JOINT USE SPECIALIST
Salary: Range 43 ($44.06 - $53.56/hour DOQ)
Employment Status: Regular, Exempt, Full-Time position
Benefit Package: Regular, Full-Time Employee Benefits
Remote Work: Hybrid Option; At Least 75% of Scheduled Work Time in the Office
Schedule: 4 x 10s or 5 x 8s with Flexible Schedule Options
Reports to: Staking Supervisor
To Apply: Visit https://www.epud.org/about-us/careers/ to complete the online application and submit the following documents:
1. Cover letter (Explain why you want to be considered for this position. Please provide details about your past work-related experience to support your qualifications.)
2. Resume
3. Veterans’ Preference Form, if applicable
Culture and Environment:
Emerald PUD is looking to add a knowledgeable, experienced, and motivated Joint Use Specialist to our team. This position’s primary responsibility is to maintain and improve the joint use program to ensure attachments to Emerald’s overhead transmission and distribution system are completed in a safe, effective, and compliant manner. Additionally, this position will be responsible for the development, enhancement, and execution of a robust joint use program. We need someone who is knowledgeable, organized and experienced in joint use practices, can manage multiple projects at a time, can make sound decisions on behalf of the utility and the customers, and can provide exceptional internal and external customer service.
This position will work in unison with the Engineering Technician team, as well as the Operations team and outside construction positions. The Joint Use Specialist is part of the Operations Department and reports directly to the Staking (Engineering) Supervisor.
We offer a robust and competitive benefit package, including exceptional medical coverage. In addition, Emerald covers the cost of the monthly medical premiums for employees and their dependents.
At Emerald PUD, we take pride in delivering an essential service to our customers, with safety and reliability as our top priorities. As employees, we share a set of core values, which reflect the fundamental reasons we all choose to work here.
Core Values:
Service
We’re motivated to serve others.
We care about the local community.
We improve the lives of those around us.
Flexibility
We're willing to step into other roles.
We adapt quickly.
We’re responsive to the needs of others.
Empowerment
We’re trusted to do what’s right.
We take responsibility for our actions.
We learn from our mistakes.
Reliability
We do what we say we’re going to do.
We’re always willing to pitch in.
We’re there when others need us.
Safety
We never forget the risk in our industry.
We watch out for each other.
We speak up.
Job Summary:
The Joint Use Specialist plays a key role in Emerald’s mission to provide safe and reliable power. This position should expect a high level of ownership of the joint use program, and should hold attachers on Emerald’s system accountable to industry standards of construction. In order to successfully manage the program, the Joint Use Specialist will need to have a strong understanding of contracts, agreements, rules, and regulations, must be able to effectively implement those rules, and be able to communicate with internal staff, contractors and foreign agencies. Advanced computer skills are necessary in order for the Joint Use Specialist to be successful, and practical application of Microsoft Office, Databases, GIS tools and other systems will be necessary. This position will work in an office environment most of the time but will be required to also work in a rural field environment from time to time in order to conduct inspections or site meets as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Amount of time working in each function may vary. It is expected that the amount of time spent performing each function will fluctuate as needed for an employee to successfully manage their schedule.
1. Joint Use Administration- Maintain the joint use program for Emerald’s poles and communication facilities as detailed below. Maintain and update joint use permit documentation and databases, including joint use pole surveys and audits. Process applications for attachment, transfer, and make ready requests through the National Joint Use Notification System (NJUNS). Coordinate pre and post field inspections to ensure compliance with National Electric Safety Codes (NESC) and determine if there is potential for violations or pole loading issues, or if “Make Ready” work is required. Also conduct field inspections to identify violations and un-transferred communication attachments. Act as the main point of contact for joint use contracts, projects, and general questions, which includes communicating with utility companies, agencies, and construction personnel on a regular basis. Maintain records to ensure accurate billing and timely collection of fees. Process sanctions related to violations discovered in the field.
