Field Design Apprentice

OEC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative and is owned by those we serve—our members. We work for our members, not for distant investors. That means any revenue we make in excess of the cost to do business is returned to our members. OEC strives to be our members’ trusted, preferred energy provider and impactful community partner. We believe one avenue to accomplish this is by hiring individuals who will partner with us in providing outstanding service to our members. We offer competitive pay, an excellent benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, retirement options, as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

We are currently accepting application for Field Design Apprentice. This is a full-time position located at our office in Norman, OK. 

The Field Design Apprentice is responsible for assisting in the development and staking of single-phase and three-phase new construction, upgrade, rearrange, retirement, and conversion of overhead and underground primary and secondary lines. He/she meets with members and the public to determine economical, efficient, and reliable distribution of electricity to structures and along roadways.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in conversing with members, city, county, and state officials, and builders and developers to determine electrical needs and placement of electrical equipment on private property, housing developments, and road easements.
  • Advises members of their responsibilities to establish service, such as aid to construction payments and permit requirements.
  • Obtains landowner permissions to access property, right-of-ways, and easements when necessary.
  • Creates service agreement contract when necessary.

• Prepares staking sheets for new construction, upgrade, rearrange, retirement, replacement, and conversion of overhead and underground primary and secondary lines with supervision.
  • Determines and notes necessary materials and quantities, such as poles, framing, transformers, conductors, protective devices, and hardware, according to the Cooperative and NESC specifications.
  • Places flags, stakes, and other markers in corresponding locations and uses GPS device to mark key locations.
  • Uses computer staking and/or drafting programs to create detailed map of proposed construction and/or retirement.
  • Prepares Call OKIE locate notifications.

• Assists in the inspection of completed work orders as needed.
  • Field checks Cooperative construction crews and contractor work to verify proper and accurate completion according to Cooperative and NESC specifications.

• Assists with filing easement forms with appropriate county officials as needed.

• Assists in the reconstruction efforts following significant damage to the system.
  • Inventories damage and creates staking sheets as needed.

• Receives aid to construction payments from members when applicable.

• Operates GPS equipment to collect real-world coordinates for Cooperative structures.
  • Records inventory of structures.
  • Uploads data to GIS.

• Works under the guidance of Lead Field Design to receive training on the accurate and efficient performance of tasks and appropriate interactions with members and the public.
  • Obtains fundamental knowledge of Cooperative specifications, services, and capabilities of equipment, RUS specifications, and NESC specifications.

• Practices and promotes respect towards members and their property.
  • Exercises great care to avoid damage to property, reporting any damage to appropriate personnel as soon as possible.

• Attends training and conferences to obtain industry knowledge in areas related to job functions.

• Maintains appropriate operation and care of all vehicles, tools, and equipment used in the performance of tasks.

Ideal candidates meet the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year experience in related position
• Valid Driver's License
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Working computer knowledge
• Skill in: identifying complex problems, developing options, and implementing solutions; using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions; analyzing needs to create a design; time management
• Ability to: arrange things in a certain order or pattern according to standards; listen, understand, read, and communicate information verbally and in writing
• Qualities of: attention to detail; thoroughness in completing tasks; being pleasant with others; guiding oneself with little or no supervision; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; openness to change and variety in the workplace