- Electric Advanced Design

Engineering Support Coordinator– Electric Advanced Design 

Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking an Engineering Support Specialist/Specialist Sr/Coordinator to join the Electric Advanced Design team as a Field Coordinator. Electric Advanced Design is a newly formed team supporting several areas including substations, transmission, distribution, and advanced technology elements related to microgrids, distribution automation, and much more. Because this team has a large variety of work, we are looking for individuals who are interested in learning and participating in projects across all disciplines. 

As an integral member of the team, you will have an opportunity to contribute to multiple projects in multiple disciplines. You will directly support electric transmission, distribution, and substations. Your expertise will expand beyond just a single area, helping this team to accomplish large amounts of work in the coming years. In joining the Electric Advanced Design group, you will gain membership to a highly skilled and experienced team who routinely leverages their technical expertise to serve in our municipal utility’s System Planning and Projects Division and beyond. 

*SPECIAL NOTE*: The goal for this position is a 50/50 split between AutoCAD office work and fieldwork, but we anticipate the first 12-18 months of this position to be closer to a 15/85 split with the majority of time spent in the field.  

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to: 

Distribution Field Support:

• Provide support to Distribution Engineers in conducting research on existing electric infrastructure both electronically and in the field, accessing vaults and equipment with the assistance of a qualified worker, and documenting existing field conditions
• Provide support to Distribution Engineers in the SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) process. This involves coordinating with several groups both internally and externally to obtain locates, conduct potholing, document findings, capture survey data, and provide information back to engineering
• Provide support to Distribution Engineers and Construction Crews by supporting projects in the construction phase – identify, assess, and resolve issues during onsite construction and make recommendations based on design packet and project priorities, involving Engineers when needed
• Ensure as-builts and proper documentation of construction projects are provided 
• Support Distribution Engineers by communicating any work change directives and necessary change orders with Engineers and Project Managers
• Conduct field site assessments, staking, and final field checks in potentially hazardous situations around energized lines and equipment and combustible commodities – and inspect construction, installation, and maintenance of facilities, service lines, and equipment
• Determine access needs and surveys, and negotiate with property owners; obtain right-of-way easements and research titles to determine ownership
• Escort and coordinate work with locators who are not allowed in substations

AutoCAD Support:

• Advanced level engineering support utilizing AutoCAD, AutoCAD Utility Designer, and AutoCAD Civil 3D software for utility design projects
• Familiarity and ability to produce plan and profile drawings for underground utility to include complex directional drill profiles
• Identify additional information needed for mechanical and civil designs (Survey data) 
  
  • Knowledge of point clouds and ability to import and interpret data using AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Creation of base files (on FIMS Coordinate System) for construction staking purposes 
• Assist in developing and maintaining construction and design standards
• Developing materials specifications and requirements, and ensuring materials meet specifications

General:

• Provide support to internal line crews including material recommendations, damage assessments, and inventory coordination
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Electrical Engineers, Designers, Field Engineering, Civil/Structural, and many additional internal & external departments
• Visit project sites and work with field teams to develop solutions and corresponding designs
• Work with internal and external sources to get designs fabricated, reserve or procure materials, and monitor delivery to the sites 
• Review contracts and specifications to ensure compliance with engineering and material standards
• Monitor outside consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure compliance with specifications, bid proposals, and obligations
• Support QC to monitor contractor’s safety, performance, and quality of work and address any deficiencies during the project as they arise

Physical Requirements:

• VERY HEAVY WORK: Exerts over 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or over 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or over 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects

Working Conditions:

• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises

What will it take to be successful in this position? 

Engineering, design work, or fieldwork in substations, electric distribution, electric transmission, or a closely related field would be preferred. Additionally, we are interested in your experience in the following areas, so please be sure to highlight them on your resume/application:

• Demonstrated experience in an engineering support capacity 
• Associate's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or a related field is valued 
• Extensive experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D is required 
  
  • Ability to create plan and profile drawings 
  • Ability to extract map data from GIS and create terrain 
  • Ability to download, create, analyze, and adjust survey data, as well as transfer field-captured data to the office 
• AutoCAD Utility Designer experience is valued
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required - This position requires operating Colorado Springs Utilities' vehicles to visit job sites 
• Ability to collaborate, build and establish relationships, and strong attention to detail 
• Communication skills will be extremely important. You will be communicating with field crews, engineers, vendors, consultants, and on occasion customers. You must be comfortable communicating with others.  
• Comfort with computers and technology 
  
  • You will be assigned a laptop, iPad, and possibly survey equipment 
  • You will need to be comfortable using technology and learning new devices 
  • You will need to be comfortable accessing CSU systems such as FIMSView, conducting research looking for as-built information,  
  • You will need to be comfortable reading prints and interpreting the data on them 
  • Experience with Conduit Manager and/or butterfly diagrams of vaults is a plus 
• This job is an office and field position, you must be comfortable working in the field around Medium and High Voltage equipment. We will ensure you receive all of the training and tools you need to operate in this environment safely, but you must recognize that this position will require you to work near energized equipment. 
• Must possess or be able to acquire the following certifications and/or licenses: 
  
  • First aid certification 
  • CPR certification  
  • Driver’s license 
• Working knowledge and application of industry standards, safety standards, and current design codes such as AISC, ACI, ASCE 113, IEEE, NESC
• Electric distribution design requirements and construction techniques are an added plus 
• Substation design and engineering and construction techniques are an added plus 
• Transmission design and engineering and construction techniques are an added plus 

What a career at Colorado Springs Utilities can offer you…

• Offering four services, Colorado Springs Utilities gives you an experience unmatched by other utility companies
• We understand employees have competing priorities. That is why we have created an environment that embraces teamwork and flexibility. 
• We champion innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and clean, efficient technologies that sustain the Colorado Springs lifestyle.   
• Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the perfect blend of mountain and city living.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you will enjoy nature at its finest.  From snowboarding to biking to theater to community service to food and wine festivals, Colorado Springs offers something for everyone. 

Our Commitment to Our Employees:
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We do not just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

• Time Off – Because everybody needs time off to recharge
  • Vacation – New employees accrue 13 days of paid time off to start, while our more tenured employees accrue 24 days per year
  • Personal Leave –3 days per year of personal leave
  • Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
  • Sick Leave – Accrue 12 days of sick leave annually for those days when you or a family member is feeling under the weather
  • Vacation Buy – Purchase up to 40 hours of additional vacation time
• Pension Plan – Looking forward to a comfortable lifestyle once you’re done working? The Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) provides you with retirement benefits and peace of mind when you retire 
• Medical – Select from three comprehensive medical plans, starting at $0 per month.  Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Wellness Program – Voluntary wellness program that allows you and your spouse to each earn up to $500 to use towards healthcare expenses, $100 in Visa gift cards, and up to $400 in gym membership reimbursements
• Dental – Select from two dental plans, with in-network PPO preventive care covered at 100% and access to orthodontia coverage (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Vision – Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Retirement Saving Programs – Supplement your pension plan with voluntary retirement programs such as the PERAPlus 401(k) and MissionSquare’s Roth IRA and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage – Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance available for purchase (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Makes the going a little easier by aiding with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more
• Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) – Whether it's due to an accident or a serious illness, LTC insurance is available for purchase to help you and your loved ones (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available (effective the 1st of the month following your start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement – Employees are eligible to receive up to $5,250 annually for Tuition Reimbursement
• Qualifying Public Service Employer – Payments made towards student loans may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Salary : $5,250