Career Opportunities

Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative (JPEC) is seeking a manager of engineering to join our team. Ideal candidates must have strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Participates in the development of the Cooperative's operating practices and policies, strategic objectives, long-range forecasting and financial planning.
• Performs cost/benefit analysis and works with operations, information technology and accounting to study and select viable technologies to carry out the strategic initiatives of the Cooperative.
• Ensures that adequate quantities of materials, supplies, and resources are available for all normal work activities.
• Promotes good public and employee relations by providing assistance and using every opportunity and method for developing, understanding, communicating, accepting, and supporting the cooperative’s objectives and programs.

Overview:

• Ensures that all requests for new and/or upgraded service are responded to as quickly as possible.
• Ensures that all company activities conform to RUS requirements. 
• Directs work activities of engineering consultants, if applicable.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code, JPEC tariffs, policy and procedures, and the Kentucky PSC rules and regulations.
• Responds to requests for information, prepares reports, attends meetings, etc. 
• Provides technical information to consumers and employees, and performs other duties as delegated, assigned, or requested.
• Responsible for designing and planning the electric utility system of the Cooperative to assure efficient and reliable electric service at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with good engineering and business practices.
• Develops and maintains all Joint-Use Agreements.
• Manages and otherwise directs the activities of the Engineering Department by being available for questions and giving information to other department's employees to insure a comfortable, knowledgeable, and confident working department.
• Attends meetings, special courses and seminars to facilitate training, keep informed and stay abreast with current industry trends. This may require occasional travel from the area.
• Participates in general staff meetings, strategic planning, and other internal meetings as directed.
• Rotates as on-call supervisor and performs other duties and special assignments as needed/required.
• Performs other reasonably-related job duties as assigned by management. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have strong written, oral and interpersonal skills with experience working in a team-oriented environment.
• Work is typically performed indoors although outdoor work is often required to perform the duties of the job.
• Requires working at a desk, walking and standing while in the field, and lifting objects less than 25 pounds.
• Required to talk and hear as well as grip, grasp, feel, or twist using hands, fingers, or wrist regularly.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl over/under fences, gates, and other field obstacles.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required to operate a computer keyboard and mouse daily. 
• Required to live within a 30-mile radius of JPEC headquarters.
• Must be able to work extended hours beyond normal shift and during emergencies (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.) and be on-call for work in all weather conditions.
• Education/Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution, electrical engineering preferred.
• Specialized training in electric utility systems design, operation, and evaluation via seminars and special courses preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years related experience preferred.
• Cooperative experience preferred.

 
JPEC offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Qualified candidates should submit their cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
 
EOE
Please apply at www.indeed.com
 
 
Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative (JPEC) is seeking an Apprentice Line Technician (at least 2nd year preferred) to join our team.
 
SUMMARY
Individuals in this position will be highly directed and supervised. Decision making will be practiced, but this position will not be required to make complex decisions. Decisions may be monitored by a supervisor and will have a minimal impact on the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist line crews in all construction and maintenance of distribution lines and structures, underground facilities and substations.
• Train to gain knowledge and experience in the construction, operations, and maintenance of overhead and underground electrical distribution facilities.
• Supports other personnel so that members receive reliable and efficient service.
• Promotes good public and employee relations by providing assistance and using every opportunity and method for developing, understanding, communicating, accepting, and supporting the company’s objectives and programs.

Overview: 
An Apprentice Line Technician works under the direct supervision of a Crew Leader while performing the following duties and responsibilities:

• Constructs underground and overhead electrical lines which includes, but is not limited to, digging pole and anchor holes, framing poles, setting poles and anchors, stringing, sagging, and connecting conductor, installing pad mount gear and underground conductors, and related tasks of new construction on secondary under 600 volts and de-energized lines. No primary.
• At the appropriate apprentice level, performs various duties including meter reading, making service changes, troubleshooting service outages, disconnecting and connecting services, voltage testing and locating underground.
• Maintains both underground and overhead electrical system by replacing damaged transformers, breakers, regulators, conductors, insulators, meter loops, poles, switching gear and related equipment on energized and de-energized lines.
• Performs manual labor-type tasks as assigned by Crew Leader such as cleaning truck, loading material, digging ditches, tamping, cutting brush and moving materials.
• Performs related duties to line construction which includes accounting for materials used, stocking trucks, loading and unloading materials, and inspecting distribution and transmission lines for necessary maintenance.
• Sets and removes barricades, flags, signs and flares. Flags traffic.
• Ensures that assigned vehicles, tools and equipment are operated in accordance with all rules and regulations and are in good and safe working condition.
• Performs groundwork in connection to stringing of conductors.
• Operates vehicles and other heavy equipment as directed; obeying safety rules and regulations.
• Completes training courses and passes tests, as required, to progress through the apprenticeship program.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Job duties are subject to change as directed by management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In some instances, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally lift and transport heavy objects up to 75 pounds and occasionally lift in excess of 75 pounds.
• The ability to climb poles up to 55 feet or more.
• Frequently perform physical activities, including walking, stooping, bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, crawling, pushing, pulling, looking up, and working in awkward positions.
• Be able to see, talk, and hear as well as grip, grasp, feel, or twist using the hands, fingers, and/or wrists regularly. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Operate a computer keyboard, mouse, other IT equipment, and, on occasion, power tools.
• Operate a pickup truck, backhoe, trencher, bucket truck, digger, and forklift.
• Working Conditions
• Works outside in all kinds of weather including cold below 32 degrees and heat above 100 degrees.
• Must be able to perform overtime as required and in all weather conditions including evenings, weekends, holidays and during emergencies.
• Must be willing to work on different crews as needed.
• Must be punctual and have regular attendance.
• Required to live within a 30-mile radius of JPEC headquarters.
• Safety
• Ensures the proper safety and procedural steps are followed that meets JPEC’s policies and procedures, Kentucky’s Public Service Commission Rules and Regulations, the National Electric Safety Code, JPEC’s adopted APPA safety manual, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, State and Federal regulations or any other document that regulates safety in the construction or operation of JPEC’s electric system.
• Participates in on going safety training.
• Performs pole-top and bucket-truck rescue, first aid and resuscitation techniques to injured persons when necessary and have successfully completed first aid and CPR courses.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have general knowledge of construction, operations, and maintenance of overhead and underground electric distribution lines.
• Must have general knowledge of system and feeds and be able to use computerized mapping system.
• Must be able to read residential and demand meters.
• Must have knowledge of proper and safe use of tools and equipment used in line construction and maintenance, both energized and de-energized.
• Must be willing to attend courses relating to work.
• Must be able to travel, including overnight.
• Must have good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact effectively with employees, consumers-members, and general public.
• Must have general understanding of electric power distribution design, construction, operations, and SCADA systems.
• Must have general knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and thorough knowledge JPEC policies and procedures.
• Must be able to analyze and define problems using sound, logical judgment. Must have good organizational and planning skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure.
• Employee may have access to confidential information and is expected to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
In this position there are no supervisory responsibilities required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completed at least 2-years in a JPEC recognized apprenticeship program (preferred).
• Must have a valid Class-A commercial driver’s license.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Must complete JPEC’s currently recognized apprenticeship program.
• Must have general knowledge in all work required in connection with installation of materials, apparatus, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of electric distribution lines.

JPEC offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Qualified candidates should submit their cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
 
EOE
Please apply at www.indeed.com