Customer Projects Designer I/II/III (Charlottesville, Hybrid)

Job Summary

Whether you're launching your career or seeking a new challenge, take the next step with a dynamic role that blends technical expertise and hands-on fieldwork. As a Customer Projects Designer with Electric Distribution Design, you'll balance in-office work with external field assignments, contributing to critical projects in all conditions. This impactful role plays a key part in designing power solutions that serve local residences and the community. If you're ready to grow in a vital, rewarding industry, this is the perfect opportunity!

This position will be filled either at the entry, mid, or senior level based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Complexity of assignments, expectations, and responsibilities increase based on level.

• This customer-oriented role, engineers technical electric distribution solutions by applying principals to account for equipment and labor, and project manages approximately 50-100 projects from inception to completion.
• Projects include, but are not limited to new construction, maintenance, and relocation of electric distribution facilities.
• Communicates company policy and procedures, electric service requirements, and project schedules and status to internal and external customers.  
• Designers represent the Company throughout the design process as the assigned point of contact for the customer.
• Participates in the 2-year electric distribution designer training program and is evaluated through class participation, practical field experiences, and continuous advisory reviews.
• Inspects project sites, designates facility placement, determines metering requirements, and prepares service agreements and detailed drawings utilizing Arc-FM, Auto-Cad, or other tools as appropriate.
• Analyzes electrical load data and performs calculations to determine size and location of electric distribution facilities based on engineering standards, existing or proposed easements, Right-of-Way permits and operational needs and requirements.
• Utilizes work management system to prepare cost estimates based on design of new construction or modification of existing facilities.
• Coordinates installation/relocation of other utilities (i.e. cable television, phone, etc).
• Prepares underground agreements, billing authorities, revenue calculations, negotiates and secures Right-of-Way permits, environmental permits, easement agreements and highway/railroad permits.
• Reconciles construction field adjustments (as-builts) to ensure mapping accuracy in the Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Identifies safety issues - checks equipment and work area regularly to ensure safety and compliance; identifies hazards and improvements that could prevent safety problems; evaluates impact of decisions and actions on own and others' safety.
• Assists in storm restoration processes by driving, patrolling, scouting damage locations and digitally obtaining information.
• Assists in customer issue resolutions and regulatory inquiries.
• Candidates hired at the Customer Projects Designer II or Customer Projects Designer III levels are expected to work more complex design assignments while demonstrating strong leadership and mentorship abilities.

The Customer Projects Designer role has a three (3) year commitment that includes a two (2) year training program plus one (1) year in the field post training. Performance will be evaluated through written evaluations, field practice evaluations and instructor/leader‘s assessments.  Please note, work location may be adjusted to align with business needs. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

Customer Project Designer I:

Minimum:

• 0 - 2+ years directly related experience;

• Basic knowledge of electric distribution design, electricity, company policies and procedures, and mainframe and personal computer;

• Skills:  verbal, written and interpersonal communication; time management and organization; project management; math and technical aptitude;

• Abilities:  effectively interact with customers and team members; detail oriented;

• Physical attributes to perform essential function: walking, climbing, stooping, bending and prolonged standing.

• Valid driver's license and ability to drive

Customer Project Designer II:

Minimum:

• 2 - 3+ years directly related experience;

• Successful completion of the Customer Projects Designer Development Program or previous external experience demonstrating knowledge of fundamental overhead and commercial design;

• Knowledge of distribution design, electricity, company policies and procedures

• Skills:  verbal, written and interpersonal communication; time management and organization; project management; math and technical aptitude;

• Abilities:  effectively interact with customers and team members; detail oriented;

• Physical attributes to perform essential function of the job: walking, climbing, stooping, bending and prolonged standing.

• Demonstrated leadership ability

• Valid driver's license and ability to drive

Customer Project Designer III: 

Minimum:

• 5+ years directly related experience

• Successful completion of the Customer Projects Designer Development Program (internal) or comparable development program (external) (preferred) 

• Knowledge of distribution design, electricity, company policies and procedures and mainframe and personal computer

• Skills: verbal, written and interpersonal communication; time management and organization; project management; math and technical aptitude

• Abilities: effectively interact with customers; teaming; detail oriented

• Physical attributes to perform essential function of the job: walking, climbing, stooping, bending and prolonged standing.

• Valid driver's license and ability to drive

A partial year of experience of 6 months or more will be rounded to one year of experience.

Education Requirements

Degree or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated related experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred level of education: Associates

Disciplines: Preferred: Business, Engineering, Engineering Technology,
Liberal Arts
Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above.

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Notary Public; Projects Designer Development Program; Valid state driver's license

Working Conditions

Other Working Conditions

Test Description

This job requires "recommended" test results from Modern Hire Customer Projects Designer Virtual Job Tryout administered online.  The assessment is untimed, but usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.