Engineering Technician

Location: Colman or Brandon, SD
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Join Sioux Valley Energy

Sioux Valley Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to communities across eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota. We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Engineering Technician to join our Engineering Department.

This position plays a vital role in supporting electric system planning, design, maintenance, and reliability through engineering analysis, drafting, data management, field investigations, and technical support.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, update, and maintain AutoCAD drawings, electrical switchgear drawings, construction specifications, and engineering standards documentation.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain engineering and system data to support construction work plans, engineering studies, and system reliability initiatives.
• Assist with system studies, including sectionalizing, protection coordination, short-circuit analysis, and reliability improvement projects.
• Support preparation of construction work plans, environmental reports, and annual construction budgets.
• Create and maintain construction units and records within staking and utility software systems.
• Prepare switching orders and assist with planning and implementation of switching operations, alternate feeds, outage restoration, and maintenance activities.
• Investigate, design, and stake distribution system projects; prepare staking sheets, permits, and construction documentation.
• Troubleshoot electronic switchgear, controls, and related equipment.
• Coordinate and maintain records for equipment testing programs, including electronic controls testing, battery maintenance, oil testing, dissolved gas analysis (DGA), thermal inspections, and other maintenance activities.
• Assist with SCADA installation, testing, and documentation.
• Maintain engineering and distribution maintenance records and communicate findings requiring follow-up by engineering or operations personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical school degree or at least two years of college-level coursework in a technical field.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with spreadsheet, database, and word-processing applications.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric principles to utility engineering and design problems.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Electric utility experience in engineering, operations, construction, or consulting.
• Experience with electric line design and construction.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and computer-aided drafting.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping systems.
• Understanding of electric utility engineering practices, system protection coordination, utility specifications, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

Working Conditions

This position combines office and field work, with approximately 20% of time spent outdoors. Candidates must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and around electrical equipment. Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform field measurements, inspections, and research activities.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and copiers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present information to others.

Why Sioux Valley Energy?

At Sioux Valley Energy, you'll be part of a team committed to powering our communities through innovation, safety, and exceptional service. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the reliability of the electric system serving our members.

Apply Today

If you are interested in building a rewarding career with a member-focused electric cooperative, we encourage you to apply for the Engineering Technician position.

Sioux Valley Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.