STAKING TECHNICIAN I

TITLE: STAKING TECHNICIAN I GRADE: 5 – NON-EXEMPT

NRECA JOB FAMILY: ENGINEERING SERVICES NRECA JOB CODE: 54-4421

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of an Engineering Supervisor, is responsible for making field surveys and drawing up staking sheets for new distribution line extensions. Also responsible for the upgrading of existing lines, relocation of lines, retiring of lines, determining loads, determining underground hazards, and other less complex service scenarios, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Responsible for planning, designing, and staking new locations of overhead and underground electric facilities in accordance with RUS, TXDOT and/or URECC’s specifications. At the discretion of the Staking Superintendent, jobs will be assigned based on knowledge and skillset of Staking Technician and may include new service connections, small single-phase primary line extensions, minor system maintenance, and small single-phase conversions, or other less complex service scenarios, as assigned.
2. Responsible for learning and using GPS equipment, computers, and other survey equipment as necessary in staking and properly location easements. Uses various software programs to develop work orders, cost estimates and stake all jobs as assigned.
3. Obtains field data and other records for permits and easements. Writes and verifies easement descriptions, and/or other activities as related to the right-of-way. Ensuring rights-of-way are in compliance with legal requirements and customer specifications.
4. Responsible for effectively communicating all aspects of job-build through regular direct contact with member/potential member, including, but not limited to; proper information regarding size, type, and location of service equipment; ingress and egress scenarios; efficient design, routing, and configuration of needed service requirements to obtain information from members to calculate costs and provide accurate estimates and line extension agreements.
5. Responsible for obtaining knowledge and keeping current on all URECC policies, procedures, REA requirements, National Electric Safety Code, state, and local laws relating to electrical distribution construction, rate schedules, wiring specifications and other matters relating to assigned duties. Must demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of all applicable safety rules, regulations, and practices
6. Responsible for establishing and maintaining harmonious interactions with all departments within the Cooperative, demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, as it pertains to job builds, member inquiries, etc.
7. Responsible for performing such other duties of a comparable nature as may from time to time be assigned, such as helping locate trouble during major outages, guiding contractors to work sites, and inspecting existing lines to make sure it is in good working order.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

1. Analytical Thinking
2. Attention to Detail
3. Decision Making
4. Fostering Communication
5. Problem Solving
6. Project Management

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Must have, as a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent. An associate's or bachelor's degree in Surveying and Geomatics, Engineering Design, Forestry or Computer Aided Drafting is highly preferred. Experience combined with education will be considered.
2. Knowledge of line materials, assemblies, equipment, and apparatus, as well as of standard REA specifications to be able to design and supervise the construction.
3. Must possess and demonstrate a wide array of interpersonal skills, including but not limited to; verbal and non-verbal communication skills, listening skills and problem-solving skills. Must be able to establish and maintain harmonious public contact, answering member inquiries effectively by providing accurate, meaningful, and courteous responses to questions in a timely manner.
4. Must be able to obtain and maintain status as a Notary Public within three (3) months of employment.
5. Must stay informed and up to date of the distribution system, such as the location of lines, voltage, sources or power, the direction of feeds, the location of breakers, fusing, etc.
6. Must be able to operate automotive equipment and have, as a minimum, a current Texas Driver’s License Class C.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works outdoors 50% of the time in all types of weather conditions and environmental conditions such as holes in the ground, fallen branches, rough terrain, or heavy underbrush.
2. Works in temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and drop to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
3. ???????Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife. Works in areas with possible exposure to various poison plants and insects including, but not limited to, poison oak, poison ivy, and various insect stings.
4. ???????50% of the time will be working in an office setting making phone calls, operating a computer, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Outside work performed will primarily consist of sitting in the vehicle while driving to various destinations across URECC’s service territory. Frequent walking, stepping, climbing over various types of terrain. Occasional reaching, stooping, or bending will be required.

Office work performed will primarily consist of sitting at a desk for extended periods of time; operating a computer keyboard; communicating by face-to-face visits as well as by telephone. Vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.