Primary Responsibilities

The Manager of Engineering maintains and enhances the delivery of electric energy and related services to the Cooperative's membership by managing the engineering department's activities and resources through planning, implementing, and evaluating its functioning. Reports directly to the COO, keeping them informed of major engineering initiatives, project milestones, and end results that are being achieved. Provides reports and information regarding progress and developments to other departments and seeks professional and technical assistance, as needed, from staff departments and consultants to enable desired results.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages the engineering staff including the delivery of annual performance appraisals, encouraging employees' growth and development.
• Prepares annual budget for Engineering Department and reviews periodically to ensure adherence.
• Ensures proper planning and design of new distributions lines, transmission lines, substation projects, and the upgrade of existing facilities.
• Participates in the development of the Cooperative’s operating practices and policies, strategic objectives, long-range forecasting.
• Reviews, approves, and evaluates designs submitted by external consultants. 
• Oversees the Staking Department to ensure timely service to members and developers in compliance with the Cooperative’s line extension policies.
• Maximizes the efficiency of the Engineering Department by following data metrics and keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
• Performs cost/benefit analysis and works with operations, information technology, and accounting to study and select viable technologies to carry out the strategic initiatives of the cooperative.
• Ensures proper evaluation of protective devices and automatic switchgear through direct study or consultants.
• Ensures fault current and load flow calculations are analyzed periodically to confirm proper equipment placement and specifications.
• Communicates with our members and internal leadership on the progress of major strategic initiatives and system engineering planning projects.

Qualifications

Education and Knowledge:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of electric distribution design or an equivalent power design field.
• Ability to learn and utilize various software systems utilized by the Cooperative.
• Valid Driver License required.

Preferred Requirements:

• Basic understanding of finance to develop and manage department budget.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Registered Professional Engineer within the state of Virginia or be able to obtain one within 1-year of employment with the Cooperative.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Primary Responsibilities

Prince George is hiring an Engineer who will play an integral role in our continued growth and success, supporting our electric distribution functions and our growing fiber broadband subsidiary, RURALBAND. 

Location:

The successful candidate will be located at our company headquarters in Waverly, VA. 

Description of Responsibilities:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ideal candidate will provide field services to members and perform functions that support customer service by following established Cooperative procedures and industry practices to accomplish desired goals. In addition, the selected candidate will perform the following job duties:
• Schedule initial contact with the member for new electric and internet service, including upgrades, relocations, and security lights in a timely manner. 
• Assist in design and staking of the electric system and fiber construction and improvements.
• Generate job orders, staking sheets, and material charge tickets for work orders with the ability to understand and use software systems related to the process. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Ability to assume responsibility of a standby supervisor for the purpose of emergency calls.
• Assign map number and location of account on the map along with section number, circuit number, protective device, and substation.
• Follow required policies and procedures. 
• Request Virginia’s Miss Utility Locates when needed to prevent delays in electrical and fiber design projects.
• Assist in marking Grid Miss Utility work zones.
• Generate invoices and file all forms signed by the member.
• Aid in the maintenance of records and maps.
• Implement plans to develop and maintain operations and engineering databases and coordinate efficient interaction between databases.
• Maintain a record of county releases for an electrical inspection.
• Maintain an alphanumeric listing of work orders imputed into the system.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of PGEC’s tariffs, policies, and terms and conditions for supplying electric service.
• Must be fluent with IT systems/mobile device usage. 
• Ability to understand the Cooperative goals by applying a high level of technical competency with teamwork and enthusiasm.
• Performs all other duties as required.
• Prepare and obtain construction permits from VMRC, Corps of Engineers, Accomack County Wetlands Board, US Department of Environmental and Quality, and VDOT.
• Designs line construction work utilizing practices and procedures in accordance with Rural Utilities (RUS, National Electric Safety Code (NESC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), local regulations, and Prince George Electric Cooperative safety manual.
• Identify second-party landowner at courthouse and service applicant to obtain, draft, and record easements from the second-party landowner for electric service.
• Participate in safety programs and make contributions that may be beneficial for the safety of fellow employees.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is highly desirable with 0+ years of experience. 
• Ability to operate various office equipment such as a personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine, or other job-related equipment.

LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS: 

• The individual should be capable of pursuing Notary Public upon hire and less than 2 years of service at PGEC. Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• 1-2 years prior experience in design or construction of an electric distribution system.
• Experience with AutoCAD and WindMil or similar software desirable. 
• Familiar with RUS substation and distribution line design; construction, operation, and maintenance practices; industry safety practices; OSHA safety requirements, and the National Electrical Safety Code.

Working Conditions

• The working environment of this position will vary from inside work to outside work and in inclement weather.  
• The individual selected will be expected to work outside regular business hours to respond to emergencies and or storm restoration efforts.
• Overtime work may be required to complete job tasks.
• The essential job duties require lifting, standing, stooping, crawling, and using ladders, and work in prone or difficult positions.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Serving Southeastern Virginia for more than 80 years, Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) is known for its dedication to our members and commitment to the communities we serve. If you share our values of safety, community commitment, reliable electricity, accountability, and innovation and are looking for the opportunity to enrich others' lives, consider applying for our Member Service Representative (MSR) position. 

This highly motivated MSR will assist customers in all aspects and create a positive member experience by providing superior customer service to members and prospective members. In addition, this position will support the cooperative's strategy to increase broadband access to the members we serve. PGEC's wholly-owned subsidiary, RURALBAND, is proud to now bring fiber-to-the-home high-speed internet to those same communities. To perform this job successfully, the individual selected must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Position Type 

This is a full-time position, and typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:

The successful candidate may rotate from our Waverly and Prince George offices to ensure coverage at both locations. 

Description of Responsibilities:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Front line response to customer inquiries, drive-thru window comments or complaints regarding electric accounts, company policies, or procedures, and resolves issues in an effective, courteous manner.
• Answers incoming phone calls promptly and courteously, ensuring calls are completed or transferred accurately and efficiently.
• Contributes to the MSR team effort by accomplishing goals and meeting departmental expectations. 
• Acts as a liaison between member services and other departments by gathering, disseminating information to all involved.
• Processes electric accounts and miscellaneous accounts receivable payments.
• Maintains and balances cash drawer and prepares accurate daily deposits.
• Interprets and processes customer requests to start, stop, and transfer electric service.
• Maintains customer information to ensure accurate records.
• Monitors, responds, and intervenes to de-escalate and manage difficult or emotional member situations.
• Works with new members to gather all the necessary information needed to set up a new account.
• Provides information to customers on cooperative member benefits.
• Approves and schedules account payment arrangements.
• Determines service charges assesses deposits, adjusts account charges, and applies credits and rebates to accounts.
• Responds to customer complaints regarding billing or service rendered promptly, escalates to management when appropriate.
• Ability to work independently.
• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
• Manages medical alerts on accounts.
• Must possess excellent customer service and verbal skills.
• Picks up mail and travels to the bank as needed.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook) in the job's essential day-to-day duties, as demonstrated by prior work experience.

Required Experience:

• Minimum high school diploma required. 
• Minimum two years experience in customer service. 
• Must be able to act as a liaison between member services and other departments by gathering, disseminating information to all involved.
• Demonstrated ability to meet department goals and performance expectations.
• Must be able to work with team members and transfer knowledge to prevent silos.
• An electric utility or financial background is strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate various office equipment such as a personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine, or other job-related equipment.

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced, Fiber Optic Field Technician. RURALBAND continues to grow while providing "world class" Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) broadband internet service and voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service inside and outside of the PGEC service territory.

The Fiber Optic Field Technician reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for completing assigned tasks pertaining to the construction and maintenance of the fiber optic system. This position will provide the necessary support to maintain a complete fiber communications network capable of gigabit speeds to every location. Fiber Optic Field Technician must understand fiber splicing diagrams, fiber network design, and fiber construction. Additionally, this position is responsible for responding to outage situations during and after hours.

