Description

Open until filled, review of applications March 12, 2026

Full-time, non-represented, exempt

BENEFITS:

• Vacation and Sick leave accruals, 12 paid Holidays which includes one (1) floating holiday
• Up to two (2) weeks executive leave annually
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• City paid $105,000 life insurance
• Long-term disability plan
• Washington State Retirement Systems (PERS)
• Participation in VEBA (Health Reimbursement Account)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Choice of two (2) Employee contributed Deferred Compensation Plans

GENERAL FUNCTION
Directs, plans, organizes and designs the work of the engineering activities of the City Light Department in the construction, operation and maintenance of the electric transmission, distribution, and substation systems. Supervise engineering, substation, meter shop personnel, and consultants involved in the system planning, design, construction, substation operations, and metering for the Department.

This classification description reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in a position.

Position Summary

Supervises a staff with diverse technical skills and assists the General Manager in developing resource plans, budgets, goals, and objectives. Manage design consultants to generate designs for new transmission, distribution, and substation facilities as required. Manage an existing TWACS AMR system (100% customer connectivity) and assist in the selection and implementation of warehouse inventory and maintenance management systems.  Manage substation operations. Develop standards for transmission and distribution line construction, both for customer connections and for improvements to the bulk power and distribution systems.  Develop appropriate philosophies and guidelines for system improvements and operation, including modeling of the existing system for thermal limits, phase loading and voltage drop.  Develop forecasting methods and systems and assist the General Manager in resource planning and system project planning. Manage mapping and documentation of the City’s Electric System.  Centralia City Light also operates the 12-MW Yelm Hydroelectric Project (Francis turbines) and will take advantage of any generation engineering skill sets also.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions – Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Supervises a staff of eight to ten personnel that perform electrical engineering and operations related tasks as needed to meet the goals of the City Light Department.
• Develops construction and design standards and ensures electrical transmission, distribution, and communication facilities are constructed to City standards, and are in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and State of Washington requirements.
• Monitor the inventory of distribution transformers to ensure adequate supplies are available for proposed new construction projects, maintenance replacements and emergency supplies. 
• Assists the General Manager and the Generation Manager in engineering design and problem solving at the City’s Yelm Hydroelectric Project, including FERC reporting and response.
• Assists the General Manager in managing the City’s BPA power contracts.
• Manages and oversees the mapping databases and initiates new drawings and revisions.
• Manages and oversees the City’s substation operations, maintenance, and improvements.
• Manages and oversees the City’s electric metering operations, maintenance, and improvements.
• Often acts as project manager for major transmission, distribution, and substation rebuild projects.
• Makes recommendations for program activities necessary to meet Department goals; provides capital needs forecasts, cost estimates and appropriate supportive documentation for annual and long-range budgeting.
• Manages and oversees the engineering of distribution, transmission, substation, and metering systems.
• Manages the electric facilities database and Department maintenance management reporting systems.
• Oversees prevention, as well as detection and prosecution, in the event of energy diversion and theft.
• Provides engineering design service and oversight for new and retrofit electric services for customers.
• Manages engineering design work on major capital improvement and major street improvement projects for transmission and distribution facilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Prepares complex reports and studies as needed to meet federal and state requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in the office and in the field. Must be able to travel to and from meetings and occasionally to customer premises. Must be able to work in normal and adverse weather conditions. Occasional field work is required which might present a hazard from energized electrical equipment, construction areas, machinery and loud noises. Must be able to use a computer, telephones, and radio systems. This position involves frequent sitting, frequent standing, frequent walking and moderate driving.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field of study. Extensive experience in planning, design, specification preparation, maintenance, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after 10 years’ practice as a degreed engineer). Must be a registered Professional Engineer (must hold a Washington State license or be seeking registration in Washington State). Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Experience leading engineering projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively and collaborating with a wide range of internal and external customers.
• Experience in Transmission and/or Distribution line design.
• Experience with small-plant hydroelectric generation desired.
• Knowledge of NESC requirements and regulations.
• Experience working within the electric utility industry.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Previous supervisory experience desired.
• Experience mentoring young engineering staff.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate electrical system operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply please submit a City of Centralia employment application available on the City website along with a cover letter and resume.  E-mail applications must be signed and mailed after electronic filing. NOTE: Resumes may be submitted but will NOT be accepted in lieu of the City’s application form. Applications can be e-mailed, but the City must receive an original signed application prior to interview. The City of Centralia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity and access regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabled veteran status, veteran status, physical, mental or sensory disability. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities during the selection process, if requested. Please notify Personnel of the accommodation needed, preferably at the time of applying. Only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States are eligible for employment. All new employees will be required to complete and sign an Employment Eligibility Verification form and present documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility.