Power Engineer
Salary:
$110,988.00 - $163,217.00 Annually
Location :
Rochester MN 55906, MN
Job Type:
Regular FT
Job Number:
20250036
Department:
Rochester Public Utilities
Division:
RPU Power Resources
Opening Date:
05/23/2025
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester invites applications for:
Power Engineer
Rochester Public Utilities
RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 42,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.
Vision- "We Will Set the Standard for Service"
Our vision is based on six core values which are Safety, Integrity, Service, Stewardship, Accountability, and Skill.
Nature of Work
The Power Engineer leads, oversees, and performs a variety of advanced level professional responsibilities for all aspects of complex project management for: asset major maintenance, over-hauls, and capital improvement additions to existing facilities; as well as the planning, procurement, contract review, and construction, of new power capital assets. Facilities may include combustion turbines, hydroelectric , reciprocating engines, steam boilers, utility scale or distributed solar and energy storage systems, and wind production facilities. This position reports to the Manager of Power Resources and serves as the mentor to other engineers in the power field.
This position also serves as the primary liaison for successful collaboration, design review, and electrical integration with RPU System Operations, Technical Services, and Engineering, to incorporate the necessary modifications for power equipment to safely and reliably sync, deliver and interact with the distribution or transmission systems.
To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before June 13, 2025.
2025 salary range is $110,988 to $
130,573
with advancement to $163,217
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the of our community members, listening to
ALL
voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe
EQUITY
should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignments.
*Project Management
Serve as project manager on complex construction of assets and facilities by administering project from inception to completion including design, scope of work development and review, bidding, construction, serve as liaison to staff, engineering companies, consultants, and external agencies, strict time scheduling, priorities, and equipment checkout. These projects can range in size from tens of thousands of dollars to tens of millions of dollars.
Prepare specifications for capital and major maintenance projects of assets and facilities, materials and supplies used by the various electrical assets, review and recommend awards for bids and price quotations from vendors, construction companies and engineering consultants.
Provide field coordination between internal departments and outside contractors for new or existing installations of assets and their construction, grid integration, and project closeout.
Generate input to, and ensure projects conform with, budget plans such as milestone payments, invoice approval, quality and completeness of work, and scope modifications. Maintain an asset management program for the replacement prioritization of electric distribution, transmission, and substation infrastructure.
Use your PE License to sign engineering plans and drawings on an as-needed basis.
*Technical Oversight and Asset Integration
Provide and communicate a thorough understanding of electrical , integration, design, theory, drawing comprehension, and other technical aspects of medium and high voltage at facilities in assigned areas of responsibility.
Lead, plan, coordinate, and review professional and technical level work including planning, development, contract administration, and design for installation of new or modification to existing electrical systems and auxiliaries.
Serve as the primary contact for reviewing and recommending to management, System Operations, Technical Services and RPU Engineering, the necessary modifications for power equipment to safely and reliably sync, deliver and interact with the distribution and transmission system.
Review plans from consulting engineers and contractors, make technical engineering decisions and establish criteria and standards.
*Work Management and Organization
Generate and provide technical information for the preparation and revision of engineering services contracts, design criteria, construction standards, electrical standards, and material and equipment lists including cost estimates.
From an engineering perspective, recommend and review maintenance and operating procedures that follow original equipment manufacturer manuals, appropriate standards, or historical operation conditions of major equipment and systems.
Develop and submit to management capital improvement and major maintenance plans for projects pertaining to electrical facilities that meet RPU's needs and goals while ensuring reliability.
Mentor and Support Functions
Mentor and guide other engineers working in the power space to ensure proper engineering techniques, project management, documentation practices, and comprehension of RPU standards and procedures.
Serve as the technical and subject matter expert when appropriate for the Power Resources electricians and instrument and controls technicians when troubleshooting and analyzing issues with electrical , auxiliary systems, equipment installation, drawing comprehension, and electrical theory.
Prepare periodic and special reports as required or requested.
Coordinate with management in formulating overall objectives and specific plans to fulfill the power division goals as set forth by the Utility Board.
Evaluate qualifications and recommend outside consultants to provide professional expertise in preparation of major project plans and equipment specifications or other studies needed for electrical .
Perform miscellaneous other duties as assigned or necessary.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or other closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university and six (6) years of full-time employment experience managing new construction and capital improvement projects for a large industrial or power facility.
Licenses and Certificates
Valid driver's license
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Electrical Engineering Degree
Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) from the state of Minnesota
Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)
Electric Code and Electric Safety Code knowledge and experience
MN Class A Electrician License
Experience in the planning, maintenance and/or operation of electrical equipment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: the utility industry; operations, services, and activities of a municipal engineering program; advanced theory, principles, and practices of electric engineering and design; five-year capital improvement budget preparation and monitoring policies and procedures; principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work; principles and practices of complex project management and administration; methods and techniques of complex contract negotiations and administration; methods, materials, and techniques used in electrical engineering projects including those used in the design and construction of development projects; methods and techniques of engineering plan review and analysis; engineering maps and records; recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to innovations and trends in civil engineering design and development; principles and practices of business correspondence and technical report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; graphic software; principles of training; occupational health and safety standards; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Skill in: using computer-based accounting systems; MS Office; managing diverse projects and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to: lead, organize, and review the work of staff; interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures; prepare engineering computations; prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, and estimates for projects; perform highly complex technical research and solve engineering problems; conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports and recommendations; coordinate and monitor the work of contractors performing engineer activities; serve as the project manager on one or more complex projects; prepare and manage complex project budgets; maintain detailed project management records and documentation; interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; manage the work of outside consultants; respond to questions and inquiries from a variety of sources regarding engineering and development projects; coordinate activities with internal and external agencies and committees; use and care of engineering, surveying, and drafting instruments and equipment; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems; prepare and present clear, concise and accurate oral and written technical and narrative reports; deal tactfully and effectively with the general public; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
However, there are times when this position will need to lift plans and/or construction documents and navigate the terrain of a construction or project site.
