Distribution Design Technician

Position Summary

The Distribution Design Technician is any position from level one through senior level, with the training and experience to perform electric and gas engineering calculations, engineering design and layout, costing, and production of electric and gas construction plans and drawings for residential, retail, and commercial development projects. 

In addition, this position will express comprehension of GIS systems in general and will work closely with the Engineering GIS department to ensure the data accuracy and model functionality are correct within the GIS design, as it relates to the engineering design and layout. The Distribution Design Technician works closely with the Project Manager Supervisor to ensure a high level of competence, quality, and accuracy in preparing electric and gas designs, construction plans, bill of materials, and cost estimates.

The placement level for this position is based on skill level which is assessed through the interview process.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Provides electric and gas designs by designing facilities according to CoServ design and construction standards and specifications.
• Adheres to other local codes and ordinances applicable to the job functions performed by this position and follows state and other regulatory agency procedures and rules in the performances of all work.
• Develops electric design and layout for single phase and three phase primary lines and electric equipment, devices, and services for large residential, commercial, retail, and industrial development projects.
• Develops gas design and layout for lateral, main and service lines, associated equipment, devices, and services for large residential, commercial, retail, and industrial development projects.
• Maintains working knowledge of how to create and maintain GIS data for electric and gas designs, using the GIS system tools, functions, editing practices and workflows.
• Determines size, type, quantity and physical placement of electric lines, equipment and devices including primary and secondary conductors, single phase and three phase transformers, metering, protective and sectionalizing devices, underground vaults, poles, and duct systems.
• Performs electrical and mechanical engineering calculations, prepares drawings and other documentation to support electrical and structural design.
• Evaluates existing engineering design specifications and translates them into a GIS data model.
• Prepares detailed construction plan sketches, drawings and bill of materials for electric and gas projects with detailed measurements and relative geographic features, specifying size, type and quantity of construction materials, specifying size, type, quantity and location/routing of conductors, appropriate gas facilities, equipment and devices, and specifying any other notes or details relevant to facilitate construction of the project in a timely and efficient manner and according to all applicable codes, and CoServ design and construction standards and specifications.
• Provides information and details for easements.
• Learns to work within the GIS system and acquire data for geospatial referencing from various sources.
• Analyzes data and digitizes maps within the GIS system using the proper coordinate system, graphical elements, and data units that will be compatible with CoServ’s electronic mapping system.
• Resolves design and construction issues by meeting and communicating with developer’s engineer and CoServ’s Engineering Project Manager concerning upcoming and in-progress projects, gathering information (other utilities designs, easements, site requirements, future plans, building size, ultimate use, and load data) from the developers for the most reliable, cost-effective design. Requires all designs to be in compliance with CoServ’s design and construction standards and specifications.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by developing and maintaining a thorough knowledge of:

• National Fuel Gas Code, 49 CFR Part 192, National Electric Safety Code, National Electric Code, Occupational Safety Health Administration, and other local codes and ordinances applicable to the job functions performed by this position.
• CoServ, Rural Utility Services, state and other regulatory agency procedures and rules in the performance of all work.
• AutoCAD, GIS, GPS, and other software systems, by attending power distribution conferences, training and other educational workshops and meetings appropriate to this position.

• Exhibits trainability in specific GIS tools in order to successfully build out the GIS data as it relates to electric and gas facilities.
• Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.
• Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.

Secondary Position Responsibilities

• Represents CoServ in a professional manner.
• Follows internal company procedures for forwarding records, documents and information to other departments and personnel.
• Receives training in CPR and first aid.
• Wears safety clothing and equipment such as hardhat, goggles, steel-toed shoes, etc. when at construction site, or other field locations as appropriate.
• Follows safe work practices, including the proper use of equipment, vehicles, tools, and job procedures, while always applying CoServ safety rules and procedures.
• Follows safe work practices by documenting and reporting deficiencies with equipment and procedures and taking corrective action to remedy those deficiencies.
• Follows safe work practices by completing Monthly Safety Training to stay abreast of CoServ’s current safety practices and procedures.
• Attends CoServ University required training.
• Performs other duties and activities as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Education and Certifications Required

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalency.
• 2 year Associates Degree or equivalent Engineering, Geography or GIS experience.
• First Aid/ CPR or ability to obtain.

Education and Certifications Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geography or GIS or equivalent experience.
• Certified in ESRI software and/or other training related to GIS.
• Basic knowledge of National Fuel Gas Code, 49 CFR Part 192, National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training.
• Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS products: ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcServer, ArcView, ArcReader, ArcFM, Designer, Responder, or other GIS systems as well as AutoCAD or related systems.
• Willingness to obtain certification/training in opening energized equipment for engineering purposes.
• Fundamentals of Electricity 1

Experience Required

• 1-2 years of verifiable GIS experience.
• 1 year of experience with ESRI Software.

Experience Preferred

• 1 year of experience with Schneider ArcFM software.
• 5 years of experience in the engineering field.
• Experience in an electric and gas utility environment.
• Experience with IMB’s Maximo Application Suite.

Skills and Abilities Required

• Understands basic GIS principles and practices.
• Ability to enter data quickly, correctly, and efficiently.
• Understands and follows maps, system maps, grid map and line design books and manuals.
• Ability to follow rules in employee handbook.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated, take ownership of job responsibilities, and be proactive in seeking solutions for the department.
• Able to work both in a team or independently when required.
• Comfortable with working repetitive processes.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to adapt and contribute to shifting policies.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc.)

Skills and Abilities Preferred

• Proficiency in layout and design of electric and gas facilities for residential, multifamily and commercial projects.
• Knowledge of Electric and Gas distribution systems.

Physical Requirements

• Indoor, office environment. Ability to sit for extended hours.
• Works extended hours as needed or directed.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to drive as needed.
• Occasional outdoor work in areas with possible exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and insect stings.

Other Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.