Essential Job Duties:

• Completes fiber optic fusion splicing, splicing single count, up to, but not limited to, 144 count fiber optic cable.
• Responds to outage situations, safely and effectively troubleshooting the active outage, making the necessary repairs required to restore service in a timely manner.
• Repairs or installs fiber optic cable using the aid of ladders, bucket trucks and must be able to conduct work at elevated heights.
• Performs work as a Lineman, (according to the level of classification), being proficient in overhead and underground work while following safety guidelines set forth.
• Complete in-home fiber-optic service installations, capable of provisioning ONT’s, verifying connectivity with appropriate speeds, while ensuring member satisfaction.
• Maintains accurate records of the fiber optic system using NISC and spreadsheets (to include adequate notes)
• Communicates with internal stakeholders to include the Maintenance Supervisor the Fiber Network Engineer, the Warehouse Manager, and the Fiber Design Engineer ensuring all operations operate smoothly.
• Communicates verbally and in writing to the Maintenance Supervisor any issues that may arise from time to time, impacting the project's overall performance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION:

• Associates degree preferred minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent required. Experience may be substituted for education.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Be familiar with the deployment of a fiber-optic network and maintenance practices; industry safety practices; OSHA safety requirements; and the National Electrical Safety Code.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Must have the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.  
• Must have good interpersonal and customer relations skills. 
• Must have the ability to test fiber using an Optical Time Domain (OTDR), power meters, and light source and light identifying testers. 
• Must have the ability to study and learn new procedures or methods and to apply that knowledge to job responsibilities.
• Must be able to read and understand splice diagrams as provided.
• Must have general PC abilities, including Microsoft Office and tablet operating skills. 
• Must be able to operate and navigate electronic maps.
• Experience with CMS preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Position requires occasional lifting to 50 pounds.  This position will also require working at elevated heights. The position requires the ability to work in hot and cold environments during and after normal working hours. Visual & audio acuity are essential functions of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• < 25% of travel outside of RURALBAND service territory for mutual aid support when required. Possible overnight travel for meetings or training. Must maintain valid driver's license and operate company vehicles safely and courteously.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Download Employment Application

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced Fiber Network Engineer to join our team as we build a “world class” gigabit Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) network. This position will report to the RURALBAND’s General Manager. The Fiber Network Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of the fiber-optic network.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary focus of this position is to manage & maintain all aspects of our FTTH network. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, this position will analyze and resolve technical problems with the Calix system and corresponding infrastructure, including but not limited to system configuration, deployment, and maintenance of the Calix ring infrastructure.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Responsible for developing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the RURALBAND’s fiber-optic network.

• Deploys and maintains LANs, WANs, DMZs, and wireless networks, including routers, firewalls, WAPs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware. 
• Supports the substation electronics, internal networks, and hardware switches configuration on Calix driven platform.
• Designs and develops hardware topology and VLAN segmentation required for routing traffic from a service point to the data center independently.
• Responsible for Cyber security considerations and experience in managing system resiliency is required. 
• Resolves problems of any scope related to the fiber network.
• Provides and documents solutions to problems via proven diagnostic techniques.
• Tracks, manages and documents all aspects of fiber optic network using Calix equipment and cable management. 
• Ensures fiber plant database is accurate and up to date by inputting physical fiber asset data and fiber inventory and circuit assignments into the data management systems.
• Coordinates materials and assignment processes (materials/resource availability, provisioning and configuring equipment, equipment testing, service needs, and assignments and scheduling) related to installation, repair, and maintenance needed.
• Configures, installs, and supports station-level electronics related to Calix, Cisco, Juniper, and Sienna switches.
• Assists with cabinet design & layout (site identification, electronics installation, and project coordination.)
• Works with field technicians on service calls and provisioning issues.
• Support end-users (members) at the ONT level when issues are escalated. 
• Responds to multiple sources (customer/teammates) requests regarding trouble tickets, troubleshooting, and general service information.
• Researches, develops, and recommends policies, procedures, reports, documentation systems, and resource materials.
• Responsible for the assurance of prompt assistance and timely resolution of issues for Wholesale and Key Accounts.
• Provides education to customers and teammates related to troubleshooting and support.
• Assists in determining requirements for future growth.
• Research existing databases, files, and records for network design, fiber optimization, and new aggregation points.
• Designs routes for fiber-based services, including point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing. 
• Assists in reviewing requirements, developing solutions, and conducting cost assessments for pre-sales opportunities.
• Provides concise weekly updates to management and effectively present project status to leadership.
• Takes initiative to stay current on skills and industry standards.
• Perform all other duties as needed and assigned. 

