POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at Leland Olds Station in Stanton, ND.

As an entry-level position, the incumbent will evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modification on power plant system components to improve plant reliability, safety, and performance. Work assignments are varied and tend to be completing smaller projects and assisting experienced mechanical engineers with engineering work on projects of varying scope. These assignments are designed to develop professional work knowledge and ability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Under supervision, develop technical portions of a contract for use on new or retrofit facilities. This includes technical review of equipment, establishment of specifications, preparation of drawings, and assistance in evaluation of bids for each contract.
• Assist maintenance engineering staff in completing engineering studies to improve plant performance, safety, and reliability, as required. Activities may include utilizing and developing computer programs, collecting and evaluating test data, and preparing and reviewing technical information.
• Assist with collecting vibration data on assigned plant equipment using vibration data equipment and computer software. Assist with evaluating collected data to diagnose problems and recommend repairs. During unit outages, assist with inspections of plant equipment and systems and coordination of minor repairs. Will also oversee contractors on smaller projects to ensure work is completed correctly and on schedule.
• To solve engineering problems, apply standard practices and principles in specific situations; gather, adjust, and correlate data; recognize discrepancies in results; and follow operations through a series of related, detailed steps and processes. Some economic analysis of possible solutions is required.
• Develop and provide engineering skills and design effort required on existing power plant projects that may include system design, equipment selection, contract development, and construction oversight as required.
• Develop effective working relationships with all major departments within Basin Electric Power Cooperative headquarters and staff at operating power plants, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited mechanical engineering program. 
• A valid driver’s license.
   

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; and occasional standing/walking, bending/reaching, kneeling, climbing, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 15 pounds and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position requires use of keyboard/computer and occasionally working at heights up to 600 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. This position requires good finger dexterity, hand coordination, good hearing and good vision. The incumbent may occasionally work in confined spaces, and be exposed to extreme heat/cold, dirt, fumes, chemicals, vibration, and noise. Tools/equipment used include floating pick scaffolding, vibration testing equipment, velocity measuring probes, electronic thickness testers, slag hammer, computer equipment, ultrasonic testing equipment, and surveying equipment This position must be respirator qualified.

KEY SKILLS

• Technical knowledge of mechanical engineering and a basic knowledge of computers.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, coordinate projects, develop plans, present information to others, and work under pressure to complete assignments.