AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
                                          
Job Title:  Engineer
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Vice President of Engineering
Prepared Date: 9/17/2014
Approved Date: 
Approved By: 
 
Summary This position will assist in and support all areas associated with the engineering, operation, and maintenance of the electric distribution system of Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. by applying technical knowledge, sound engineering judgment and skill to ensure the electrical system meets the present and future requirements of the membership and in support of the Mission will strive to provide reliable, competitively priced energy and other services that are desired by the membership.
 
 
Essential Duties, Qualifications, and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
 
Qualifications To perform this 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Education and/or Experience                                                
Must possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or from an Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited college or university.  Must possess  a South Carolina Professional Engineers License.  Must possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license, must obtain a valid South Carolina driver’s license within 6 months of employment.  Must be  legally eligible to work in the US.  Education emphasis and previous experience in the field of electrical construction/maintenance particularly in the area of electrical power distribution is favourable.  This position’s successful candidate will gain experience in all facets of work associated with the engineering, operation, and maintenance of an electric distribution system through working, learning, and growing over time at Aiken Electric Cooperative.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
 
Develop, adhere to and apply knowledge of safety rules and requirements as they pertain to the Cooperative
 
Develop and apply knowledge of construction, operation and maintenance of the Cooperative’s electric distribution system
 
Develop and apply knowledge of construction, operation and maintenance of the Cooperative’s distribution substations
 
Develop and apply knowledge of staking and design standards, requirements and procedures
 
Learn Rural Utilities Service (RUS) construction specifications and standards, develop and apply knowledge of proper application of those standards
 
Develop and apply knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and how it applies to the Cooperative
 
Develop and apply knowledge of the general operation of RUS and the RUS procedural aspects as they pertain to the Cooperative (Bulletins, Federal Regulations, Specifications...)
 
Develop and apply knowledge of general RUS accounting regulations and procedures relative to cost allocations, electric plant accounting, work order accounting procedures...
 
Develop and apply knowledge of the Cooperative Construction Work Plan procedure, preparation, implementation and record keeping as related.
 
 
Reporting Relationships
This position reports to the Vice President, Engineering
This position will direct those as assigned
 
Competencies                                                
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
 
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
 
Design - Generates creative solutions; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail.
 
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
 
Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
 
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
 
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
 
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
 
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
 
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
 
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
 
Visionary Leadership - Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
 
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
 
Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
 
Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
 
Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
 
Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
 
Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability to support the Cooperative Mission; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
 
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures and conserves organizational resources without sacrificing the Mission.
 
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment.
 
Ethics - Treats people with respect; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
 
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
 
Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
 
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
 
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.
 
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
 
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
 
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
 
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
 
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
 
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
 
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
 
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions;  Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
 
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
 
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
 
 
 
Language Abilitiy
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business manuals, correspondence, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal and external customers of the Cooperative.
 
Mathematical Skills                                                   
Ability to work with mathematical concepts. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations.
 
Reasoning Ability                                                      
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form..
 
Computer Skills                                             
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Contact Management systems; Design software; Internet software; Payroll systems; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
 
 
 
Attitude – Ability - Skill
Must believe in, be sympathetic with, and be interested in furthering the Cooperative’s philosophies, goals and objectives. 
 
Must understand, be capable of, and willing to work erratic hours for extended periods of time and under pressure as conditions warrant and as deemed necessary.  This includes after-hours assistance with dispatching as well as substation and distribution system operation, maintenance, and service restoration.
 
Must be willing and able to participate in and perform duties associated with public relations and community service occasionally during regular work hours and after-hours.
 
Must be willing and able to participate in and perform duties associated with the Cooperative Annual Meeting each year.
 
Must do all possible to furnish leadership and effective administration as a positive and good example for all employees.
 
Must be able to prioritize pending tasks and be able to rearrange priorities as called upon to do
 
Must be receptive to changes deemed necessary. 
 
Must be comfortable with working alone and equally as well in a close knit team/crew environment for extended periods of time.
 
Must have/develop good working knowledge of various types of equipment used and be able to grasp new concepts with a minimum of explanation.
 
Must have basic computer/work station skills and familiarity with Microsoft programs and/or equivalent – word processing and spreadsheet software tools.  Including the ability to further develop those skill sets with other new and different software tools.
 
Must possess the basic quality and further develop the ability to create, collect and maintain accurate, logical and thorough notes, records, and files pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the Cooperative.  
 
Must possess and further develop a sufficient comfort level to successfully speak in front of groups of fellow employees and the general public.
 
Must learn, maintain and explain the Cooperative’s position on technical and policy practices and procedural matters as well as social-economic issues when working with the membership, general public, governmental representatives, foreign utilities, and other entities and agencies. 
 
 
Other Qualifications                                                  
Must possess a high degree of integrity, pleasant disposition and able to handle oneself with extreme tact.  Maintain and cultivate the ability to handle numerous assignments simultaneously without becoming overly distressed. 
Ability to maintain a cool head and steady demeanour in stressful situations and apply good judgement accordingly. 
Must handle confidential information in a prudent manner with good judgement and proper discretion in order to preserve confidentiality. Must maintain a respectable and business/task appropriate appearance including personal hygiene and attire.
 
Environmental Conditions
Work will normally be performed in an office environment but may also consist of work outside during inclement/extreme weather conditions – heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, high winds... day and night.
 
 
Physical
Manual dexterity, adequate reflexes, and visual acuity are required to maintain proper safety while inspecting lines, assisting in construction and maintenance work at jobsites, driving; and when preparing and completing paperwork, and operating keyboard and mouse at computer and/or terminal.
 
Listens and communicates orally and in writing with fellow employees, members, the general public and other entities and agencies while coordinating and completing the responsibilities of the position
 
Frequently sits at an office/desk environment.
 
Frequently sits in a vehicle to drive and/or ride to various sites.  The number of miles and the duration of driving/riding varies depending on the situation.
 
Frequently stands, walks, bends, stoops, squats, and twists while performing inspections and assisting with construction and maintenance of the electric system.
 
Occasionally climbs and balances on ladders, equipment, and other devices while performing responsibilities of position.
 
Occasionally kneels and crouches while inspecting and assisting with construction and maintenance of the system.
 
 
 
 
 
*In the context and intent of this position description, the phrases and terms “develop and apply knowledge”,  “learn”, “must possess”, “must have”, “must be willing and able”, “must understand”, “be capable of” and the like;  shall be interpreted and understood to include the actual performance of the work thereby described or associated with the phrase or term.
 
 
Note:  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.