Description
Job Title: Director of Engineering Reports to: General Manager
Department: Engineering Job Grade: 55
Revision Date: 2023-05-16
Work Location: 230 Ash St Office Union: No
This Position Description presents illustrative work activities usually encountered by personnel filling this
position. It is not meant to list all possible work activities in all possible work conditions. It is also not
meant to define specific limits on work activities that may be performed by any person holding this
position. Position descriptions may occasionally be changed to allow the RMLD to better meet the needs
of the customers, reflect applicable laws and regulations, or otherwise implement Commission policies.
All non-bargaining unit RMLD workers are "employees at will.,,
Job Summary
Under general direction of the General Manager, the Director of Engineering is responsible for
the daily operation of the Electric Division's distribution network and the leadership of the
Division personnel including Engineers, Control Room Operators, GIS Team, and associated
Operational Assistants.
This Director shall lead and supervise direct reports and manage their work assignments in a
manner to minimize risk to employees, customers, and the public, thereby ensuring the safe
and reliable operation of the electric system.
This Engineering Team is responsible for the design, operation, upgrade, and expansion of
RMLD's distribution network, substations, physical communication network, and ancillary
assets. Much of the actual work is conducted by the Operations Team, under the supervision of
this Engineering Team.
As part of this role, this Director establishes and prioritizes the project list of the Operations
Team, in coordination with the Operations Director. Typically, engineers in this Engineering
Division develop the project list of the Operations team and directly supervise Operations
employees working on upgrades, maintenance, and other inherently dangerous work.
In addition, this Director shall lead the Engineering Team and direct the engineering work in a
time efficient and cost-efficient manner, supporting RMLD's charter of providing reliable, low-cost,
and non-carbon power to our customers.
This Director shall work in collaboration and coordinate with other RMLD Directors, working as
a team to ensure RMLD's fulfillment of its charter and serving of its customers and other
stakeholders. The Director will contribute to RMLD's long-term strategy as RMLD prepares for
significant electrification and load growth.
The Director shall qualify others and be able to serve as control authority during emergency and
storm operations, as determined by the GM. This Director role supervises personnel working in
dangerous situations (positions categorized as Group 4).
ILLUSTRATIVE JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Plan, staff, schedule, motivate, evaluate, and supervise all activities, projects, and training,
including safety of all personnel under this Directors supervision.
• Maintain RMLD's Service Requirements Handbook.
• Ensure compliance with all RMLD's policies and operational procedures.
• Ensure compliance with NERC, MWEEC, ISO, NFPA, NESC, NESC codes, and ARC Flash
operational requirements and ensure submission of required reporting, including reliability
reports to NPCC and NERC. Submissions shall be coordinated with appropriate Directors in other
RMLD divisions, including Operations, Integrated Resources, and IT.
• With input from Engineering team employees, refine and improve work procedures, in order
to more effectively and efficiently fulfill RMLD's charter, improve safety, and increase the level
of customer service.
• Develop plans and programs, in coordination with other Divisions, to obtain optimal value of
the RMLD electric distribution system, including assets, equipment, expenses, and personnel.
• Manage expenses within the annual budget and alert the leadership team to expense trends
(variances). Help develop the annual budget.
• Provide input and guidance to the stock and purchasing team and assist in development and
review of department bids and purchases.
• Ensure timely documentation, including maintenance of material evidence, of incidents and
trouble reports to help ensure support of billing disputes, insurance claims, and team
development.
• Responsible for developing specific plans and overseeing emergency operations (example,
storms and large power outages).
• Interface with state and local officials on RMLD matters, in coordination with GM.
• Coordinate with Town department management staff about maintenance, operations, and
equipment problems, keeping GM informed and escalating to GM when appropriate.
• Enforce RMLD's administrative and operational policies and procedures concerning engineering,
constructing, operating, and maintaining the Electric Systems.
• Stay current with industry trends in technology, operational procedures, construction standards,
and related best practices. Help RMLD adopt and implement best practices.
• Contribute to and coordinate implementation of RMLD's operations technology roadmap for
grid optimization & distribution automation plans.
• Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of RMLD developed maintenance programs,
safety, and operational procedures, etc.
• Take practical actions to minimize workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses.
• Ensure that the RMLD system is operated within all applicable laws, safety standards, and
environmental rules.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned by the General Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering {Masters degree highly desired}.
• Minimum 10 years of supervisory skills including coaching and mentoring at least 10
employees in a unionized environment. Proven team leadership and ability to delegate
while ensuring safe and effective completion of projects.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in electric utilities, including underground, overhead,
substations, and advanced metering and network automation systems. Experience
developing and implementing best utility practices.
• At least 5 years of experience of project management, with ability to plan and manage
complex construction and maintenance projects, several simultaneously and involving
multiple departments/ divisions, delivering on time, on scope, and on budget. Proven
ability to implement new technologies and update procedures.
• Knowledge in power system design, including demonstrated understanding in utility
engineering, management, construction practices, outage analysis, and system switching and
restoration. Knowledge of medium voltage transmission systems desired.
• Effective utility administration, budget development and personnel management.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams. Confidence and maturity with the
ability to connect, inspire and influence others. Demonstrated positive attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative environment to problem solve and celebrate
successes.
• Effective verbal and written skills and the ability to "vision cast" ( effectively communicate ideas
as well as specific tactical actions). Able to facilitate group discussions, adapt communication
style to suit different audiences, and able to develop accurate written materials. Able to both
listen and communicate on both an emotional and intellectual levels.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge in protection & coordination of OH & UG distribution protective devices.
• Knowledge of proper construction standards and ability to research and adopt new standards.
• Knowledge in planning, design, and implementation of Grid Optimization, advanced metering
systems, distribution automation, and related technology integration.
• Knowledge in substation design and maintenance
• Knowledge of NESC, OSHA and related distribution construction standards.
• Knowledge of FERC accounting principles.
• Knowledge of GIS and applicable software packages.
• Familiarity with various distribution analysis software applications.
• Ability to respond positively and appropriately when faced with the need to change,
maintaining strong composure under pressure.
• Ability to consistently meet commitments to the business and to others. Quickly define
business requirements into actions.
Physical demands
This job operates both in the field (occasionally in dangerous situations) and in a professional office
environment. Capable of performing job functions for extended periods of time. Moderate physical
effort may be required intermittently.
JUDGMENT AND INITIATIVE
Performs duties in accordance with established policies, codes, laws, and professional standards,
reviewing unusual questions with General Manager. Demonstrates initiative in ensuring continued
process improvements to demonstrate better accuracy, productivity, safety, and overall customer service.
Strong understanding of utility best practices and preventative initiatives. Capable of managing large and
multiple projects.
SUPERVISORY
Supervise engineering staff and work. Assigns or provides appropriate supervision of outside contractors
working on RMLD projects. Mentors Engineering team to promote their career development as outlined
in their respective career development plans (CDPs). Coach employees. Removes roadblocks and
motivates team members to excel. This is a hands-on leadership role (player/coach).
Qualify and serve as Control Authority as determined by the General Manager.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid Class D Driver's License