Associate Engineer I - Electrical

This position closes on August 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM

JOB SUMMARY

Your job in the department is to . . .

Provide high quality (electrical) engineering design and participates in project management activities related to the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of Central Lincoln People’s Utility District (Central Lincoln) plants and facilities.

Your job also involves . . .

Investigating and analyzing to identify and recommend solutions and approaches for engineering projects as well as troubleshooting equipment.  Learning all aspects of the Engineering Department to provide the most well-rounded support to multiple complex projects. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Tasks listed are intended to be descriptive and not restrictive.  An employee in this classification may perform any of the tasks listed; however, these examples do not include all the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform and may change as determined by the needs of the company.

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. The amount of time performing each function may vary day-to-day. All duties shall be performed in an efficient and professional manner in accordance with applicable labor agreements and Central Lincoln’s Safety Manual and under the direct supervision of a designated supervisor.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Perform moderately complex engineering design and analysis:

• Draft technical documents relating to the purchase, construction, and operations of all CLPUD electrical systems.


• Perform engineering QA/AC procedures on electrical equipment as needed.


• Troubleshoot moderately complex electrical system circuitry.


• Assist with all aspects of substation construction and design.


• Develop feasibility studies on CLPUD’s electrical systems and draft technical reports containing findings and recommendations.


• Develop settings for and program equipment that pertains to the protection and monitoring of CLPUD’s electrical system.


• Assist in the design, development and implementation of electrical power systems.


• Conduct site visits and inspections to gather data and ensure compliance with design specifications.


• Perform calculations and simulations to support system design and analysis.

Perform basic engineering planning, feasibility studies (including technical report writing), cost estimating, economic analyses and develop alternatives to help determine solutions to operational problems, regulatory concerns, efficiency improvements, asset management issues, etc.

Develop and implement scopes, schedules and budgets for moderately complex projects or portions of highly complex projects:

• Oversee and monitor project activities from concept to close out.


• Communicate project progress to internal clients, supervision and management. 


• Write status and tracking reports.


• Give presentations including project recommendations to teams, management groups and the board.


• Procure materials. 


• Participate in the selection of consultants and assist with management of consultant contracts. 


• Obtain permits. Ensure compliance with QA/QC procedures to maintain the quality of project deliverables.


• Participate in troubleshooting and problem solving for electrical system issues.

Provide electrical engineering support to operations field personnel:

• Clarify and pinpoint problems. 


• Develop testing methods and alternatives. 


• Provide alternative problem solutions. 


• Write brief reports describing possible solutions and recommendations. 

Participate in work process improvement efforts primarily as a member of interdisciplinary work teams.

SCADA graphical design and database work.  Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Real Time Automating Controller (RTAC) programming and troubleshooting.

Protective Relay Settings.

• Develop protective relay settings ensuring system coordination.

Participate on multi-disciplinary teams and support transmission, substation, and telecommunications projects under the direction of Civil and Telecommunication Engineers.

Complete timecards, reports, data tickets, logs, job-related forms, and other similar paperwork accurately, completely, timely, and in the format prescribed and explained by Human Resources or supervisors.

Maintain regular, consistent, and predictable attendance, including being available, accessible, and able to complete all required essential functions and assigned job tasks during the assigned work schedule.

Communicate in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner with all employees, customers, the Board of Directors, and others with whom we may work. Contribute to a successful work group and foster a team-oriented culture through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas designed to meet or exceed Central Lincoln’s strategic goals.   

Provide exceptional and measurable customer service to internal and external customers with timely, clear, and accurate responses to inquiries and concerns.  Exercise tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when interacting with others. Respond to all inquiries for information respectfully without regard to the inquirer’s position, status, or demographic and in a manner that conveys understanding, acceptance, and support for Central Lincoln’s programs and objectives.

Complete special projects and other duties as assigned to meet team, department and Central Lincoln goals while actively demonstrating accountability and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results.

May require occasional evening and/or weekend work as needed to address emergency or critical situations and serve the needs of Central Lincoln customers or respond to dispatch questions.

• Responding to dispatch alarms (after hours).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (DROPDOWN)

Little or no supervisor responsibility for work of others

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The required knowledge, skills and/or abilities are listed below:

Knowledge of:

• Engineering design and analysis including fundamentals of the principles, practices and procedures of an engineering discipline, such as engineering design, calculations, reading and interpreting plans, specifications and project schedules.


• Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position.

Skill or ability to:

• Critical thinking; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.


• Moderate problem solving; identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.


• Systems analysis; determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.


• Engineering analysis and design software.


• Comply with Central Lincoln safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position.


• Convey information, ideas, and facts both orally and in writing to supervisors, colleagues, and individuals, inside and outside Central Lincoln, using language and a format the audience will best understand.


• Stay up to date with current industry trends, standards and technologies.


• Collaborate with a variety of engineering staff to support project planning and execution.


• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, drawings and specifications.  


• Utilize computers and other technology to communicate in written and verbal forms (e.g., word processing, texts, emails, spreadsheets, department-specific software).