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience areas below:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field required. Networking Certifications and advanced degree desirable.

JOB KNOWLEDGE 

• 3 years of experience working in an Internet Service Provider environment. Experience with FTTH, DSL, or cable architectures, switches, and firewall technology, and an advanced understanding of layer 1, 2, and 3 network protocols is required. 
• Experience with ISP, IT, Cable, Cellular, VoIP, or other telecom experience is a must:
• Depth of working on a Linux-based environment in the configuration of switches, routers, VLANs, and troubleshooting is a must.
• Windows, Linux, Mac, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, telephony, and security devices.
• VoIP including Latency & Jitter management and MOS scores, QoS,
• VPNs, Wi-Fi, network address translation (NAT), and NMS tools.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Prior experience utilizing Google Earth and how to produce a professional and detailed KMZ file and can interpret outside plant construction KMZ.
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, in particular MS Excel.
• Proficient with fiber plant concepts and designs. (Feeder/distribution cables, color codes, x-connects, fiber characteristics, DB loss and attenuation, FTTH designs.
• Prior fiber design experience that includes ring configurations, FTTH projects, and backbone builds.
• Knowledge of GIS-based platforms and fiber inventory systems.
• FTTH network planning and design experience.
• Knowledge of ISP, building entrances, and NESC. 
• Familiar with POM equipment
• A proven ability to multi-task and plan/organize work to meet deadlines; with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience establishing and participating in a 24/7 responsive, on-call services support team. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities. 
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work as a team player.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position will require work hours outside of the normal business to meet project deadlines. In addition:

• Hours may fluctuate to support network outages or service degradation. 
• Occasional travel is required for off-site training & research, as well as travel throughout the service territory. 
• On-call duty will be required on a rotating schedule.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Download Employment Application

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced, Fiber Operations Coordinator. RURALBAND continues to grow while providing "world class" FTTH broadband internet service and voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service inside and outside of the PGEC service territory.

The Fiber Operations Coordinator reports to the Manager of Engineering and Operations (E&O) and is responsible for fiber construction within and outside of PGEC electric service territory. This position will provide coordination, oversight, and execution to complete fiber communications networks capable of gigabit speeds to every location. The Fiber Operations Coordinator must understand fiber splicing diagrams, fiber network design, and fiber construction using employees or contracted services. Additionally, this position is responsible for meeting project deadlines while also ensuring subscriber satisfaction and profitability.

Essential Job Duties:

• Coordinates with approved contractors to accomplish assigned work related to distribution and drop fiber construction, plan and schedule required work based on design-build schedule, reconciliation of completed work, plan and coordinate splice scheduling on the distribution fiber system and fiber construction using either staff or contracted services. 
• Maintains accurate count and track of all work using NISC and spreadsheets (to include adequate notes)
• Communicates with internal stakeholders such as the Warehouse Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Fiber Design Engineer, and the Manager of E&O to ensure workflows properly to prevent bottlenecks and downtime, submit weekly reports, perform crew visits to check on progress and address potential problems, communicate with customers and other departments as needed to address delays, problems or give updates. 
• Ensures goals for fiber network construction within and outside PGEC electric territory are met.
• Responsive to opportunities for territory expansion when financially beneficial. 
• Responsible for all construction of fiber networks from communication huts to network interface devices outside of buildings. 
• Manages, oversees, and facilitates all construction activities, including work by employees and contractors. 
• Administers construction contracts, including assuring necessary insurance and bonding requirements are met; approved work methods are followed; construction is performed accurately, and timely; testing is complete, and all splicing and test data are delivered.
• Assure splice guides, bill of materials, and other design documentation is accurately executed and distributed.
• Responsible for all regulatory and legal compliance for construction, including underground utility locating, traffic management, and soil erosion.
• Manages and monitors the progress of projects, and the quality of the customer experience, while tracking change and delay impact.  
• Communicates verbally and in writing any issues that may arise from time to time, impacting the project's overall performance.
• Monitors construction performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as on-schedule completion, within budget completion, cost per foot for construction overhead and underground, landowner complaints, Rework, Q/A Scorecard, and Customer Feedback.
• Responsible for construction contractor invoice approval and tracking.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION:

• Associates or bachelor's degree required, with technical certifications preferred. Experience may be substituted for education.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fiber construction and operations preferred. Experience with fiber outside plant construction methods and processes, GPON fiber network topology, construction maps. 

