The Engineering Level IV-V position performs a variety of exciting engineering duties associated with the NCPA generation fleet and the NCPA-affiliated members utilities. The Engineering Level IV-V will serve as a subject matter expert on power plant electrical systems and municipal electrical systems. The scope of expertise includes both the technical and regulatory components of electrical generating facilities, generator protection, transmission systems, and substations systems.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position requires the incumbent to report to work and meetings on time, ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent, and performs special assignments as assigned. Employees at this level will manage numerous studies and assessments. Additionally, this position will manage or assist capital and maintenance improvement projects from concept to completion. This position also provides onsite electrical subject matter expertise to power plant operations, generator operator NERC subject matter expertise, and electrical training to staff.
Level IV:
This is the journey-level class within the engineer series. Working with minimal direction, employees at this level assist or lead capital projects, including project management, giving project assignments, reviewing work, providing guidance, and giving instruction to project personnel, including professional engineering staff, other staff, and contractors.
Level V:
This is the senior-level class within the engineering series. Working with minimal direction and often taking department goals and translating them into work assignments for individuals and other departments. Employees at this level are given the most complex multi-year projects.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate NERC regulatory requirements for the Generation Services department. Leads the Generations Service NERC Compliance Program. Ensures that all Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) are completed in a timely manner and proper records are maintained.
Conduct engineering, perform economic and technical feasibility studies on both capital improvements and project enhancements for the Geothermal, Hydroelectric, and the Combustion Turbine Plants facilities, microgrids, PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoffs), distributed energy resources, and other distribution resources found in city utilizes.
Leads and coordinates small to large work groups to support various initiatives. Develops and sets schedules, develops meeting agendas, and manages meetings to meet timelines.
Participates in the review of technical and economic analysis of new projects, specifications, and agreements. Prepares periodic reports on progress and issues relating to the above.
Provide verbal and written reports to committees and working groups on industry best practices, current technologies, and regulatory impacts.
Performs “root cause” analysis on equipment malfunction and failures. Provides on-site plant technical support for electric systems. Provides electric system support for city distribution system.
Provide support for preparing technical specifications by using industry-standard codes and practices and NCPA’s policies and procedures.
Provides input to NCPA’s budget and business plan.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
The position requires a thorough understanding of regulatory guidelines and expectations for the electrical power industry with emphasis on California; Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering planning, design, and construction as applied to public works projects, utility systems, and/or private development projects; Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution; Project Management principles and practices; and knowledge of safety work practices and principles associated in working around generating facilities.
Abilities:
Ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment, organization, and coordination skills in order to handle multiple assignments; Ability to function as a competent specialist; Prepare clear and concise engineering reports; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Analyze situations accurately and take effective action; Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, members, and the general public; Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and negotiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Ability to take initiative and make sound decisions, assume ownership and accountability for issues, problems, projects, and assignments; and the ability to comply with safety and security measures.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid California Driver's License and insurance as frequent travel by car to NCPA facilities or NCPA member cities is required.
An active California professional registration as an Electrical or Mechanical Engineer is highly desirable for both levels.
This position may serve as a nonsupervisory specialist or supervisor. If acting as a supervisor, carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Level IV:
Education and/or Experience
This level requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering an accredited four-year college or university; and a minimum of 7 years of related experience and/or a combination of experience and additional training. A California Professional Engineering License is highly desirable and in some cases a requirement.
Level V:
Education and/or Experience
This level requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university; and a minimum of 8-10 years of related experience and/or a combination of experience and additional training. A California Professional Engineering License is highly desirable and in some cases a requirement.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid California Driver's License and insurance as frequent travel by car to NCPA facilities or NCPA member cities is required.
An active California professional registration as an Electrical or Mechanical Engineer is highly desirable for both levels.
The Northern California Power Agency (NCPA), a California Joint Action Agency, was established in 1968 by a consortium of locally owned electric utilities to make joint investments in energy resources that would ensure an affordable, reliable, and clean supply of electricity for customers in its member communities. NCPA members include municipalities, a rural electric cooperative, and other publicly owned entities for which the not-for-profit agency provides such services as the purchase, aggregation, scheduling, and management of electrical energy.
Most critically for its 16 members, NCPA over the past four decades has constructed and today operates and maintains a fleet of power plants that is among the cleanest in the nation, and that provides reliable and affordable electricity to more than 700,000 Californians. NCPA made a major investment in renewable energy in the early 1980s when it developed two geothermal power plants and financed and built a 250 megawatt hydroelectric facility. Thirty years later, these resources continue to generate reliable, emission-free electricity for its member communities.
NCPA’s 796-megawatt portfolio of power plants is approximately 55% gr...eenhouse gas emission-free. NCPA’s mix of geothermal, hydroelectric, and natural gas resources is well positioned to help its members achieve California’s goal of a 60% Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2030. NCPA member utilities also have invested heavily in the most environmentally friendly form of electricity—the megawatts that you don’t use.
NCPA’s commitment to the environment reflects its status as a not-for-profit public entity whose policies and values are set not by investors, but by locally elected or appointed officials who serve as the energy regulators in the cities, towns, and districts that are members of the Agency.
