Distribution Designer II in Kalispell, Montana at Flathead Electric Cooperative
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Job Description
Distribution Designer II
Application Deadline: 5pm on Friday, August 14, 2026
Non-Union, Non-exempt, Full-Time
Grade 8, $68,827 - $84,281 DOE
Location: Kalispell, MT (Onsite)
All Offers of Employment Conditioned on Pre-employment Drug Screening and Background Check and are Subject to a One-Year Probationary Period of Employment.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Become familiar and obtain a thorough knowledge of FEC Specifications and Service Requirements, NESC Requirements, and Engineering Software Programs. Observe and gain knowledge of practical construction methods.
- Learn and use engineering design tools; to include but not limited to StakeOut, AutoCAD, SAG10, and Pole Foreman; with minimum guidance.
- Apply knowledge to meet and discuss projects with members, prepare designs, stake, legally obtain easements, prepare cost estimates, and oversee work completed by members for new construction single phase service drops (100-320 amps), residential upgrades and changes of services, installation and replacement of street/yard lights, meter and single-phase pole change outs. Drive to sites to meet with members, and utilize various equipment, such as ladders or other tools, complying with all safety regulations and policies.
- Responsible for inspecting to ensure jobs are built to FEC standards.
- Within two years of entering this position employee must be able to engineer and design for the above stated projects with minimal assistance from supervisors and have the ability to produce different solutions to situations.
- Under the direction of the Distribution Design Supervisor, assist senior Distribution Designers and System Lines Designer with projects as requested.
- Provide assistance to requesting member(s) with technical problems if possible or ask for assistance. When appropriate, refers member(s) to an outside source (i.e.: electricians, state, etc.).
- Review joint use new applications as assigned by management for completeness, accuracy, and ensure FEC infrastructure is not overstressed. Complete post installation review once installed.
- Oversee a region of the system for the joint use audit results. Follow up with attachers to address violations or unauthorized attachments.
- As requested, accurately compile data for use in studies and provide accurate information for all system records.
- Keep up-to-date on technical advancements relative to the position in the utility industry.
- When traveling throughout FEC territory, be aware of the condition of the system. When a problem or hazard is noticed, accurately complete a service order and/or communicate with the appropriate FEC department.
- Always assist members/vendors/employees and the general public in a courteous and professional manner ensuring their continued satisfaction with FEC. Work in harmony and show respect to all fellow employees in order to promote an effective and pleasant working environment.
- Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor regarding situations requiring immediate attention, problems/concerns, questions, etc.
- In pursuit of zero workplace incidents, promote and maintain a positive safety culture while adhering to all applicable policies outlined in the Safety Manual. Report all incidents and potential safety hazards in a timely manner to supervisor or Safety Coordinator.
- Become familiar with and keep current with FEC objectives and applicable policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities.
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Job Related Experience: 1 to 4 years utility industry experience. Demonstrated knowledge/ability in general mathematics and physics with emphasis on algebra and trigonometry.
Supervision: No Experience Supervising Required.
Computer Skills: Proficient on computer, including Microsoft Office 365 and operating systems relating to the Utility industry.
Certificates & Licenses: None required.
Other Qualifications:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Present a professional appearance at all times.
- Be a team player with effective verbal and written skills.
- Able to travel occasionally out-of-area and/or overnight.
- Able to work 40 hours per week with additional time as needed.
- Assume responsibility without direct supervision, display initiative and exercise good judgment.
- Legible handwriting.
- Be organized, accurate and exercise strong attention to detail.
- Possess proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Exhibit excellent member relations and customer service skills.
- Able to establish and maintain working relationships with a variety of individuals, some of whom have opposing points of view.
- Valid Montana Driver’s License and be insurable.
| PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Based on an 8 hour work day) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lift/Carry
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Push/Pull
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R (Rarely) Position requires this activity up to 5% of the time (0 - 2 hrs./day)
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 6% - 33% of the time (2 - 4 hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 34% - 66% of the time (4 - 6 hrs./day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (8+ hrs./day)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Will be working mostly outdoors in all types of weather and terrain.
As a cooperative, Flathead Electric is owned by the members who get their power from our Co-op, which includes everyone in the Flathead, Libby and Cooke City areas of Montana. That means the employees are members and own the cooperative too. We treat every member like family and friends, because they are.
For 85 years, Flathead Electric Cooperative has been an employer of choice in Northwest Montana. As part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Flathead Electric provides competitive pay, exceptional benefits including a retirement plan, a matching 401K, and generous health/dental/vision/disability insurance. We try to incorporate fun into our workdays, host employee family events throughout the year and provide opportunities for our employees to help the Board of Trustees shape the future of the Co-op by participating on exploratory advisory groups an, innovative pilot projects.
We believe in hiring the best and promoting from within. Flathead Electric provides on the job training and offers an education reimbursement program for those employees wishing to better their education to pursue opportunities at our Co-op. Flathead Electric is an equal opportunity employer. Flathead Electric Cooperative does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or retaliation.
Some positions are “safety sensitive,” some require a CDL, and all have access to confidential member information at times. Therefore, we screen our applicants thoroughly. All employment offers are contingent upon passing a limited background check and a drug screening appropriate for the position. Once hired, employment is subject to a one-year probationary period, during which time employment may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice.
By submitting this application, the applicant affirms that information provided is true and complete information, no requested information has been concealed, and Flathead Electric Cooperative is authorized to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information provided is found to be untrue, or concealed, employment may be denied or terminated.