Line Design Technician

Description

Position Title:    Line Design Tech I

Department:    New Service Operations

Reports to:  Line Design Supervisor 

Supervision Received: Limited Supervision

Supervision Exercised:  None

FLSA Status:  Non Exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Apply knowledge of distribution design standards, proper scheduling techniques and member service skills to effectively arrange for the construction of new service to members. This will be accomplished through the following tasks: 
• Determining the type of appointment necessary.
• Determine degree of necessity of appointment
• Calculating and communicating the expected length of appointment
• Utilize all available tools and technologies to provide members with friendly, prompt, concise service in person or over the phone
• Provide cost estimates as necessary and record results 
• Guide members in their options for line and meter placement
• Using the appropriate computer software, complete detailed field notes, completion of task list, staking sheets and complex computations to record all units and information necessary for line construction and inventory
• Input line design data into GIS software utilizing existing integration 
• Under direction from GIS staff, collect data relative to existing Bluebonnet facilities using a laptop computer and GPS receiver. Facilities to include, but not limited to, poles, meters, transformers, overhead and underground equipment. 
• Acquire and notarize easements from property owners and secure necessary permits as needed.
• Work with Cooperative members to ensure proper placement of power lines and resolve problems involving facility locations as needed.
• Respond to routine member inquiries concerning job status in a professional and courteous manner.
• Prepare and communicate construction cost estimates, and be prepared to collect fees on site as needed.
• Drive stakes where needed to indicate locations for poles and guy wires.
• Post safety signs on roadways as necessary.
• Keep all tools and equipment in proper working order.
• Continually develop and recommend more efficient and effective ways to provide new service to members and to conduct GPS surveys and associated computer entry.
• Participate in enterprise projects, committees, and interdepartmental teams as requested. 
• Maintains ability to administer first aid, bucket truck rescue, and artificial resuscitation.
• Give consideration and care to member’s property at all times. 
• Thorough knowledge of Bluebonnet policies and guidelines.
• General awareness of current developments in areas of interest to the department.
• Demonstrate and act in accordance with Bluebonnet's Foundation Values.
• Maintain professional working relationships with all employees, members, and vendors at all times.
• Maintain regular attendance; arrives to work on time and is ready to work.
• Use safe work practices at all times and in all situations.
• Complete locates such as prepare and notify all required utilities which have facilities within the construction work zone.
• Complete and submit weekly and monthly documentation 
• Attend all OSHA required training and safety meetings.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field sites, and vehicle.
• Perform duties as described in the Emergency Response Plan and respond as needed in providing power restoration support.
• Must be able to appropriately handle confidential information and act within the practices established by the Bluebonnet Red Flag policy.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Office Equipment including computer, printer, copier, fax, cell phones, etc.
• May be required to drive a cooperative vehicle.
• According to established business need, must maintain a mobile phone and appropriate communications plan.

Physical Demands:

• Requires repetitive motion of hands and fingers such as dialing, keyboarding and use of a stylus.
• Cutting brush with machete or other brush cutting tools.
• Required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel or bend on uneven terrain.
• Occasional travel throughout the U.S. with overnight stays to attend conferences and training seminars or workshops may be required.
• Must wear hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe boots, and other safety clothing and equipment as required by job tasks.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: 

• Extended time spent outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Occasional travel throughout the U.S. with overnight stays to attend conferences and training seminars or workshops may be required. 
• Work alone or walk long distances (multiple miles daily) over rough terrain. 
• Work is regularly performed outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, climatic conditions, plants, animals, mud, dust, and dirt.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Utility industry experience preferred.

Licensing and Certification: 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain notary license.
• Maintain valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must be certified in CPR, First Aid, AED and Blood-borne pathogens.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• General understanding of the National Electric Safety Code rules and requirements and Bluebonnet framing specifications.
• Ability to learn the use and adjustment of all surveying instruments, including total station and GPS instruments and equipment and apply this knowledge during field assignments.
• Knowledge of computer applications & GIS mapping software and hardware related to performance of essential functions of the job.
• Demonstrated excellent member service skills.
• Knowledge of distribution design and construction practices and standards.
• Knowledge of Bluebonnet work order processing procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and be a self starter and project manage job assignments.
• Basic computer skills in the following applications: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, SAP time entry, and work order processing. 
• Interpersonal skills that result in effective working relationships with peers, members and vendors.
• Ability to communicate effectively and in a positive manner; focused on improvement or problem resolution in a constructive, positive, and professional manner.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2026.