Electrical Engineer - Assistant/Associate/Senior (Power Operations)

Job Description:

Electrical Engineer - Assistant/Associate/Senior (Power Operations)

Description

Description

The Modesto Irrigation District is currently recruiting to fill one full-time regular position in the Power Operations Department, Electric Resources Division to perform professional electrical engineering work related to the planning and operations of generation, transmission, distribution, substation facilities, and renewable projects; to perform a variety of technical engineering studies. The position will be filled at the appropriate level based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Duties at the Senior level may include organizing, assigning and reviewing the work of assigned personnel engaged in professional and technical electrical engineering activities related to the planning and operations of generation, transmission, distribution, substation facilities, and renewable projects; to perform duties requiring specialized knowledge; and to provide administrative support to assigned supervisor.

Any Qualified Individual May Apply. This is an exempt position and is allocated to the Professional and Supervisory Bargaining Unit. The list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill other Assistant/Associate/Senior Electrical Engineer vacancies within the District that may occur through June 4, 2026.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assistant/Associate Engineer

• Prepare plans and specifications for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the District's electric system; ensure conformance to District standards and practices, and relevant codes and regulations.
• Ensure compliance through engineering design, specifications, operating bulletins and directions with District Safety Rules, policies and the rules and regulations of other agencies that apply to District operations.
• Prepare engineering studies and reports; prepare a variety of technical reports, documents, and correspondence; prepare technical specifications; assist with the preparation and revisions to design and construction standards; develop technical documents required by the local, State and Federal agencies related to the operation of the District's electric system.
• Coordinate and oversee the work of contractors for the construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing activities to ensure compliance with District standards, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Perform calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction and installation standards and specifications.
• Represent the District in meetings with regulatory agencies, Joint Power Agencies, and the public regarding District projects.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering and design software to perform engineering tasks.
• Inspect completed installations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and District standards.
• Review NERC standards; provide support in preparation of compliance activities including preparation of Reliability Standard Audit worksheets as per NERC standards. May serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Senior Engineer

• Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of professional electrical engineering tasks associated with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of District transmission and distribution facilities, generation facilities, and renewable projects.
• Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Perform detailed and complex analysis of the District's transmission, subtransmission, distribution networks, and generation facilities, and provide power flow studies and recommendations related to the operation of the system.
• Work with outside utilities and the District's balancing authority to accurately build and supply an updated transmission system model with approved forecasted peak loads.
• Perform system import limit studies in compliance with NERC/WECC criteria; develop special protection systems to support import limits.
• Develop the District's Transmission and Distribution 5 - Year Plan and updates to the Plan; assist with determining if new capital projects are needed to meet loading requirements for the District's distribution system electrical system elements.
• Perform a variety of studies on the District's transmission, substation, generation, and distribution systems; design and specify equipment and settings.
• Review NERC standards; prepare responses to Compliance Questionnaires and Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets as per NERC standards. Perform duties and responsibilities of Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned area(s).
• Plan, design and oversee the construction of District generation facilities and/or upgrades to existing facilities.
• Provide engineering support to other departments and divisions, as necessary.
• Perform and support a variety of interconnection studies with outside utilities; evaluate the effect of new projects on the District's system.
• Prepare complex engineering studies and reports; prepare a variety of technical reports, documents, and correspondence; prepare technical specifications; oversee and participate in the preparation and revision of design and construction standards.
• Perform the most difficult work related to the management of electrical engineering projects related to the District's generation, transmission, distribution and substation facilities.
• Represent the District in meetings with regulatory agencies, Joint Power Agencies, and the public regarding District projects.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Assistant Engineer

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of professional electrical engineering experience related to the operation of District electric systems is desirable.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of electrical engineering as it relates to the operation of the District's electric systems.
• Mathematics used in the engineering field.
• Materials, equipment, and tools used in the construction industry.
• Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding the electrical engineering profession.
• Modern office equipment including the use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Perform professional electrical engineering computations and learn to check, design, and prepare engineering plans, studies, profiles, and maps.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Learn and apply District standards and regulations and electrical engineering policies and procedures.
• Learn and apply applicable laws and regulations related to the District's electric system.
• Learn to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Learn to analyze and prepare technical reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license. Must obtain NERC certification as required for a Transmission Operator as defined by NERC within six months of start date and maintain thereafter.

Associate Engineer

Experience: Three years of responsible experience similar to Assistant Engineer (Electrical) with the District.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

In addition to the qualifications for the Assistant Engineer:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the District's electric systems.
• Budgeting techniques and project management.
• Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws related to the District's electric system.
• Construction contracting practices including estimating, bidding, scheduling and organizing of construction activities.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of professional electrical engineering duties as related to the District's electric operations..
• Interpret and apply District standards and regulations and engineering policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations related to the District's electric systems.
• Prepare accurate estimates of costs, schedules, personnel and materials related to engineering project responsibilities.
• Prepare concise and understandable written reports, studies, and other written materials, including Requests for Qualifications and Proposals.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license. Possession of a valid Engineer-In-Training Certificate. Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer highly desirable. Must obtain NERC certification as required for a Transmission Operator as defined by NERC within six months of start date and maintain thereafter.

Senior Engineer

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of responsible journey experience similar to Associate Electrical Engineer with the District.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of technical, functional and/or direct supervision and training.
• Principles and practices of electrical engineering as it relates to the operation of the District's electric system.
• Budgeting techniques.
• Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Advanced project management methodologies.
• Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding the electrical engineering profession.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office equipment including the use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Provide technical, functional and/or direct supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
• Perform the most complex electrical engineering duties including the management of complex projects.
• Understand and interpret local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license. Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in California. Must obtain NERC certification as required for a Transmission Operator as defined by NERC within six months of start date and maintain thereafter.

Supplemental Information

Qualified applicants must submit a completed District application. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application screening will begin or of after July 2, 2025. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.

Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview; (2) review of personnel file and (3) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the selection process.

Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD.

The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

For a complete list of MID Benefits, please refer to the following: Employee Benefits - Modesto Irrigation District (mid.org)

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$116,958.00 - $182,395.20 Annually