Distribution Engineer

San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Monte Vista (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is looking for an Electrical Engineer to oversee the operation and maintenance of our rural electric distribution system. This position involves working closely with engineering and operations to ensure standards compliance and enhance service reliability.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, three years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. Must be able to work in various weather conditions and have a valid Colorado Driver's License.

Qualifications

• Must have 3 years of relevant work experience with electric power systems.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Support operation, maintenance, and improvement of the electric system.
• Work with engineering personnel for project compliance and effectiveness.
• Support GIS mapping personnel to keep network data accurate.
• Lead special projects as needed.
• Establish relationships with staff to identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in ongoing training and development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Windows

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for helping operate, maintain, and improve our rural electric distribution system. The role supports substations, system control technologies, mapping, modeling, outage analysis, and engineering projects to keep the system safe, reliable, and compliant with industry standards. It also works closely with operations and engineering staff to identify problems, support construction planning, and improve service reliability for members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Electric System Operations: Support operation, maintenance, and improvement of the electric system. Including substation technologies and dispatch/control personnel.
2. Engineering Design and Construction Planning: Work with the staking engineering personnel to ensure projects meet industry, regulatory, and best practice standards for SLVREC. Provide effective project support.
3. System Mapping and Modeling: Support GIS mapping personnel for electric and broadband systems to keep network data accurate and current. Maintain the electric system data and models for planning and analysis.
4. Special Projects: Lead special projects as needed.
5. Establish relationships with engineering and operations staff to thoroughly understand the electric system operations, recognize challenges and identify system improvements to maintain reliability.
6. Training and Education: Participate in ongoing field training, professional development, and industry education to maintain knowledge of electric utility standards, system technologies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

1. A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution or equivalent technical education and experience is required.
2. 3 years’ relevant work experience with electric power systems.
3. Strong analytical and written/verbal communication skills.
4. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
5. Ability to operate computers, communication equipment, standard office equipment, and software, including Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Most activities are performed inside; however, the candidate must also be willing to work outside in all weather conditions, inside electrical substations, and extended hours when required.
2. Travel outside the system may be required.
3. Must be able to perform the activities listed in the position description.
4. Activities are performed while driving, sitting, and walking.

This job description describes the general nature of this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required in this position.