2. Contracts, Agreements, and Processes- Create, update, negotiate and manage pole attachment, master lease, and site lease agreements following the latest rules or regulations as required by OPUC, NESC, or others having jurisdiction over attachments in the State of Oregon. Develop and define existing or new processes related to joint use best practices in order to maintain compliance and system reliability.
3. Communication and Collaboration- This position will work independently at times, but must coordinate with multiple employees, departments, utility companies, those with authority to make rules, and other agencies in order to effectively administer the joint use program. As a result, it is imperative to cooperate and keep an open mind when working with others, both internally and externally. Focus on developing strong, effective working relationships with colleagues across departments. Willingly share skills, competencies, and knowledge with others. Communicate with customers, developers, contractors, and agencies in a professional manner and negotiate with tact. This position is the utility liaison with joint use partners, and training of joint users and holding them accountable will be necessary from time to time.
4. Training and Education- Continually review and interpret rules governing attachments. Frequent attendance to seminars, conferences, training events and meetings will be necessary in order to align joint use program with industry trends. Seek training in order to better understand the complexities of joint use and all that it entails.
5. Contractor Management- Define and implement contractor duties, responsibilities and contracts as it relates to joint use pre and post inspections and make ready construction activities. Process data collected and distribute that data to the Engineering Technician team, Operations Department and attachment companies. Put together, distribute, and collect invoices for associated fees.
6. Work Management- Embrace the culture of empowerment by using sound judgment, thoroughly reviewing and analyzing problems, make reasonable recommendations, and develop alternate solutions when necessary. Work independently and take ownership of assignments, following through to ensure projects and tasks are completed on time and in a thorough manner. Take initiative to solve problems and explore opportunities to increase efficiency.
7. Computer and Technology- Utilize diverse computer systems and programs to gather and analyze data. Help generate meaningful information to assist with decision making, increase efficiency, and maximize productivity. Be receptive to opportunities and changes involving new technologies and procedures.
8. Customer Service- Provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers to ensure expectations are met or exceeded. Help to build Emerald’s brand as a trusted advisor and provider of choice by looking for opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
9. Perform other duties as assigned related to the job.
Job Skills:
1. Ability to establish and maintain effective customer relations and respond to customers in a professional manner.
2. Ability to exercise efficient time management, self-motivation, initiative, resourcefulness, and organization, and shift job duties mid-stream.
3. Capability to manage work in a timely and organized manner.
4. Capability of using sound judgment when faced with problems or addressing confidential customer situations.
5. Ability to collaborate across departments including with peers, customers, contractors, and agency personnel.
6. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
7. Willingness and ability to learn new concepts and adopt alternative techniques within the rapidly changing utility industry.
Experience:
1. Must have at least one year of experience developing, implementing, administering, and managing company processes and policies.
2. Must have knowledge and practical application of Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
3. Must have knowledge and experience with databases and inventory systems.
4. Must possess a current and valid Oregon driver’s license and have a good driving record.
5. Electric distribution utility field work experience is preferred.
6. Joint use experience is preferred.
7. Knowledge and experience with NESC, PUC, OSHA, and State Rules is preferred.
8. Experience reading, comprehending, and implementing contract terms and conditions is preferred.
9. Experience working with the NJUNS website is preferred.
10. Must become proficient with Emerald’s GIS system within six-months of hire.
Education:
1. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Advanced technical coursework in electric distribution systems is very desirable.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
1. Must be able to maintain a level of fitness and agility that will meet the physical requirements of the job, which includes the ability to walk a lot throughout the day, sometimes on rough and uneven terrain, lift carry, pull and push items up to 50 lbs., and crouch, stoop, twist, turn, and balance on a frequent basis in order to complete the field work.
2. Must be able to continually assess the environment due to exposure to high voltage lines, hazardous equipment and chemicals, and inclement weather in order to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
3. The office environment requires the ability to work prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer, and can include shared work spaces and exposure to consistent or frequent noise from employee conversations.
4. Must be willing to work over the regular 40 hour/week schedule, and be willing to be called out for service in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
Note: This description is intended to represent key areas of responsibility. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Nothing in this description restricts EPUD’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Job descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs.