Directs the operations and employees of the Engineering Department of BrightRidge to include Transmission and Distribution Engineering, Engineering Information Systems, Control Room and Substation/SCADA. Ensure that the system design and operations are completed efficiently and effectively and that the power delivery system is reliable, flexible and stable. Oversee the entire electrical system of BrightRidge service area, such as 69kv Transmission System, Substations and 13kv Distribution Systems to ensure all are adequate and sound. Responsible for oversight of the fiber backbone in relation to the broadband system operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Establish strategy and direction for the day-to-day operations of Engineering.
Oversee the entire electrical system design, proper operation and maintenance during normal operations and DVR events.
Direct short- and long-range design projects, including substations, transmission and distribution.
Assist CEO and Chief Financial Officer formulate an annual, comprehensive budget, outlining short-term and planned future projects forecasted to meet the expected growth of the system and maintain a high degree of reliability for the electric system.
Review power outage problems and assist with power restoration.
Coordinate project planning activities of the engineering department.
Approve and write construction and maintenance work orders for the Construction Department.
Review and approve all employee scheduling to include time sheets and time off requests to ensure the department is always adequately staffed to meet business needs.
Develop specifications, select vendors and approve the purchase of transformers for commercial and industrial customers.
Ensure proper design and operation of the fiber backbone in relation to electric and fiber distribution.
Ensure proper engineering paperwork is in place for construction and maintenance work orders prior to sending to Operations.
Determine power requirements for commercial and industrial consumers, write contracts and coordinate service connection.
Provide oversight of the Control Room to ensure the processes and procedures of the area successfully improve reliability, resiliency, real time monitoring, and the safety of personnel.
Ensure the department employs the most qualified and highest caliber employees by overseeing all employee hiring, development and succession planning to include training, evaluating, counseling and discipline of employees.
Work with Operations to approve the use of new construction equipment and materials.
Review jobs to ensure BrightRidge standards and policies are followed.
Approve the need for system improvements such as the construction and refurbishing of substations, transmission and distribution lines, system studies, and system inventories.
Perform system studies to ensure resiliency, reliability and capacity of the BrightRidge infrastructure.
Coordinate and approve the work performed by consultants and subcontractors.
Ensure 69kv, 13kv, and substation switching procedures for load transfer and maintenance meet proper engineering practices.
Interview salespeople and factory representatives to be aware of changes in materials, vehicles, equipment and supplies.
Prepare requests and receive quotations from vendors on special materials and equipment.
Specify and requisition special types of equipment, including smart grid technology and equipment, transformers, reclosers, capacitors, voltage regulators, IntelliRupters, and the SCADA system.
Authorize the purchase, rebuild and disposal of transformers.
Provide technical assistance to maintenance personnel regarding the repair and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Provide electrical data to contractors concerning voltage levels, short circuit currents and metering data.
Ensure BrightRidge maintains compliance with local, federal and state regulations.
Ensure that project activities are environmentally sound and BrightRidge maintains compliance with environmental regulators to include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Provide data to be used for billing for joint use structures related to joint use contracts.
Monitor and adjust for system phase balance, voltage levels and capacities.
Determine and /or approve construction details and standards.
Determine and/or approve the types and applications of protective devices and schemes for fault isolating purposes.
Approve 69kv transmission line and pole climbing inspections and 69kv and 13kv pole inspections.
Coordinate new interconnection agreements with neighboring utilities.
Maintains established working relationships with all internal departments and outside entities such as: Johnson City, Kingsport, Jonesborough, Washington County, Sullivan County, TVA, public and private utilities, and customers.
Maintains an established effective and productive relationship with the BrightRidge Officers and the BrightRidge Board of Directors.
Ability to maintain reliable, predictable and reasonable attendance.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Must answer consumer inquiries concerning new service connections, right-of-ways, voltage conditions and other engineering related matters.
Must determine the need for and coordinate work and provide needed information to consultants.
Must gather information concerning pricing of new materials and equipment from salespeople.
Must coordinate load transfer changes, switching procedures and voltage conditions with TVA and stay abreast of any condition, from either TVA or BrightRidge that may affect power supply.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license from state of residence.
Must be available for after-hours work which would include working fair share of all necessary overtime.
Maintains vehicles assigned to Departments.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must possess a working knowledge of company accounting system.
Must possess knowledge of the principles of effective supervision.
Must have the ability to make sound business decisions.
Must have a thorough knowledge of the power system operation.
Must possess the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Must be able to stay abreast of new developments in engineering, as well as the broader area of the electric utility industry.
Must be able to perform all Human Resources responsibilities of the position.
Must be able to prepare and administer budgets and work plans.
Must possess current P/C skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires constant telephone and computer use which entails sitting, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, fine manipulation, vision, talking, hearing and arm/hand use for machine control operation. Occasional lifting of no more than 10 pounds. Must be able to ambulate on uneven terrain. Must be able to direct the work of others outdoors and in substations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Outside in varying weather conditions on varying terrains approximately 10% of the time. 90% of work is performed in an indoor climate-controlled office environment with appropriate lighting. Some overnight travel required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering required. Masters degree preferred.
Ten years of progressively responsible related experience, preferably in an electric utility environment.
Expertise in project management methodologies and financial planning.
Experience in a leadership and management role.
Professional Engineers license or ability to obtain in the state of TN is a plus.
Johnson City Energy Authority, d/b/a BrightRidge, located in beautiful northeast TN is your local, not-for-profit public utility. We serve approximately 82,000 electric customers and 14,000 broadband customers. We are friends and family serving friends and family.