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Must be able to plan and organize work to meet deadlines. Work is varied and requires a high degree of accuracy with attention to detail. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are critical. Working as a team player and leadership ability is an essential function of this position. Interpersonal skills with employees, customers, contractors, and the public are required. 
• Must have general PC abilities, including Microsoft Office and tablet operating skills. 
• Must be able to operate and navigate electronic maps. 
• GIS experience is preferred 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Position requires occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. Visual & audio acuity are essential functions of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• < 25% of travel outside of RURALBAND service territory for construction inspection, subscriber, and landowner issues. Possible overnight travel for meetings or training. Must maintain valid driver's license and operate company vehicles safely and courteously.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Download Employment Application

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced, Sales Representative to grow while providing "world class" Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) broadband internet service and voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service inside and outside of the PGEC service territory. The Sales Representative will report to the RURALBAND's General Manager and will be responsible for identifying commercial and residential sales opportunities. 

As a part of the team, you'll play a pivotal role in developing an understanding of the community needs and educating prospective members as to the value of the product. Your success will require a combination of superior sales, technical and negotiation skills.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plan, prepare and execute sales, including marketing and branding strategies based on industry trends along with feedback from sales and customers to maximize revenue and profitability. 
• Ability to work in direct sales with customers at their place of business to support current and new fiber sales opportunities
• Ability to identify prospect new sales leads by using a combination of superior sales, technical and negotiation skills.
• Sustains rapport with key accounts by making periodic visits; exploring specific needs; anticipating new opportunities
• Generates new leads by actively prospecting, cold-calling, and developing relationships with businesses and business partners
• Manages and continuously grow a healthy sales pipeline and drive new business growth streams
• Displays a solid knowledge of RURALBAND's fiber network and technical deployment.
• Communicates the RURALBAND's fiber value proposition to commercial businesses
• Schedules meetings and presentations with prospective members.
• Creates, plans, and delivers presentations on products.
• Tracks all sales activities, maintain current records, and updates account information regularly.
• Develops and maintains strong ongoing relationships with current and prospective members. 
• Negotiates prices and terms and prepare enterprise-level sales agreements.
• Coordinates enterprise-level contract sales from pre-sales to connection.
• Researches, recommends, develops, and maintains policies, procedures, reports, documentation systems, and resource materials related to sales.
• Responsible for the assurance of prompt assistance and timely resolution of issues for wholesale and key accounts.
• Engage in community involvement opportunities to increase residential and commercial sales.
• Maintains current understanding of the market and adapts to the needs of the community.

Education/Experience Requirements

• 1-3 years sales experience or a bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communication, or related field. 
• Experience working in a sales environment is required. 
• Strong background in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related technical field desirable.
• Fiber broadband technology experience and knowledge preferred. 
• Experience with telecommunications outside sales or technical sales desired.
• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales quotas.
• Strong persuasion, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Successful track record of developing and maintaining customer relationships.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with customers quickly.
• Must possess the ability to identify, execute and close sales opportunities. 
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of products.
• Ability to meet deadlines and provide a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Experience with ISP, IT, Cable, Cellular, VoIP, or other telecom experience preferred.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work as a team player.
• Strong skills and experience using computer software, hardware, and Windows operating systems are required. 
• The ability to speak Spanish is preferred.

Working Condition: 

• The ability to work outside of normal business hours will be required as part of community engagement. 
• May also be required to work long or unpredictable hours in the event of a network outage or service degradation to maintain open communication with members. 
• Some travel is required for off-site training & research. 
• Travel will be required within and outside PGEC service territories. 

Download Employment Application