Job summary  

This position designs, plans, and oversees construction projects and upgrades for Platte River's 230 kV and 115 kV overhead and underground transmission lines and associated infrastructure.  The preferred candidate is an experienced engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of transmission line projects and collaborates closely with the substation engineers and other members of the System Engineering and Maintenance teams.

This position supports transmission planning engineers with cost and route feasibility of proposed projects; ensures compliance with applicable industry codes, safety regulations and environmental guidelines; prepares bidding documents, plans, and specifications; manages project budgets, schedules, and resources; provides technical guidance and support to construction work; and continuously monitors project progress and resolves any issues that may arise.

Work schedule and environment  

This position may be eligible for hybrid work days and is expected to live within a commutable distance of Platte River's headquarters campus in Fort Collins. Schedule flexibility is offered with the expectation that core areas of responsibility maintain adequate support and coverage.

Performing job duties require minimal physical effort typically found in office-based work. This position may occasionally lift and carry light objects. There are occasional requirements for walking and standing, and minimal risk of exposure to hazards typically found in an office environment that could result in injury or accident.

Essential duties and responsibilities  

• Designing overhead and underground high voltage transmission lines by creating the technical specifications, calculations, and drawings
• Developing construction packages for transmission line project designs
• All aspects of transmission line design including new lines, relocations, rebuilds, upgrades, structure replacements, and fiber optic additions
• Ability to develop project scopes, budgets, and alternatives
• Apply applicable federal, state, regional, and local laws and requirements, specifically state administrative codes, NESC, NES, and RUS
• Collaborating with substation project engineers, supervisors and managers, maintenance staff, planning and operations engineers and outage coordinators on transmission line projects.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal initiative
• Encourage growth, engagement, and accountability among team members
• Work in a team environment to solve and build strong internal and external relationships
• Project Support
• Prepare and check design deliverables including plan and profiles drawings, material selection, and construction specifications
• Provide engineering support for development crossing and access agreements.
• Work in collaboration with developers on site plan designs to ensure the development meets applicable codes and does not impact the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

Other functions  

• Undertakes technical and feasibility studies
• Collaborates with other professionals and discusses requirements with clients
• Uses computer programs to develop detailed designs
• Ensures that construction meets legal guidelines and safety and environment requirements

Knowledge, skills, and abilities  

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Oral and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Design expertise
• Computer skills
• Ability to foster teamwork
• Ability to drive strategic direction
• Leadership skills

What you’ll need to qualify  

Education and licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under company vehicle liability policy
• One of the following:
  • Master's degree in civil, structural, mechanical, or electrical engineering from an accredited engineering school, or
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license, or
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Work experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in the electric utility industry including but not limited to the following:
  • Experience in the design of overhead high voltage and extra high voltage transmission lines including route selection, line and structure spotting, structure design and analysis, and development of construction bid packages
  • Construction management and support experience
  • Experience in the design of drilled pier foundations
  • Understanding of NESC and related transmission line design codes and standards
  • Experience using PLS-CADD, structure analysis, project cost estimates, plan and profile preparation, optimization, specifications and drawings, and other engineering documents required for power transmission line projects
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and ArcGIS

About Platte River Power Authority

Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Platte River's generation portfolio includes thermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.

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