Design Technician

Nueces Electric Cooperative; Robstown (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Life insurance

Job summary

Nueces Electric Cooperative in Robstown, TX is searching for a Design Technician to join their Engineering Department. This entry-level position requires skills in design and staking for utility infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulations and focusing on cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The role offers a chance to work in a supportive environment with a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Must have experience working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Must complete TEC's Hi-Line Staking Program to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed staking sheets and material breakdowns for distribution lines.
• Develop and interpret construction sketches and dispatch maps.
• Collect and analyze load data for new or upgraded services.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to interpret blueprints

Experience working outdoors

Teamwork and professionalism

Education

High School Diploma or associate degree

Tools

Utility-specific applications

Job description

Join Our Team at Nueces Electric Cooperative!

At Nueces Electric Cooperative, we take pride in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and excited to grow. We're more than just a utility—we're a team driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to serving our community.

We're currently seeking a Design Technician to join our Engineering Department in Robstown/Calallen, TX. This role is ideal for a skilled and detail-oriented professional who has an eye for planning and staking in a fast-paced environment. If you have experience in the utility infrastructure or feel you can contribute to our business and member needs, we want to hear from you!

At NEC, we believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and life insurance. If you're looking for a fulfilling career with a company that values its employees and the communities we serve, apply today and become part of the NEC family!

Job Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Classification: Non-Exempt
• Reports to: Engineering Supervisor
• Industry: Electric Utility

Primary Responsibilities

Design Technician I is the entry-level position in the Design Technician series. At this level, incumbents independently handle routine tasks and receive close supervision when assisting with more complex engineering assignments.

This position is responsible for staking all types of distribution lines, preparing work sketches for member-consumer services, and ensuring the timely extension of electric service.

The role involves designing NEC distribution facilities with a focus on efficiency, accommodating future extensions and load growth, ensuring reliability, and adhering to RUS specifications. Additionally, all designs must comply with State, Federal, local, and other utility regulations while prioritizing cost-effectiveness and safety.

The Design Technician I works collaboratively with members, employees, and the public in a courteous and professional manner, supporting NEC's activities. They will keep their supervisor informed by providing regular updates on daily activities, progress on projects, and special plans or staking arrangements.

Proficiency in using PCs is essential to successfully perform the duties of this role.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare detailed staking sheets and material breakdowns for overhead and underground distribution lines and maintenance job orders, ensuring compliance with RUS specifications and NESC standards
• Develop and interpret construction sketches, dispatch maps, one-line diagrams, and special drawings not included in RUS specification books.
• Collect and analyze load data for new or upgraded services, identifying potential flicker or overload conditions.
• Assign proper account numbers, map sections, and line section numbers; determine tax areas and assign applicable rates.
• Update and maintain engineering files and documentation to support operational continuity and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or associate degree, with two to three years of relevant experience and training, or a similar role. A combination of education or equivalent and directly related experience will be considered.
• Must have experience working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft reports, professional correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with computer-based systems and capable of learning utility-specific applications, and other relevant software.
• Must be available for all assignments and travel within the NEC service area. Ability to interpret and work from blueprints, staking sheets, and electrical standards.
• Must complete all three levels of TEC's Hi-Line Staking Program is required to attain certification as a Certified Staking Technician, along with participation in any additional training and educational opportunities as provided. Strong teamwork, professionalism, and communication skills with staff and the public are required.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Class C Texas Driver's License
• Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot provide status updates by phone. Rest assured that all candidates will be contacted via email if selected for next steps.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.