We are seeking a Staking Technician to join our Engineering team, but we aren't looking for just anyone. We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude and a strong work ethic. We can provide an opportunity with the ability to learn, grow, and advance based on your efforts. If that sounds good to you - we invite you to keep reading to learn more.

We believe that great ideas can come from anywhere - even our newest employees. When we are working towards the same goal of improving service to our members, we want you to ask questions, share answers, and never be afraid to offer a safer or more efficient solution. What can we accomplish together?

For those with less experience, we offer an apprenticeship that provides for a regular progression through a three-year timed step process utilizing the Line Design and Staking Certification Training Program and on-the-job training and experience. This enables the apprentice to gain the specialized technical skills necessary to perform the required work related to staking, inspection, and advice for the construction, relocation, maintenance, operating, and service of distribution lines and wiring on members' premises.

Each level requires completion of the associated level's workshop (in-person/online or combination). Class materials and assignments require a score of 72% or higher. A performance and skills assessment must be completed for each level. These things and a recommendation from the Training Committee will earn advancement to the next level.

Knowledge you will develop at each level:

Apprentice Staking Technician I

• Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications, RUS approved list of materials, and RUS Continuing Property Records (CPR).
• Understanding and application of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and OSHA Rules and Regulations.
• Understanding and application of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Developing easements and other such legal documents including how to locate information in the public records systems.
• Clear communication skills with a variety of members on topics that may be difficult or controversial to the success of a project.
• Calculating stresses on pole line structures, transformer sizing, conductor loading, and service sizing.
• Standard office software tools, spreadsheets, NISC ABS/CIS system, GIS mapping software, GIS online data gathering applications, field data gathering hardware, and GPS data collection tools and software.

Apprentice Staking Technician II

• Understanding and application of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) related to communications clearances.
• Calculating stresses on pole line structures, transformer sizing, conductor loading, and service sizing for larger, commercial services including multiphase designs.
• Laser ranging equipment, GPS data collection tools, data collection applications, and other such field equipment.
• Working with limited supervision.

Apprentice Staking Technician III

• Operation of laser ranging equipment to perform advanced tasks related to line design, cable clearance problems, road crossings, rail crossings, and other complex designs.
• Development and design of system improvement projects including three-phase conductor replacements, underground replacements, reconditioning, or other large scale projects.
• Ability to develop all related permitting for such system improvement projects including VDOT permits and rail crossing permits.
• Ability to develop and secure right-of-way easements for system improvement projects. Such easements may be difficult and require varying methods to communicate with the impacted property owners.
• Performing work order inspections and identifying non-RUS conforming field installation.
• Easement recording process knowledge.
• Functioning with limited supervision on larger, more complex projects.

Job skills you will acquire to perform functions at each level:

Apprentice Staking Technician I

• Meet with consumers and landowners to determine the most efficient placement of poles, lines, and other parts of the electrical system.
• Stake and draft new overhead/underground constructions, conversions, and relocation of lines per RUS specifications.
• Prepare staking sheets in accordance with RUS guidelines.
• Enter all new construction and system changes into the NISC Map Wise staking system and the Geographic Information System (GIS) as required including electric and land base items.
• Assign location specific data to new electric accounts as required.
• Enter all necessary data as required into the Customer Information System (CIS) for proper account setup and billing.
• Create necessary work orders using the Work Order system and apply necessary job tracking for other departments to follow job construction.
• Enter all materials into the Material Handling System for proper inventory control and job accounting (typically accomplished using the NISC Map Wise interface).
• Work to secure all necessary easements, federal/state/local permits, and other special purpose land use agreements for new construction.
• Calculate line extension costs and prepare line extension summaries as necessary for proper billing.
• Calculate line relocation costs and prepare repayment agreements, as necessary.
• Collect three-phase service load sheets for review with Staking Technicians, Staking Supervisor, or System Engineer(s).
• Participate as a Crew Scout during large restoration activities by riding along with a Staking Technician and/or the Staking Supervisor.
  

Apprentice Staking Technician II

The following items are in addition to those listed above for Apprentice Staking Technician I:

• Operate laser ranging equipment to confirm and/or modify new/existing roadway, water, wire line, or rail line crossing clearances.
• Calculate subdivision estimates and create necessary contractor payment summaries.
• Collect and review three-phase service load request forms. Develop proper service design based on load data presented.
• Prepare three-phase contracts, as necessary.
• Coordinate with the appropriate System Engineer(s) to calculate available fault currents based on service configuration and provide data to the member, as necessary.
• Develop simple subdivision designs with the guidance and input from other Staking Technicians and the Staking Supervisor.
• Perform the duties of a Crew Scout in conjunction with a Staking Technician and/or the Staking Supervisor. Based on the Staking Supervisor's assessment, the Apprentice Staking Technician II may function autonomously as a Crew Scout.
  

Apprentice Staking Technician III

The following items are in addition to those listed above for Apprentice Staking Technician II:

• Work with Staking Technicians and the Staking Supervisor to complete assigned System Improvement and Work Plan jobs.
• Develop guying designs for large conductor, three-phase designs.
• Function as project liaison between the members, VDOT, and SEC Operations related to such system improvement projects.
• Develop larger, more complex subdivision designs including three-phase underground designs, loop-feed designs, and protective equipment installation for such subdivisions.
• Conduct field inspections with Utilities for joint use attachments.
• Conduct work order inspections with Staking Technicians and/or the Staking Supervisor to review and confirm RUS standards are maintained on construction and design.
• Work with the Staking Supervisor to prepare and submit easements for recording with the appropriate County Clerks' offices.
• Function as a Crew Scout without direct supervision.
  

Our ideal candidate answers "yes" to the following questions:

• Are you self-motivated?
• Are you noted for your willingness to take initiative without prompting?
• Are you unfailingly dependable? (We give much because we expect much. If you're constantly giving your employer reasons or excuses why you didn't complete your task or show up to work, read no further, you aren't a match for us.)
• Are you proficient with Microsoft Excel?
• Can you perform mathematical functions to verify line designs and equipment loading?
• Do you possess solid data entry skills? (If you routinely say you're not a computer person, this isn't going to be a fit.)
• Are you able to read blueprints, charts, graphs, legal land descriptions, and subdivision prints?
• Have you earned your High School diploma or GED?
• Do you have the ability and patience to troubleshoot whatever problem is set before you?
• Do you reside within 60 minutes legal driving time of our Central district office in Crewe, VA. Or are you willing to locate to this area?

SEC offers an unrivaled compensation and benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, HSA, 401(k), retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Because you love your work and have a passion to serve your community, you are willing to work longer shifts when needed during storms, knowing the very vital contribution you make to restoring electric service to our neighbors.

In addition to the online application, a current resume AND a separate cover letter are recommended. Your cover letter should include, in your own words, why you are interested in this specific position and why you believe that you are an excellent candidate for consideration. All completed SEC Applications for Employment must be received by 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on Monday December 19, 2022.

Documents to establish identity and employment eligibility are required. Offers of employment are conditional upon a negative alcohol and controlled substance test. All SEC employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests throughout the year.

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

WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER