Design Technologist

The Opportunity

Position Purpose:

The Design Technologist reports to a Distribution Design Supervisor. This position will be part of Alectra’s Design team and is accountable to support the department needs in the creation of design estimates, design drawings and other duties as necessary in order to facilitate the disconnection / connection of new and /or existing services for customers (i.e. Subdivisions and ICI/Layouts), planned capital work (i.e. Planned Capital) and customer initiated work (i.e. Customer Capital and Transit).

The incumbent will utilize project management disciplines to communicate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure clarity of project scope, desired schedule and cost, seeking ways to improve efficiencies in delivering each project design while addressing customer needs. 

Responsibilities:

• Create detailed designs of overhead and underground systems including customer services that incorporate best utility practices in accordance with applicable standards, laws, codes and regulations to deliver power in a safe, cost effective and reliable manner. The incumbent will be required to perform their designs within CADD software.
• Prepare both budgetary and detailed cost estimates, including labour, material and equipment.
• Structural analysis of overhead systems, voltage drop calculations, cable pulling calculations, transformer and feeder loading checks and other analysis as required.
• Coordinate material requirements with Supply Chain Services and contractors.
• Coordinate projects with other utilities and authorities to process/secure permits, agreements, municipal consent, etc.
• Communicates and provides technical support and guidance to municipalities, developers, contractors, electrical/civil consultants, architects, field supervisors, government agencies and customers to ensure work co-ordination and compliance with specifications, policies, standards, procedures and practices.
• Assesses and resolves customer complaints and advises customers and their representatives of Alectra Utilities’ standards and associated fees.
• Identify project scope, scrutinize costs, process change requests, review invoices, and complete required project closure actions as required.
• Conduct pre-design and post-design field visits and site meetings with Network Operations staff, customers, contractors, consultants, agencies, authorities and other key stakeholders.
• Work with third parties to design make ready work and to facilitate the transfer of joint use attachments.
• Work with Legal to obtain easements and other access agreements.
• Prepares Offers to Connect for connection and expansion projects by working with Finance and Legal Departments. In addition, the incumbent prepares Draft Plan Comments for specific sites, outlining financial, construction, compliance and legal obligations of the customer and Alectra Utilities Corp. In addition, where applicable, prepare legal documents for execution by external customers (or representatives) and internal officers. Legal Documents include Capital Cost Recovery Agreements, Connection/Operating Agreements, and Suite Metering.
• Complete Service Layouts for new, temporary, demolished, and upgraded services which includes servicing information, standards, and other relevant information to connect the service/meter.
• Coordinate integration of designs with Asset Management, Construction Supervisors, Program Delivery Group and other field staff including contractors.
• Field verification of existing site/electrical plant conditions.
• Prepare cost estimates, bills of material, work orders.
• Perform field line staking as required.
• Participate on various working groups.
• Provides training, mentoring and assistance to other technicians including Co-Op students.
• Ensure designs meet all regulatory and applicable standards such as ESA Regulation 22/04, CSA standards as well as adhere to Alectra’s own policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensure all Alectra health and safety policies are adhered to including applicable federal, provincial and industrial acts and regulations. Be actively engaged with respect to Alectra’s Internal Responsibility System as well as the reporting of near misses. Ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment is used as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Skills & Qualifications:

Education & Specialized Knowledge

• Completion of a 3 year Engineering Technology program, with preference given to Electrical (Power Option) and/or Civil (Structural Option).
• Registered with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, having obtained or working towards a Certified Engineering Technologist designation.
• Incumbents will only be considered to the top job rate upon demonstration of all requirements and have designation of a Certified Engineering Technologist. 

Experience

• 4 or more years electrical utility experience would be considered an asset, including:
• Familiarity with design of overhead, underground distribution systems up to 44kV level
• In-depth knowledge of design criteria such as tension and guying calculations, conductor load, etc.
• Materials and construction standards
• Understanding of approvals process, municipal consent, permits, etc.
• Working knowledge of CSA standards, ESA Regulation 22/04, and Engineering Standards
• Familiarity with Ontario Energy Board Distribution System Code, and other requirements by Provincial and Federal regulated agencies
• Knowledgeable of Civil infrastructure such as water main, sewers, road construction, soil conditions and able to interpret plan and profile drawings 

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Proficient in CADD software MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and structural analysis software.
• Customer oriented and must have excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong commitment to providing customer service.
• Works effectively with others within and outside of department to effectively achieve departmental and organizational goals and objectives.
• Safety - understands the importance of safety practices and techniques. Complies and implements these practices effectively in designs, plans and assessments while performing work.
• Working knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety Act for Construction Projects and Utility Work Protection Code.
• Flexible attitude toward work assignment.
• Maintain a high level of commitment to completing projects in a cost effective manner and achieving project schedule requirements.
• Promotes and maintains high standards of quality of work ensuring thoroughness and accuracy in work performed and through attention to effective communications.
• Ability to meet deadlines and solve complex problems.
• Valid class G driver’s license and safe driver record.
• Demonstrates initiative by working independently to achieve goals and deliverables. 

How to Apply

**FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Interested bargaining unit employees from across Alectra are eligible to apply to this posting. First consideration will be given to permanent employees in the PWU bargaining unit.

All internal candidates will be contacted regarding the status of your submission and/or expression of interest.

If you would like to be considered for this position and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume by visiting our Careers page at https://www.alectra.com/careers

Alectra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a recruitment process that respects the dignity and independence of all candidates. Should you require accommodation at any stage in the recruitment, assessment and selection process please consult with Alectra’s People Team.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with Alectra. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

March 2, 2020