• Effectively relate well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside Central Lincoln. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and working to maintain constructive working relationships.


• Ability to learn various aspects of work performed by the Engineering Department.  Ability to adapt and understand how multiple disciplines contribute to design and operate District infrastructure and develop a well thought out system.


• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Show up to work on time, and follows instructions, policies, and procedures. Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.  


• Demonstrate strong technical, troubleshooting, problem solving, researching, and analytical skills necessary to review, analyze and assess job-related data and information to perform duties, work through unexpected performance challenges, and to offer input for process improvement. Utilize strong organizational skills necessary for creating and maintaining accurate documentation and/or Central Lincoln records.


• Complete a high volume of detail-oriented work methodically, accurately, and timely in a fast-paced, stressful work environment while working independently and/or with limited direction. Prioritize and complete all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for distractions, interruptions, and changing priorities, deadlines, and availability of resources. Demonstrate initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits to assist other team members.


• Seek out and approach training opportunities with active engagement and curiosity, while learning and exhibiting understanding of Central Lincoln policies, protocols, and performance expectations. Demonstrate initiative to incorporate and implement learning principles from informal and formal training, as well as feedback from leaders and co-workers. Actively pursue professional development opportunities to add value to Central Lincoln including learning, adopting, and quickly adapting to new techniques and technologies used in the changing utility industry.


• Perform duties well while actively demonstrating an appropriate level of accountability and responsibility for both work product results and the impact behaviors and decisions may have on the ability of others to do their jobs well. Work cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.


• Receive, interpret, and implement job-related instruction, guidance, coaching, and training (both formal and informal) while progressively improving skills and overall success in performing assigned duties. When issues of poor performance of negative behaviors are raised, incorporate feedback in a constructive manner that demonstrates understanding of the concern and an ability and willingness to demonstrate the required consistent and sustained improvement.


• Exhibit strong conflict resolution skills and demonstrated competency to work with a diverse population of customers, contractors, vendors, and co-workers of all ages. Treat others equally with respect and dignity, even if you disagree with their point of view and/or if you are frustrated, angry or disappointed with their work output or comments.


• Work independently and/or with limited direction at a self-directed pace sufficient to ensure work is completed timely and efficiently. Exercise initiative and resourcefulness to accomplish assignments efficiently and ask questions on complex issues or when in doubt. Problems are easily defined and solved according to policies and procedures, and order or priority of tasks can be modified within parameters set by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Level 

Bachelors (if specific fields, list below)

Specifics: In Engineering from an ABET accredited school. Electrical Engineering degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience Level 

One year (if in specific skills/fields, list below)

Specifics: 0-3 years engineering experience in either previous employment or through internship.

Substitution Note: Any combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the required job functions may be qualifying.

Certifications 

Certification(s) required (list specifics below)

Specifics: First Aid/CPR                    

Driver’s License 

Oregon Driver's License required

Specifics: This position requires the ability to drive either a personal or company owned vehicle to conduct business for Central Lincoln. Ability to obtain an Oregon’s Driver’s License within six months.

Other Licenses

Professional License required (list below)

Specifics: (FE) Fundamental of Engineering License or the ability to obtain within 1 year.

Desirable Qualifications:  

Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Job Conditions: Work is performed in both office and field environments: Work in the office environment is sedentary in nature, requiring ability to process oral communication and the ability to enter and read information on a computer.  Work in the field environment may require bending, climbing, crawling, stretching, pulling, pushing, standing, twisting, and walking over uneven ground.  There is a common exposure to dust, pollen, traffic, and fumes. Fieldwork may be performed in adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, flooding, summer heat, etc.  When in the field, a significant amount of driving is required.

Work Location: Central Lincoln Headquarters- Newport. Field work locations will extend the entirety of Central Lincoln’s service territory.

Travel: Travel occasionally via traditional modes of transportation (including airline travel) over long distances, some of which may involve one or more night stays out of town, both within and outside the state of Oregon.

AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions with coworkers and members of the public, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent availability, accessibility, and/or presence on-site. 

Approximately 40 hours / week may be required to efficiently perform the job duties of this position, including presence at designated internal and external meetings. This position also requires availability and accessibility to respond to and address emergencies and critical situations outside of normal business operating hours in the evenings and/or during weekends.

Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as are necessary to ensure that the goals and needs established by Central Lincoln are met, especially during inclement weather, storm events, power restoration activities, periods of high-volume work, and to accomplish special projects.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands are typical of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical capability to handle high mobility demands and complex personal interactions.

• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert minimal physical effort in light work, visual perception, and coordination; includes light to moderate weight (1-20 pounds)


• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.

• Mental Requirements: Exhibit sufficient mental acuity and sound reasoning abilities necessary to review, analyze, understand, evaluate, and interpret Central Lincoln policies and protocols, as well as federal and state regulations applicable to Central Lincoln operations. Provide intellectually sound and well-reasoned answers, recommendations, and solutions to identified business problems, issues and/or questions.

• Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Central Lincoln is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.