Entry Level Plant Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Umatilla Electric Cooperative is headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon (population 18,000+), the largest and fastest-growing city in Eastern Oregon. Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston area has become a hub for logistics and data center activity. The area is 30 minutes south of the Tri-Cities in Washington, two-and-a-half hours south of Spokane, three hours east of Portland, and three-and-a-half hours northwest of Boise. Cost of living is lower than the national average. Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University have branch facilities in Hermiston; Columbia Basin College and a branch campus of Washington State University are a 40-mile drive. Area activities are plentiful, and include golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and snow skiing.

Type: Full-Time/In-Office

Salary: $108,909-$181,568 DOQ

UEC Company Benefits & Perks:

4-10 Schedule (Friday's Off)

401(K) up to 11% Company Contribution

Pension Plan (100% Employer Sponsored)

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits options

Competitive Wages

Vacation, Sick Leave and 11 paid holidays

Gym Membership Subsidy

Employer Sponsored Training

Various Opportunities for Fundraising and giving back to the community.

For information on the local area, please visit:https://hermistonchamber.com/

SUMMARY

The Engineer provides safe and cost-effective engineering for electric system construction and maintenance. This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design and equipment specifications and operating principles as well as assisting in the preparation of routine technical engineering studies, reports and development of construction work plans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include other duties as assigned.

• Performs and may direct activities associated with creating a construction, system improvement, or maintenance work order package for assigned routine projects.

• Participates in or leads activities to ensure electrical protection of the UEC electric system by developing technical studies such as coordination, sectionalizing, voltage, and fault studies. Assists in the planning for long-term and short-term construction work plans within the limits of required approvals and UEC policies and procedures.

• Prepares and presents design drawings and project details for approval as requested.

• Provides recommendations for designs of new electric plant or improvements to existing electric plant substations, transmission, or distribution lines.

• Prepares engineering report computations, cost estimates, specifications, or other engineering details as requested.

• Performs outage Tech On-Call duties on rotation; maintains current knowledge of UEC's SCADA and mapping systems.

• Participates in or directs project management for routine large construction/maintenance projects with minimal direction. Works regularly with consultants and contractors, providing instructions and direction for consulting project managers.

• Works with others in the Engineering department in the development of company procedures and work processes; strategic or department work plan initiatives; and RUS engineering and finance requirements for construction work plans.

• Prepares routine technical specifications; identifies material needs and issues procurement instructions for routine projects; reviews and prepares recommendations for new materials/equipment specifications.

JOB DUTIES may include other duties as assigned.

• Performs a variety of engineering tasks in the initial planning and design phase of project.
• Basic to complete understanding and application of technical principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines.
• Keeps well informed of the latest equipment, practices and procedures in the industry regarding automated electric design systems; the operating principles of power transmission and distribution equipment necessary for operation and maintenance of an electric system; and keeps current on new and improved engineering standards and practices.

• Performs a variety of engineering tasks in the initial planning and design phase of project.

• Use and/or application of technical principles, theories, and concepts.

• Complies with UEC policies and procedures.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the workplace.

• Conducts themselves in a manner that reflects well on UEC and contributes to harmonious relations with members and the general public.
• Respectfully takes direction from Manager or Supervisor.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Engineer I: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Engineer II & Engineer III: These positions may have supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Engineer I, Engineer II & Engineer III: Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Engineer I: No experience required.

Engineer II: 5+ Years progressive experience in electric utility or other related engineering experience.

Engineer III: 10+ Years of experience in electric utility or other related engineering experience including 3 years of experience with complex capital project implementation.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

Engineer I:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills including experience with applicable software in such fields as graphic design, technical writing, electric system design software, GIS, analytical electric engineering software, statistics, and web-based training.
• Advanced math skills including the ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
• A valid Driver's License is required for occasional business travel.

• An Engineer In-Training certificate is preferred for this position.

Engineer II:

• Demonstrated experience managing routine projects on budget and on schedule.

• Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, and communicate by e-mail.

• Preferred Qualifications/Skills outlined in Engineer I

Engineer III:

• Excellent interpersonal skills needed to facilitate project milestones. Must be able to communicate to peers and management clearly and concisely.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects on budget and on schedule.

• Displays excellent presentation, persuasion and negotiation skills required in working with members, customers, or coworkers and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.

• Must take prompt action to accomplish assigned objectives and understand/identify issues and opportunities.

• A Professional Engineer License is preferred.

• Preferred Qualifications/Skills outlined in Engineer I & II

EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran