Staking Technician

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative; Texas; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative in Texas is seeking a Staking Technician to evaluate member service requirements, property details, and system features to support design and maintenance of both overhead and underground distribution facilities.

Responsibilities include staking lines, designing services for upgrades, using GPS and staking tools, creating extension estimates, coordinating ROW activities, and updating GIS data while ensuring compliance with safety standards and codes.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience or an associate’s degree plus one year experience.
• Ability to apply engineering theory to design electric distribution lines.
• Knowledge of RUS specs, NESC, and utility construction methods.
• Experience with GPS and staking software is a plus.
• Familiarity with GIS, mapping terminology, and surveying concepts.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and staking sheets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new software.
• Capable of operating field equipment like GPS units, transits, and range finders.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and insurability.

Responsibilities

• Stake overhead and underground distribution lines.
• Design services for new members, upgrades, and system improvements.
• Operate GPS and staking equipment to prepare job packets and sheets.
• Prepare line extension cost estimates and ensure policy compliance.
• Coordinate ROW acquisition with landowners and public entities.
• Update GIS/mapping databases with field data.
• Maintain accurate member records in coordination with other teams.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards.
• Assist in post-construction inspections and safety checks.
• Travel extensively within RGEC’s service territory.

Skills

Staking experience

Communication skills

GIS/map reading

Driver’s license

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

GPS equipment

Job description

Job purpose

The Staking Technician position has been established to evaluate member service requirements, property details, geographic features and existing RGEC plant and equipment to support the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and accounting of overhead and underground electrical distribution facilities.

Duties and responsibilities

• Stake overhead and underground primary and secondary distribution lines
• Design services for new members, upgrades, conversions, and system improvements
• Operate GPS and digital staking equipment to prepare job packets and staking sheets
• Apply appropriate construction units and material lists
• Perform load surveys and determine proper conductor sizing and equipment selection
• Meet with members to determine service needs and optimal design solutions
• Prepare line extension cost estimates and ensure compliance with policies
• Coordinate right-of-way acquisition with landowners and public entities
• Update GIS/mapping databases with accurate field data
• Coordinate with billing, metering, and engineering teams to ensure accurate member records
• Maintain service point, line section, and feeder information for billing integrity
• Ensure all designs comply with RUS specs, NESC, and applicable codes
• Assist in post-construction inspections to verify compliance with design and safety standards
• Monitor and report potential hazards or system deficiencies
• Develop proposed distribution line extension and/or upgrade, create electronic staking sheets and performs ROW flagging/field staking of line necessary to provide the requested service
• Shall perform ROW field investigations, easement research and related support, as needed
• Perform internal work order final inspections and assist engineering consultant inspectors with RUS Form 219 work order inspections
• Perform system inspections which will include examination/documentation of pole‑line condition, asset inventory, GPS data collection, pole tagging, joint use contacts and ROW condition assessment
• Develop maps, engineering drawings and sketches for special projects, as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Learn and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Maintain confidential information

Qualifications

• Three (3) years’ experience or associate’s degree and one (1) year experience
• Must be able to apply engineering theory to the design of electric distribution lines
• Must have or develop strong knowledge of RUS specifications, NESC, and utility construction methods
• Experience with GPS, engineering field staking software and AutoCAD are a plus
• Must be able to understand GIS, mapping terminology and surveying concepts
• Must be able to interpret system maps, engineering drawings and staking sheets
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn other software programs, as needed
• Must demonstrate ability to learn and apply basic computer, technical and mathematical skills
• Must be able to operate, maintain and safeguard expensive engineering tools and field equipment such GPS unit, transit, laser range finder, soil resistivity tester, ground resistance tester and range poles
• Must be able to safely operate 4-wheel drive truck, 4-wheeler ATV, transport trailers and winching equipment
• Must demonstrate ability to work safely and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules
• Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and able to organize work efficiently to meet project deadlines
• Possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language and be able to communicate technical information effectively
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees, members, suppliers and consultants
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Must pass federal government security clearance background check
• Possess a valid Texas drivers’ license
• Insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Working conditions

• To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
• Work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.)
• Work outside in varying, sometimes extreme, types of terrain which may include highway ROWs, high elevations in mountainous regions, steep rock canyons and rough creek beds
• May encounter adverse right-of-way conditions which could include mud, sand, rock, flowing water, thick brush and thorns with the possibility of contact with hazardous insects and reptiles
• Extensive fieldwork will be required in conjunction with normal office duties
• Subject to irregular hours; Some overtime hours may be required
• Subject to travel, including multiple overnight stays (Travel extensively inside RGEC’s service territory)

Physical requirements

• Required to pass a physical examination when employed
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights
• Sitting/standing/walking for extended periods of time
• Traveling

Direct reports

• None

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. (RGEC) was organized in 1945 to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing electric service where none existed. Today, at over 35,000 square miles, RGEC has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United States, serving 18 counties in Texas, and two counties in New Mexico. While it still serves rural areas, many metropolitan areas have expanded into RGEC’s territory, which now includes hospitals, schools, and urban housing developments.

The Cooperative was also selected by the military to be the electrical maintenance provider for Fort Bliss, El Paso, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio. RGEC maintains offices in Alpine, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Dell City, El Paso, and Fort Stockton, with the Brackettville office serving as corporate headquarters.

Mission

RGEC is committed to providing its members safe and reliable energy services through the efficient use of resources, highly skilled employees, and technology.

Motto

Empowering communities, enhancing lives.

Values & Vision

RGEC proudly serves members based on a foundation of integrity and excellence, while striving for the betterment of communities and quality of life for those in the region it is privileged to serve.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership | Democratic Member Control | Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence | Education, Training and Information | Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Concern for Community

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.