Job Description

Summary

To examine, evaluate, develop, and modify SCADA and other systems consistent with the requirements, standards, and criteria of the participating departments of the Association. To adapt hardware and software packages to the Association's specific needs. To develop, update, and enhance databases and applications for automated generation control, power forecasting/scheduling, energy accounting, on-line load flow, and automated control programs.

Essential Functions

• Examine, evaluate, develop and modify programs required by changing requirements and conditions.
• Coordinate technical support with Communications, Power Control, Generation, Operations, and Engineering personnel.
• Prepare project status reports. Analyzes results and proposes solutions for problems encountered.
• Develop estimated completion dates for projects.
• Plan, install, and maintain software packages in coordination with the SCADA/EMS Engineer.
• Coordinate system design work with project engineers on various distribution, transmission, and generation projects.
• Develop training programs to instruct Power Dispatchers in newly installed software systems.
• Install and maintain application software products.
• Design systems and system modifications.
• Maintain an ongoing SCADA/EMS Cyber Security Program.
• Write detailed program specifications for new software systems.
• Write operator procedures pertaining to software products.
• Design and accumulate adequate test data for testing the logic of each new program or modification prior to activation.
• Work out program steps for projects consisting of detailed flow charts, diagrams, and coded machine instructions.
• Keep abreast of manufactures' software developments to fully utilize computer equipment capabilities.
• Design and maintains internal procedures and flow charts to assure proper department workflow.
• Maintain library of programs and documentation reflecting all modifications to active programs.
• Coordinate testing and performs documentation for commissioning of new SCADA installations and maintenance of existing installations.

Relationships

Internal

• VP, Control & Communications: Reports to, receives direction, guidance and decisions from. Keeps informed of project progress and SCADA/EMS issues. Discusses problems.
• SCADA/EMS Engineer: Coordinate functional design of System databases and applications to ensure compatibility with other EMS applications.
• Manager Power Control: Receive direction from regarding SCADA/EMS functional requirements. Determine which points are to be monitored and controlled. Determine information and format required.
• Systems Protection Department: Work with engineers to develop points lists. Work with technicians for commissioning and testing of SCADA field installations.
• Telecommunications Department: Coordinate with Telecommunications technicians for commissioning and testing of SCADA field installations.
• Power Supply Managers and Engineers: Work with engineers and plant supervisors to develop points lists. Coordinate with power plant managers and technicians for installation and commissioning of SCADA field installations.
• Planning and Rates: Provide input concerning software support for new substations and power plants.
• Information Services Managers: Provide for interoperability of systems and networks for historical data warehousing, outage management and remote SCADA clients. Ensure system operability incorporates appropriate security measures.

External

• Bargaining Unit Representatives
• Vendors/Contractors: Works with SCADA/EMS software vendors and contractors when installing, modifying, or maintaining system.
• AEA Intertie Committee: Provide software support for Chugach to interface with other electric utilities.
• Other electric utilities: Coordinates with user groups to develop common intertie software.

Competencies

• Knowledge of software maintenance, testing, and development and its application to power system operation and electrical engineering in a utility.
• Maintain a high level of awareness of the continual changes in the state-of-the-art in SCADA/EMS and computer technology.
• Must also have knowledge of functions of hardware and how it operates and an understanding of the interface requirements of software/hardware, application software, databases, and operating systems.
• Must be analytical and able to study trends in the operation of the SCADA/EMS system and make recommendations for improvements.
• Should be skilled in areas of planning and control. Able to apply the latest project management techniques.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

Subject to 24-hour call. Little travel required. Occasional local visits to switchyards, power plants, and vendor training sites.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or computer Science, preferred. Additional training in Computer Systems desirable. Specific training in software systems relating to electric utility industry desirable.

Experience

Two (2) years’ experience in real time software development at the programmer/analyst level, preferably for an electric utility in SCADA/EMS. Experience with Pascal, C, and various SQL programming. Experience with Unix system administration, TCP/IP Network administration, and implementation and troubleshooting of various data communication protocols. Experience working in a union environment preferred.

Company Description

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.

Chugach's corporate vision:
Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's corporate mission:
We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's corporate values:
Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.
Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

Benefits

Health Benefits

• Medical & RX
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Telemedicine

Financial Security

• 401K Plan
• Defined Benefit (Pension)
• Retirement Investment services
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Flex Spending Account (Health, Limited Use, Dependent Care)

Work, Life, Health

• 20 days vacation for first year of employment
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 2 Float Holidays & 1 Birthday Holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation