What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electric Utility Drafter position at City of Idaho Falls, ID?
General Purpose
Performs a variety of para-professional technical duties related to pre-construction design preparation, mapping, and planning as needed to aid in the document management, construction and modification of new and existing electric service systems and electrical facilities and fiber optic extensions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the close to general supervision of the Design Services Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
Essential Functions
This position is responsible for reviewing and updating electrical system one-line plans submitted by engineers, electricians, and utility personnel. It also provides CADD drafting support to the IFP Engineering staff to assist with technical drawings and design documentation.
A key part of the role involves organizing and maintaining document archives for power plants, substations, and other electrical facilities. This includes capturing, storing, sharing, tracking, retrieving, and protecting both electronic and paper-based documents. The employee ensures that access to these documents is secure and efficient for authorized users, using specialized software and computer systems to manage digital files in a centralized storage system.
The position also supports the design and planning of fiber optic infrastructure. It involves working closely with the fiber optic department to define project requirements and establish contractor standards that maintain system quality and consistency.
Fieldwork is another important aspect of the job. The employee performs inspections of trenches, installations, and other electrical construction activities to support the design team. They use GIS and AutoCAD to draw, map, and chart the City’s electrical system, conduct field research to verify equipment locations, prepare field sketches, and update system records. The role also includes assisting in the creation and editing of GIS layers used for system modeling and data management.
Additional responsibilities include preparing connection and schematic diagrams for substations, traffic signals, and supervisory equipment such as remote-control devices. Under the guidance of Electrical Engineers, the employee helps design routing, phasing, and equipment specifications for electrical distribution systems in new residential and commercial developments.
The position may also involve specialty tasks such as inspection, design, and development of electrical systems.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
A. Completion of two (2) years of college level Engineering and /or Design Drafting and Two (2) years of experience in Civil Engineering Design and Drafting;
OR
B. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of and experience with Computer Aided Design and Drafting (C.A.D.D.) techniques, drafting methods and procedures related to mapping and platting; civil and electrical engineering design standards; equipment and tools essential to produce professional maps and charts; mapping symbols and emblems; land survey methods and procedures; differences in types of power lines; software applications utilized in making engineering calculations, i.e., pull calculations.
Skill in cooperative problem solving. Skill in the use of various tools, i.e., AutoCAD, ArcView, GIS, Calculations Software, MS Software, Scientific Calculator, , etc.
Ability to read and interpret maps and charts; make complex mathematical calculations; ink and letter clearly and legibly, communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; recognize variations in power lines, for types and purpose; operate complicated electronic equipment; read and understand aerial photos, site plans and specifications; develop effective working relationships with private engineering firms, developers, contractors, private utility personnel (i.e., gas, cable TV, telephone), other City division personnel and general public. Some ability to interpret laws, ordinances and regulations common to power utility operations.
Work Environment
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with periodic field work subjected to variable weather. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic local travel required in normal course of job performance. High voltage and mechanical hazards exist in the field. Necessary safety equipment may be required including hard hat, safety glasses & leather gloves. Periodic safety training is necessary.