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General Purpose of Job
Project Engineer I is responsible for contributing to the successful planning, design, and execution of electrical distribution projects. With a focus on project coordination and execution, the position involves collaborating with various departments, coordinating permits, and maintaining a strong connection with cooperative members. This entry-level role offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and hands-on experience while collaborating with more senior designers to enhance technical skills, learn industry best practices, and contribute to projects of minimal complexity.
Level II role is to leverage their advanced engineering expertise and experience to contribute to the efficient execution of electrical distribution projects, with a focus on projects of moderate complexity.
Level III position plays a pivotal role responsible for leveraging advanced engineering expertise and experience to efficiently execute electrical distribution projects.
Minimum Required Qualifications and Competencies
The following includes the minimum job requirements and essential duties for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some job requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Education
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
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Job-related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Experience
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Minimum: 1-2 years of direct related experience in the electric utility distribution industry.
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Preferred: Experience within an electric utility or related industry.
Other Requirements
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Ability to work irregular hours for assignment completion and flexibility to change scheduling and report to work on short notice during emergency situations.
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A valid Florida driver’s license for regular driving privileges of a company vehicle; must have and maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by SECO Energy.
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Maximum of 2 ½ years in the job classification prior to transfer to Project Engineer III level.
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Normal work hours shall be eight (8) hours between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
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Successful completion of pre-employment background check, physical and drug screen.
Driving Requirements: Valid Florida Driver's License.
Core Competencies
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Safety: Follows safety procedures diligently, identifies potential hazards, and takes appropriate action to maintain a safe working environment.
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Member Commitment: Provides exceptional service to members, actively listening to their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
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Honesty & Integrity: Acts with honesty and integrity in all tasks, maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
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Work Ethic: Demonstrates a strong work ethic by consistently meeting deadlines and achieving high performance in all tasks.
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Inclusive Culture: Contributes to an inclusive culture by respecting and valuing diverse perspectives and collaborating effectively with all team members.
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Accountability: Takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring they meet commitments and deliver high-quality work.
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Teamwork: Works collaboratively with team members, sharing information and supporting collective goals.
Project Engineer I
Job Specific Competencies
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Technical Proficiency: Craft, interpret, and clearly understand utility easements and related documentation, demonstrating a strong foundation in permitting processes and applicable regulatory requirements. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, as well as specialized tools such as Design Manager and SECO’s scheduling software. Experienced with standard field equipment, including measuring wheels, range finders, and other relevant tools necessary for site assessments and project planning.
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Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and engage professionally with cooperative members; fluency in English is required, while proficiency in Spanish is considered a valuable asset.
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Project & Task Management: Meet member-imposed deadlines while managing tasks with a strong sense of ownership, along with keen attention to detail, solid analytical skills, and effective problem-solving abilities.
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Professional Growth & Initiative: Self-motivated and strong passion for learning. Collaborate with senior team members, actively seeking feedback to continuously improve the quality of their work.
Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
Collaborate with various departments to plan, design, and execute electrical distribution projects, ensuring compliance with ANSI, NESC, and SECO standards and regulatory requirements:
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Design and plan new residential services from existing sources, including those requiring installation of up-lift/in-line poles or UK6/single-phase transformers.
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Manage projects related to new area light installations, including existing pole modifications and single pole extensions.
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Coordinate retirements of facilities and transformer replacements.
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Handle 1-phase service relocations and replacements of primary feed through padmount transformers.
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Install single-phase padmount transformers between existing transformers.
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Complete residential overhead/underground service conversion projects.
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Design 1-phase pole replacements to enhance system reliability.
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Manage design for general service 400 amps or less that do not require CT metering (e.g., pumps, barns, wells, etc.).
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Develop and create "as-built" work packets based on information provided by operations.
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Coordinate permitting activities with City, County, and state agencies, as well as foreign utilities.
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Calculate "Contribution in Aid of Construction" and prepare cost estimates associated with work orders.
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Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
Member Service:
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Generate Service Availability letters for cooperative members.
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Complete miscellaneous service orders containing questions and estimates for members.
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Maintain a supportive relationship with members, including active listening, addressing concerns, and anticipating adverse reactions.
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Meet member-imposed deadlines for design and construction.
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Act as SECO's single point of contact for design and construction scheduling and information.
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Demonstrate ownership of assigned work and member commitment from the initial member contact through the end of the project.
Project Engineer II
Job Specific Competencies
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Technical Documentation and Writing: Ability to craft, write, and comprehend complex utility easements and other relevant documents, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
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Project and Task Management: Demonstrates the ability to meet member-imposed deadlines and manage tasks with a sense of ownership, ensuring that project goals are met on time and within scope.
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Field and Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in using field tools such as measuring wheels, range finders, and other relevant equipment to collect and analyze data in real-world conditions.
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Communication & Team Collaboration: Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate within cross-functional teams and engage with cooperative members to ensure project alignment and success.
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Technical Knowledge and Application: Proficiency in reading, drafting, and interpreting utility easements and technical documents, with a strong understanding of utility infrastructure and engineering standards. They should also be skilled in using field tools such as measuring wheels and range finders to accurately gather and analyze site data.
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Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and moderate problem-solving abilities, allowing the Project Engineer II to identify issues, analyze data, and implement effective solutions.
Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
Collaborate with various departments to plan, design, and execute electrical distribution projects, ensuring compliance with ANSI, NESC, and SECO standards and regulatory requirements:
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Perform all essential functions of Project Engineer I
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Plan and execute 3-phase overhead and URD (Underground Residential Distribution) line extensions, incorporating minimal system planning.
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Design 3-phase general services up to 2000 amps, including those requiring CT (Current Transformer) metering.
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Complete Point of Receipt Design (PORD) requests in accordance with RUS codes 606-D
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Conduct assessments and design solutions to mitigate future service interruptions caused by car-versus-pole incidents.
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Lead the design of pole replacements for 1-phase, 2-phase, and 3-phase systems.
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Design circuits for area lights to enhance illumination across the cooperative's service area.
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Develop designs for URD subdivisions containing up to 320 lots.
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Manage design aspects of small road projects, including coordinating meetings and securing necessary permits.
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Collaborate with more junior team members to provide technical guidance and mentorship.
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Analyze project requirements, propose innovative solutions, and optimize project designs.
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Collaborate with external stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to ensure project success.
Member Service:
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Generate Service Availability letters for cooperative members.
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Complete miscellaneous service orders containing questions and estimates for members.
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Maintain a supportive relationship with members, including active listening, addressing concerns, and anticipating adverse reactions.
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Meet member-imposed deadlines for design and construction.
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Act as SECO's single point of contact for design and construction scheduling and information.
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Demonstrate ownership of assigned work and member commitment from the initial member contact through the end of the project.
Project Engineer III
Job Specific Competencies
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Technical Writing, Documentation, and Easement Development: Demonstrates the ability to craft, interpret, and apply complex utility easements and other technical project documents. Applies strong written communication skills to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance in engineering documentation.
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Time Management, Ownership, and Task Execution: Exhibits the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet member-driven deadlines, and approach assignments with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Demonstrates effective prioritization and follow-through to support project completion.
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Field Tools and Data Collection: Applies proficient use of field tools—including measuring wheels, range finders, and similar devices—to collect and verify field data accurately.
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Communication & Collaboration: Communicates effectively with cooperative members, peers, and cross-functional teams to support project coordination and problem resolution. Demonstrates the ability to collaborate with senior team members and contribute constructively to team-based project efforts. Communicates effectively in English, the primary business language. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in Spanish when applicable (preferred but not required).
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Software & Technology Proficiency: Applies proficient use of Microsoft Office products, Design Manager, SECO’s scheduling tools, and other applicable engineering or project management software. Demonstrates the ability to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies as required.
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Continuous Improvement & Professional Growth: Exhibits self-motivation and actively seeks feedback to enhance the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of work deliverables. Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
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Detail Orientation, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Applies strong attention to detail and analytical skills to evaluate data, identify issues, and contribute to moderately complex problem-solving tasks.
Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
Project Planning, Design, and Engineering
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Collaborates with internal departments to plan, design, and execute electrical distribution projects in compliance with ANSI, NESC, SECO standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
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Performs all essential functions of Project Engineer I and Project Engineer II.
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Designs and oversees URD (Underground Residential Distribution) subdivision projects exceeding 320 lots, including 1-phase, 2-phase, and 3-phase system designs.
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Leads the engineering design for road widening and new roadway projects, including participation in coordination meetings and completion of all required permits.
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Develops 3-phase commercial designs exceeding 2000 amps, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
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Plans and implements engineering designs for new and existing fiber optic facilities to optimize efficiency, performance, and reliability.
Technical Review, Oversight, and Quality Assurance
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Reviews, evaluates, and approves work orders generated by Project Engineer I and II, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and support.
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Demonstrates proficiency in crafting, interpreting, and applying complex easements, including Metes and Bounds, blanket easements, and platted easements.
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Calculates Contribution in Aid of Construction (CIAC) and develops accurate cost estimates associated with work orders and member requests.
Software, Tools, and Technology Utilization
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Utilizes Microsoft Office products effectively for project documentation, reporting, and communication.
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Serves as an expert user of Design Manager, SECO’s scheduling tool, and other applicable engineering and project management software as directed.
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Masters the use of field tools necessary for engineering tasks, including measuring wheels, range finders, and related equipment.
Member Service and Technical Support
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Prepares Service Availability letters and Available Fault Current letters accurately and in a timely manner.
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Handles complex miscellaneous service order requests and develops estimates for members, ensuring exceptional service and member satisfaction.
Project Engineer I- III
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by or those an employee encounters to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. (This paragraph remains)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
This position has general sedentary office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
We are the third-largest electric co-op in Florida and the seventh-largest in the nation and we are looking for qualified, energetic and committed candidates to join our successful TEAM!
Sumter Electric Cooperative is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination or harassment based upon any of these factors is wholly inconsistent with our company values and will not be tolerated.
Reaffirmation of EEO Policy Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request by emailing [email protected] or by calling (855) 483-2673. Please be advised that this assistance is available for individuals who require accommodation due to disability.
SECO Energy participates in E-Verify. E-Verify electronically compares information entered on the Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, with records contained in Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
E-Verify English/Español
Right to Work English
Derecho a Trabajar
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
Reaffirmation of Statement of Non-Discrimination
Know Your Rights/Conozca Sus Derechos
SECO Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from applicants. SECO Energy will not consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes from any search agencies, staffing agencies, fee-based referral services, headhunters and recruitment agencies (hereinafter ‘vendors’). Unsolicited referrals and resumes sent to SECO Energy are deemed gratuitous. If any vendor (included but not limited to recruitment agency, headhunter, staffing agency) supplies any job applicant to SECO Energy without having a valid written and signed an agreement with SECO Energy, SECO Energy is not obligated to pay any kind of referral fee to such vendor. Any resumes submitted in the absence of a signed agreement become the property of SECO Energy and no fee shall be due.
- This posting will be closed and no longer available to receive applications upon SECO Energy’s discretion.
^ SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving over 230,000 families and businesses across seven counties in Central Florida, making SECO Energy the third largest electric co-op in Florida and the sixth largest in the nation.
^ SECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetics, or individuals with disabilities, or protected veteran status.
^ Qualified employees will be considered on an equal basis with external applicants.
