Senior District Planner

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Under varying levels of supervision, performs non-exclusive work involving developing, coordinating, and managing electric distribution projects, including development of work orders and material estimates; plan review, easement procurement, estimation, drawing development, field staking, crew consultation; general management of contracts crews to ensure that project intent is achieved; and assuring as built drawings prepared by the Planners are used to update mapping system.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

• Supervision required: This position requires infrequent supervision from the District Engineering Planning Supervisor.
• Supervision exercised: The employee may be asked to provide mentoring to District Planner I, District Planner II, District Planner III and Engineering Technician roles. No direct supervision of other employees required.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: May include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

• Design of smaller scale electrical distribution projects including system routings, and equipment sizing to meet existing and future requirements
• Develops work orders, ensures easements have been acquired, material estimates are prepared, and financial reimbursements are received prior to release of the project.
• Performs field staking and inspections of ongoing construction to ensure adherence to the original design intent.
• Maintains accurate records of activities to ensure that requirement policies and procedures are followed.
• Develops information for and communicate with officials, contractors, consultants, engineers, related representatives and the public to discuss power distribution needs, technical requirements and project changes and receive information regarding department issues, costs, concerns, or project requirements.
• Responds to correspondence in a timely manner to ensure good customer relations
• Prepares activity reports as needed to chart and track the status of ongoing and proposed projects.
• Maintains project files on proposed, ongoing, and completed jobs.
• Assures that as-built information for work created by Planners are provided to mapping and the facilities and attributes are updated accurately.
• Assures work orders prepared by Planners are closed in a timely manner.
• Work as a team member and corroborate with others within the District Planner group.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS/ABILITIES:

• Deal courteously, diplomatically and professionally with the public.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, in both orally and written formats.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and other department personnel.
• Provide assistance to and gain compliance from less experienced workers.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Read technical materials as they apply to the related job functions.
• Compile, compose and maintain reports
• Learn how to use complex software systems
• Embrace change in a positive way.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (minimum):

• Bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in electrical engineering or related technical field with a FE certification preferred: or
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible related experience as a District Planner III with an annual review rating of "Meets Expectations" or greater for a continuous period of three (3) years, and annual completion of 10 related continuing education units for the position approved by the District Engineering Planning Supervisor; or

• Employed in a similar position at another electric utility

KNOWLEDGE:

Advanced Knowledge of:

• Drafting software systems such as AutoCAD or MicroStation
• Geographical information systems (GIS)
• Cityworks and/or other City of Independence/IPL software
• Overhead and underground electric power distribution design requirements including but not limited to:

• Mechanical pole loadings including groundline moments, guying and conductor sags.
• Overhead conductors and underground cable ampacity limitations
• Service entrance and transformer sizing requirements
• National Electric Code (NEC)
• National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
• Field staking and survey techniques
• Accounting principles and rate structures
• Construction and service standards
• Electric utility safety standards and practices
• Standard software programs such as WORD, EXCEL, PowerPoint and ACCESS.
• Cost estimation as it relates to utility type construction and/or maintenance work
• Electric power distribution system field construction practices and operations
• City of Independence and IPL administrative policies and procedures.

LICENSES:

• Valid Driver's License
• Must complete required NIMS level training within the first six months of hire

• TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the essential functions of this position, the incumbent is required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, climb and/or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to finger handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: While performing the essential functions of this position, the incumbent is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and bodily injury from electrical shock.
• CONTACT WITH OTHERS: Regular contact with employees, customers, contractors, developers, engineers and property owners.