Job Details
BEGINNING SALARY RANGE: $108,392 – $136,188 (DOE) + Benefits
LOCATION
The required base location for this position is scenic Ketchikan, Alaska, often referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World”. It is situated in the heart of a lush rainforest and offers abundant recreation opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including boating, hunting, fishing, crabbing, shrimping, hiking, and whale watching. There’s also a strong sense of community, native heritage, and a host of engaging local activities and events. Ketchikan enjoys great access to local services such as a newly expanded hospital, a variety of schools, modern aquatics / recreation center, and a contemporary library. It is a short 90-minute flight away from Seattle, Washington.
POSITION SUMMARY
SEAPA is an agile regional generation and transmission (G&T) entity, providing wholesale power to three member utilities located in Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Wrangell. We are looking for a versatile individual to complement our small core team of results-driven professionals. This is a hybrid position that will enjoy a wide variety of projects and responsibilities. SEAPA’s facilities consist of two hydroelectric projects, switchyards, substations, and 175 miles of transmission lines, which includes 11 miles of submarine cable and shore terminals.
The Director of Engineering and Technical Services will provide senior level engineering, project management, and technical leadership to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of Agency assets. The successful applicant must be proficient at writing reports, technical specifications, requests for proposals, and other written communications as assigned. This is a hands-on position that requires strong personal initiative and the ability to efficiently multi-task and communicate.
The successful applicant will possess a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experience encompassing typical power generation and transmission equipment such as; turbines, generators, balance of plant, switchgear, transformers, governors, plant control systems, relays, SCADA, and communications. This position plays an integral role in long-range planning, budget development, and has a strong ability to directly affect change. This senior role is accompanied by an appropriate high level of responsibility and accountability.
The position is based at SEAPA’s main office in Ketchikan, but requires frequent travel to remote sites in small fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and watercraft to execute Agency objectives. Time will be balanced between the office and the field as work dictates. SEAPA offers a comprehensive defined benefits package through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Proactively manages all facets of assigned projects from concept through project close-out. Ensures scope, schedule, and budget are clearly defined and objectives are met.
- Executes complex assignments requiring the use of advanced techniques, resulting in the development of new or improved processes, equipment and/or technological methods.
- Participates in weekly scheduling/planning call with member utilities. Develops supporting information and assists in efficient coordination of field activities to maximize power deliveries.
- Develops and presents annual reservoir operations plan, providing statistical analysis and graphical representation; snow surveys, inflow predictions, loads, etc.
- Primary lead in long-term planning; load forecasting, new hydro siting, and development strategy.
- Works collaboratively with Agency staff to develop RFP’s, evaluate proposals, and implement professional services and individual task order contracts.
- Manages assigned contracts and works closely with a variety of engineering and environmental consultants, contractors, and suppliers. Ensures timely procurement of required materials for assigned projects.
- Provides leadership, guidance, and instruction to less experienced personnel.
- Proactively engages in O&M activities at SEAPA’s facilities, making process improvement recommendations and leading initiatives to maximize reliability and availability.
- Assists Agency staff in compliance of licenses, permits, water rights, easements, and rights-of-way; obtains and maintains as required for assigned areas.
- Participates in the Agency’s annual budget process. Prepares cost projections, schedules, and status reports for assigned projects. Makes recommendations for new projects.
- Fosters positive relations between management, SEAPA’s Board of Directors, union workforce, member utilities, contractors, and consultants. Effectively builds consensus for promoting change.
- Develops and presents project updates to the SEAPA Board of Directors. Represents the Agency at technical or public meetings and hearings, in system-wide O&M planning activities, and on committees as directed.
- Attends training seminars, consults with other utilities and dam operators, and stays apprised of current codes and regulations, and implements as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Licenses:
- Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or related discipline is required.
- Professional Engineer licensure required (Alaska preferred). Ability to obtain licensure in Alaska within 18 months required.
- A combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to successfully perform essential duties and responsibilities.
Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- The successful candidate will be a team player, self-motivated, and exhibit an appropriately high level of knowledge and skills consistent with a well-rounded senior level electric utility person.
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency levels essential for successfully communicating oral reports to the Agency’s Board of Directors at quarterly meetings and at other meetings as necessary.
- Must communicate effectively in writing. Advanced technical writing skills are essential.
- Must have the ability to quickly establish and maintain effective working relationships with SEAPA staff and Board of Directors, plant personnel, consulting engineers, contractors, agency representatives, and the general public.
- Requires a minimum 15 years of broad electric utility experience which shall be clearly reflected in applicant’s work history (e.g. Generation, transmission, substation, plant systems, industrial process control, SCADA, communications equipment, etc.). Completion of Master’s Degree in a related field may be substituted for two years of experience.
- Requires relevant experience directing O&M and project management activities.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in power generation, especially hydropower, is highly desired.
- Experience in hydrological modeling and load forecasting is preferred.
- Experience in SCADA, plant control systems, communications equipment is preferred.
- Experience in substation and transmission systems is a plus.
- Must be proficient at developing and applying technical specifications.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills are required. Must be able to read and apply electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering drawings.
- Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.
- Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant computer based applications, with the ability to develop and conduct public presentations.
- Must be well organized and have the ability to independently manage time effectively; often works with little or no supervision.
- Must be able to effectively mentor and convey operating and maintenance principals to plant personnel. Experience with a union workforce is a plus.
- Must be dedicated to the mission of the Agency and observe all health, safety, security, and environmental rules and regulations.
Physical Requirements:
- Required to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the telephone and in person.
- May be required to climb stairs and ladders in excess of 100 feet.
- Wear and work in different types of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Occasionally required to work around and over water, in wet, dirty, greasy and oily conditions, in confined spaces, from heights, around energized equipment, rotating machinery, and other hazards associated with dams and powerhouses.
- Occasionally required to do heavy lifting of materials up to 60 lbs.
- Occasional work with hand and power tools to assist in testing and repairs of equipment.
- Required to work all hours of a day, on holidays, and/or weekends as work or emergency conditions dictate.
- Ability to perform work in both indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
- Required to carry Agency provided cell phone during off-duty hours and respond as necessary.
This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. SEAPA reserves the right to revise or change duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skill and abilities and in no way all inclusive.
