September 13, 2024

AEA

FULL TIME

Rural Electric Utility Worker

RURAL ELECTRIC UTILITY WORKER
Want to make a difference? Interested in joining a team of professionals responsible for providing energy solutions to meet the unique needs and opportunities of Alaska’s communities? Then check out our Rural Electric Utility Worker position with Alaska Energy Authority (AEA).
Our Rural Electric Utility Worker provides technical assistance and training to operators and managers of energy infrastructure in rural Alaska. Types of facilities include: prime power diesel and alternative (hydro, wind photovoltaic) power generation; inside and outside power distribution; and bulk fuel storage facilities and pipelines. This position will assist in the inspection, testing, commissioning, and construction management of both power and liquid fuel infrastructure. It will also provide technical operations and maintenance training to rural facility operators via electronic, telephonic and in person means.
We’re looking for someone who has a high school diploma or equivalent and at least several years of electrical journeyman or lineman apprenticeship or electrical power and control education. State of Alaska Certificate of Fitness as an Electrical Journeyman or Journeyman Power Lineman with practical and theoretical experience with rural Alaska energy infrastructure is preferred. The applicant should have a strong background in the electrical systems, controls and networking used in rural Alaska power generation and distribution. This position requires frequent traveling and overnight trips in communities in small airplanes throughout the State.
For more information, or to apply online directly with AEA, visit www.akenergyauthority.org. Send application and/or resume to hr @ aidea.org, Human Resources, AIDEA, 813 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99503.
AEA is an EEO/ADA employer. Individuals requiring accommodations should call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-3412 (TTY).
Essential Functions:

Works with and advises managers and plant operators on the routine maintenance and operations and minor repairs of their rural energy infrastructure.
Advises managers and operators on inventory of spare parts and proper inventory ordering and control methods.
Trains rural plant operators on proper methods of: meter installation and reading; general safety procedures; use of voltage and ampere meters; record keeping; and methods of reducing unscheduled outages.
Assists the project manager with the construction management of both maintenance/improvement and capital improvement projects on rural energy infrastructure.
Tests and inspects energy infrastructure systems for compliance with project contract and with applicable local, state and federal regulatory requirements.
Inspects and diagnoses existing equipment and systems to determine operational status and compliance with minimum safety standards and if they pose a threat to life, health and safety. Provides both verbal and written recommendations to local operators and AEA management.
Creates detailed report of findings of discrepancies to be corrected to comply with contract and applicable codes and standards.
Under the direction of the project manager inspects the construction and assembly of energy infrastructure including; fuel systems; diesel generators; cooling and heat recovery systems; control panels, outside electrical distribution, inside electrical switchgear, panels, feeders and branch circuits; and fire suppression systems.
Evaluates local labor and contractor work performance.
Reads and interprets schematic drawings, logic ladders, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, work orders, proposals or reports to help diagnose equipment or provide recommendations.
Assists with this preparation of material lists from drawings; order of magnitude construction cost estimating; preparation of bid packages; coordination of vendors on material availability and delivery; coordination consolidation and shipping of project material; coordination with air, truck, and/or barge lines for transport of material.
Diagnoses diesel engine generator sets, inside electrical systems, and outside electrical systems problems in person or electronic/telephonically with utility personnel and provides recommendations on troubleshooting and repair to keep outages to a minimum.
While the emphasis of this position is electrical power systems it is anticipated responsibilities in other related systems of engines, generator control, programmable logic controllers, electronic power meters, fuel storage and communication networking will be assigned.
Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements and Potential Hazards
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand for prolonged periods; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee often must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, discern color differences and the ability to adjust focus. With provided PPE the employee could be exposed to dust, chemicals, fumes and electrical voltage.
Technology, Equipment, Systems, and Tools
Requires skills in: the use of personal computer desktop and laptop running Microsoft Windows, tablet running i OS or Android; Microsoft Word processing; Excel spreadsheets, Outlook email; configuring equipment network settings, document coping scanning and printing equipment; various hand and power tools; electrical voltage/ampere and resistance measuring equipment, underground utility locator, personal protection equipment. Prefer experience with RS Logix Studio 5000, Electro Industries Communicator EXT, Woodward Toolkit, Schweitzer Acselerator.
Critical Knowledge, Skills, and abilities:

National Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code, Ohm’s Law, knowledge of principles, practices and current developments of diesel engines generator sets, State Procurement Code, Departmental and Agency policies.
Diesel generation mechanics, operating different pieces of heavy equipment (front-end loaders, fork lift), electrical tools, conduit bending, carpentry skills, conductor installation and termination methods.
Work and communicate well with rural crews, small local governments on remote projects without constant supervision.
Ability to learn and adhere to safety practices and procedures.
Ability and willingness to travel to remote Alaska communities in small planes and stay overnight up for up to several weeks.
Ability to apply judgment and critical thinking, and decision-making skills to determine causes of operating errors and identify solutions.