Physical demands
that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: Standing, Sitting, Walking, Fine Dexterity
Frequent demands: Lifting, Handling, Reaching, Carrying
Occasional demands: Pushing/Pulling, Kneeling, Crouching, Bending
Sensory requirements
necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing and touch.
*Environmental conditions
*Work is primarily performed in an office setting, however inspections of project sites are occasionally required.
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. You must be honest and accurate in answering the supplemental questions and
do not type "see resume".
You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview for this position. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Yes
No
02
What is your name?
03
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
Less than 2 years post-secondary training
Completion of a 2 year program or degree
Completion of a 4 year program or degree
Completion of a Master's degree or higher
None of the above
04
Other than your High School diploma/GED, which of the following best describes the field of study for your degree?
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
An engineering field of study closely related to the above
My degree is in an area NOT RELATED to any of the above
N/A - I do not have a degree
05
Are you currently registered as a Professional Engineer (PE)?
Yes
No
06
Do you possess any project management certification, such as Project Management Professional (PMP)?
Yes
No
07
Which of the following best describes your work experience managing new construction and capital improvement projects for a power or large industrial facility?
No experience
More than 3 years, but less than 6
More than 6 years, but less than 8
More than 8 years, but less than 10
More than 10 years, but less than 15
More than 15 years
08
Did your years of full-time employment experience managing new construction and capital improvement projects for a large commercial/industrial facility, include performing any of the following? (Select all that apply)
Recommending policies, procedures, goals, and program objectives vital to efficient and effective operations and in line with the organizational strategic plan
Overseeing the preparation of operating and capital improvement budgets
Developing a capital improvement plan and maintenance program for an electric utility
Overseeing major maintenance, capital improvements, electrical equipment installations
Reviewing electrical equipment maintenance and operating procedures
Developing strategic approaches and implementing programs to ensure compliance with all utility required policies and regulations, including environmental, reliability, etc.
Compiling and submitting required regulatory reports
Collaborating with other governmental and regulatory agencies, municipalities and public utilities
Leading, planning, training, and reviewing the work of technical and professional staff
Evaluating qualifications of and recommending outside consultants
Reviewing plans of consulting engineers and contractors
Preparing and reviewing work orders, specifications and contracts related to various maintenance and projects
Designing, installing and/or maintaining medium voltage 15kV (nominal) systems
Designing, installing and/or maintaining high voltage transmission lines in excess of 100kV
Designing, installing and/or maintaining electric substations of 15kV (nominal) or greater
Designing, installing and/or maintaining fiber optics, data, and communication systems
N/A - None of the above
09
Which of the following best describes your overall employment experience managing or leading projects?
N/A - I have no experience in this area
Limited - I have been responsible for managing simple project(s) with a predetermined scope and timeline, involving a single process or functional area.
Moderate - I have been responsible for managing complex project(s) with a broader scope and undefined timeline, providing work direction to internal resources, and involving multiple functional areas.
Extensive - I have been responsible for initiating, designing and executing project plans; defining the scope and establishing the timeline; monitoring the project budget; providing work direction to internal and external resources; and involving multiple functional areas and/or entities.
10
Did your employment experience managing and leading projects include performing any of the following? (Select all that apply)
Planning, coordinating, leading, and monitoring complex projects
Preparing work plans, developing protocols and standards, and defining and appropriately measuring results
Serving as project manager on complex construction projects
Providing technical oversight to staff assigned less complex projects
Administering project from inception to completion including design, review, public meetings, bidding and construction
Developing scope of work and serve as liaison to staff, developers, engineers, consultants, the general public and external agencies on projects
Developing project timelines and sets priorities; oversee the services of consultants
Preparing specifications for capital and major maintenance projects, materials and supplies used
Reviewing bids and price quotations, and recommending construction/vendor purchase awards
Prepare checkout procedures for new electrical installations and modifications and oversee the initial energization of the equipment
N/A - None of the above
11
Which of the following best describes the total amount of the annual operating budgets, including CIP (capital improvement plans), that you have been directly responsible for administrating?
No experience
Less than $100K
More than $100K, but less that $500K
More than $500K, but less than $1M
More than $1M
12
Which of the following best describes your employment experience working for a utility company as an employee, subcontractor, independent contractor or consultant:
N/A - I have no experience in this area
I have worked for a communications utility company
I have worked for a natural gas utility company
I have worked for a water utility company
I have worked for an electric utility company
13
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
14
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: City policy requires that finalists are required to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history.Please note that a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for employment with the City of Rochester. If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation?
Yes
No
Required Question