Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, member-focused electric distribution cooperative, striving to exceed our member’s energy expectations in a changing world. We are an equal opportunity employer and we believe that diversity of ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our business. As a Dakota Electric employee you would be an essential worker that would have a hand in serving our members. For additional information about Dakota Electric please visit: dakotaelectric.com.

Dakota Electric offers an extensive benefits package:

• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Ability to work nine hour shifts, with one extra day off per pay period
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with an employer contribution of 6% of an employee's base wage, plus matching contribution up to 4%.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Short-term disability and other voluntary benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Vacation, sick and personal leave

Job summary:

The Electrical Engineer works to maintain and improve the safety, reliability and overall economics of the electrical distribution system. This is done through the development of various engineering studies, material specifications, construction standards and technical standards. Under the direction of others, this position is responsible for design, development, implementation and analysis of changes to the distribution system.

Duties include exploration and investigation of new technologies which may impact Dakota Electric’s distribution system. Working with the system models and with the field crews identifies and works to correct problems with the distribution system. Designs and initiates changes to resolve these distribution system issues. This person prioritizes plans and organizes various significant projects for Dakota Electric. This position interacts with many areas within Dakota Electric and also works directly with the public and members to resolve their technical issues or meet their electrical needs.

For the Senior Electrical Engineer duties would also include leadership and decision making in distribution system projects and budgeting and spending of over $1,000,000 annually. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for communicating within Dakota Electric and externally with the public and members to resolve technical issues or electrical needs.

The position title for this role will be based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Responsibilities:

1. Comply with established Dakota Electric Association safety and operating rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines. Be responsible for reporting any un-safe practices and/or hazards to a supervisor, manager, or Vice President. Be committed to and actively involved in Dakota Electric’s safety programs, initiatives, and performance measures.
2. System Operation – Identify and recommend changes to system equipment, control and operation of the distribution system as necessary to ensure safe, reliable electrical service. Periodically reviews the distribution system as directed, so that the field equipment is not overloaded or overstressed and protection systems are coordinated properly.
3. Construction Standards – creates new and helps maintain the set of Dakota Electric construction standards to ensure compliance with national and local standards, rules and regulations; crew and public safety and the reliable and economics of the distribution system.
4. Material Specifications – creates new and helps maintain the specifications used to purchase construction materials for use on the Dakota Electric distribution system and load management installations. Provides technical review of quotes and assists with the review of material bids. Serves as a member of material commodity teams as assigned. Creates methods to keep abreast of abnormal material failures. Provides or directs analysis to determine cause of failure and recommends, if necessary a change in materials.
5. Training – Develop and provide training to employees as necessary on technical issues, such as new technical standards, construction specifications, power quality investigations and other areas as required.
6. Technical Standards -Recommends and implements new and changes to existing technical standards covering system construction, maintenance and operating procedures.

Senior Engineer:

1. Responsible for keeping abreast of applicable utility codes (National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI, IEEE etc.) and implementing changes to the Dakota Electric specifications, construction and technical standards and system when changes in the codes effect Dakota Electric or Dakota Electric is found to be not in compliance.
2. Periodically conducts field construction inspections to identify variances from established DEA construction standards. Works with staff to resolve inspection discrepancies.
3. Represents Dakota Electric on various outside committees and teams. This position also will be periodically called upon to provide papers and presentations to other groups.

Education and Experience:

This position requires a BS or BEE Degree in Electrical Engineering. A fully qualified Engineer I will also have 2-3 years’ experience, a fully qualified Engineer III will have 5 years’ experience, and a Senior Engineer will have 10 years of experience within the engineering or operations area of an electrical distribution utility.

Completion of the FE (Fundamentals in Engineering) exam is preferred for Engineer I and required for Engineer III. Completion of the PE (Professional Engineer) is required for the Senior Engineer.

(All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act.)