The objective of this position is to function as a groundman in the construction, operation and maintenance of Cooperative’s electrical system including all lines and equipment used in the transmission and distribution systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES:

1. To perform meter reading in conjunction with connects, disconnects as directed.
2. Begin learning to interpret staking sheets assist with building construction jobs as directed.
3. Communicate to System Operators system conditions and take appropriate directed actions during scheduled outages and emergencies.
4. Knowledgeable in the safe operation of the system including patrolling lines, inspecting poles, switching, basic troubleshooting and correction of problems.
5. To extend normal courtesies and present a good impression of the cooperative and its employees to the members and general public.
6. Assist with the safe installation, change, transfer, move and removal of any and all forms of electrical equipment, material and accessories utilized in the construction, maintenance, and operation of all overhead and underground electric circuits and substations.
7. Perform the duties of equipment operator when necessary and at the appropriate level.
8. Must perform all work in a safe manner and comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures.
9. Assist qualified personnel, from ground level, who are working on energized circuits and in substations of all voltages using appropriate protective equipment and devices.
10. Responsible for all vehicles, tools and equipment assigned to the position.  Must have a CDL.
11. Must be familiar with and capable of operating all types of equipment associated with the work being performed at the appropriate position level.
12. Assist qualified personnel with tree trimming and removal of line detriments as necessary.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

High school or equivalent required.  Completion of courses in technical subjects relating to the position is required.

EXPERIENCE:

No previous experience is necessary for the entry level Groundman-C position although previous electrical systems knowledge or experience is desired.  Groundman positions B and A require each subsequent job description skills and abilities as the necessary experience.  A CDL must be obtained prior to admittance into the Merchants Program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The majority of this position is performed outdoors, both day and night, in varying weather conditions.  The employee shall be subject to both scheduled and unscheduled, callout in the event of an outage or emergency.  Must be available for 20 minute response time or as designated reasonable by management.  Regular duties performed on energized high voltage electrical lines, in energized stations, or near energized equipment.  Exposure to hazardous or toxic material may occur.  (Protective equipment and appropriate training will be provided by the cooperative.)  Frequently work independently without direct supervision.  Occasional overnight travel may be required.  Employee must be able to perform the strenuous physical requirements of the positions and must work non-scheduled overtime during emergencies.  CDL required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must pass all CDL written test and obtain driver’s permit.

OBJECTIVE:

Provide leadership and supervision of the daily operations of the Metering, System Planning/Coordination and Power Quality and manage the resources including capital and operations/maintenance budgets through: 

Metering: Developing departmental objectives, goals, budget and staffing   Providing necessary tools, equipment and training for Technicians and AMI Coordinator to install, maintain, operate and test AMI system. Oversee and manage the work involved in resolving customer concerns regarding high bills and billing inaccuracies, Provide guidance in the evaluation of new metering technologies.

System Planning/Coordination: Develop departmental objectives, goals budget and staffing.   Provide necessary tools, equipment and training for Recloser/Relay Technician to install, maintain, operate and test distribution protection system. Provide guidance in the evaluation of new protection technologies.

Power Quality: Provide engineering expertise and leadership for resolving customer concerns and complaints regarding power quality issues.  Analyze and inspect problematic sites using power quality recording equipment and generating thorough member reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES:

1. Supervise the automated meter reading system and day to day meter testing and maintenance.
2. Provide assistance to members in obtaining adequate, reliable and safe electric service to new and existing Cooperative members at the most economical cost. 
3. Provide engineering expertise and assistance for Management, Staff, employees, and members of the Cooperative as well as all others as directed by Management and Cooperative policy. 
4. Supervise and coordinate the work assigned to the AMR/Metering Section of the Department.
5. Supervise the testing and maintenance of all large user meter installations.
6. Calculate the PT and CT sizes for new loads, inspect and burden test of existing CT rated sites, and analyzing and generating a burden report
7. Supervise and coordinate the work assigned to the Recloser and System Coordination section of the Department.
8. Perform System Coordination studies for all areas on the LCEC distribution system and determine proper application of protective equipment, preparing sectionalizing studies and the implementation of necessary construction. Make recommendations for protective equipment additions and adjustments.
9. Research new protective equipment technologies and make recommendations to management for equipment additions and upgrades.
10. Perform fault studies and provide fault analysis reports to members at members request.
11. Generate and supervise maintenance schedule for existing LCEC protective equipment.
12. Perform fault study analysis and provide fault current reports for members.
13. Assist in long- and short-range planning of the electric power distribution system by preparing long-range plans and work plans. 
14. Assist in safe and adequate design, selection of materials and equipment, construction and inspection of overhead and underground distribution line facilities. 
15. Perform routine and special power quality (PQ) studies and investigations including voltage levels, customer voltage and flicker complaints, phase balancing, capacitor and voltage regulator applications, economic sizing of conductors and transformers.
16. Assist in the preparation and application of rate studies, load studies, line extension policies, power requirement studies, right-of-way and joint use practices, and other studies as required or assigned. 
17. Assist with the selection of and application of materials consistent with RUS and the Cooperative's standards and practices, working with and coordinating the engineering phase of materials with manufacturers, representatives and outside consultants as necessary.
18. Assist with engineering cost estimating, budgeting and overall schedule coordinating of overhead and underground distribution construction required to implement work plans, protection studies, line maintenance and the extension of distribution lines required to adequately serve existing and new Cooperative members. 
19. Assist in preparing construction budgets and general schedules and periodically reviewing, applying and modifying them as required. 
20. Recommend and implement new or improved engineering standards, practices or methods.
21. Assist in personnel functions for those reporting position including development or position descriptions, selection, training, coaching, performance appraisals, rewards, discipline, recommendation for grade changes, pay adjustments, leadership and motivation.
22. Keep up-to-date with new or improved engineering and management techniques, standards and practices.
23. Attend seminars, conferences and special meetings to improve technical skills and management ability.
24. Performs such other duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of the Cooperative in the interest of good management practices.

LEA COUNTY ELECTRIC POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Incumbent must possess a four-year college degree in electrical engineering or a closely-related engineering discipline. A Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification for the state of New Mexico is strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of three years of directly applicable, progressively responsible experience in addition to the degree requirement is required.  Prior supervisory experience is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

The fully competent incumbent must possess the following knowledge:

●    Thorough knowledge of cooperative principles.

●    Knowledge of and be able to apply sound engineering principles as they apply to the electric utility industry.

●    Thorough knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and National Electrical Code, and of RUS Construction Specifications and approved materials.

●    Thorough knowledge of LCEC rates and power contracts.

●    Preparation of clear, concise and accurate engineering reports, studies and investigations. 

●    Analyze complex, technical problems, exercise sound judgment and arrive at proper decisions. 

●    Knowledge of relevant environmental principles and procedures.

●    Thorough knowledge of power forecasting principles.

●    Ability to manage people by providing clear direction of work responsibilities and cultivate a team atmosphere.

●    Thorough overall management principles needed to manage employees including leadership, planning, budgeting, project management and effective supervisory practices and scheduling.

●    High degree of initiative and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively across departments.  Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

●    Proficient in the operation of a computer and the use of Excel, Power Point, and Word type programs.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

●    Understand and be supportive of the ideals and objectives of the cooperative and the rural electrification and state and federal power programs.

●    Must be able to analyze trends in the operations of the cooperative and recommend any desirable amendments and improvements. 

●    Must have excellent skills in planning and project management and be able to apply the latest techniques in these areas, including the development of charts, graphs, reports and projection of trends shown therein for information to the board and general manager.

●    Must have excellent skills in all relevant personnel management areas.  Must be able to work        with Staking, Operations and other departments.

●    Must have computer skills necessary to perform the requirements of the position, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing and engineering analysis. 

●    Must have the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various customers, community and affiliated organizations (i. e., key accounts, local governments, vendors, other utilities, etc.). 

●    Must have the ability to stay abreast of new developments in all the fields necessary to the effective functioning of the department and to provide leadership in ensuring that all those reporting to the position develop their skills.

TECHNOLOGICAL:

AMI program – MV90

Relay program – AcSELerator

Power quality program – PMI Provision

Recloser program – Windmil/Milsoft/Light Table

NISC

SCADA

Aclara, Sel, and Itron meters

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usual office conditions with some outside field work.  Occasional exposure to high-voltage energized equipment.  Occasional overnight travel required.  Required to be on periodic standby, as well as to be available quickly in the event of emergency.  Subject to drug/alcohol testing.