Engineering Assistant

PRIMARY FUNCTION
Under general supervision, performs professional engineering work related to the district’s electric distribution engineering and planning functions. Performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Engineer, Assistant is distinguished from the Engineer in that incumbents do not have a professional registration, and perform their duties under the supervision of an Engineer. Progression to the next level will depend on obtaining required experience and/or certification and approval from management.

May be consulted on a 24-hour basis regarding specific engineering problems which may be of an emergency nature, or may be required to supervise emergency repair work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The examples of essential functions listed below are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive and incumbent may be assigned other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position.
1. Assists with designing electrical components and structures for a variety of engineering project as re-builds, upgrades and new line extension to improve the distribution system performance; and participates in preparation of cost estimates, bill of materials, working plans and construction notes.
2. Assists in reviewing marginal system operational characteristics and recommends distribution equipment to reduce or eliminate impact on customers.
3. Assists with research for annual budget regarding capital projects; assist in preparing preliminary one, three and ten year studies regarding distribution and substation capacities;
prepares per unit costs and project estimations for distribution projects overhead and underground.
4. Assists with preparation of major work authorization packages for distribution projects, prepares cost breakdowns, SAP reports and participates preparing project scope, cost breakdowns, power point presentations and deliverables.
5. Reviews, assists and recommends course of action to resolve distribution system operating problems in coordination with district personnel.
6. Remains current on district, federal, state and local safety codes and regulations, and
insures district staff complies with the codes and regulations.
7. Assists engineers in researching and evaluating technical problems and applies
engineering principles and theories in investigations to develop and improve power
systems.
8. Keeps supervisor current on projects and prepares reports.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists with preparation of specifications for the design of new or modification of existing systems and equipment.
2. Assists with coordination between contractors, suppliers and district resources during multiple project phases; reviews work design, and fabrication of both internal and external resources to ensure specifications and standards are in compliance.
3. Assists in reviewing and developing of revised or new district distribution system design criteria.
4. Assists in preparing and recommending annual budget, three and ten-year budget.
5. Reviews trade periodicals and participates in trade and/or technical seminars to remain
current on innovations and industry trends; informs staff of information.
6. Prepares specification for systems and equipment.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
To perform the 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 qualified individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in electrical engineering or related field or Associate’s degree with a major in electrical engineering and four years of distribution engineering experience and Engineering-In-Training Certificate is required.
• Licensing: A valid driver’s license issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

Principles of electrical engineering; engineering, computer science and mathematical concepts; legal descriptions; manual and computer-aided drafting techniques and procedures; personal computer and appropriate software applications including CAD, Power Flow and transient stability software, communication, internet, word, excel, and access; energy management system real-time data retrieval; and safe work practices.

Skills/Abilities

• Conceptualize engineering problems and design effective solutions;
• Read, analyze, and interpret system studies, financial reports, performance evaluations, policy and procedure, governmental rules and regulations and legal documents;
• Exercise sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations; maintain effective relations with employees and public and/or private agency representatives; apply complex mathematical concepts; write clear, concise reports and studies; set priorities;
• Understand safety rules and regulations and work safely; be prompt and regular in attendance; and work courteously and cooperatively with employees, public and/or private agency representatives, vendor and manufacturer representatives, regulatory agency representative and municipal representatives.

Tools and Equipment Used
General office equipment, computer, calculator, electrical and mechanical test equipment, analytical equipment, diagnostic equipment, manuals, reference books, telephone, copy machine, fax machine and vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a well lighted office environment with climatically controlled temperature; the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions; near moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, dust, and airborne particles; to heat including direct sunlight.