Join the diverse and dynamic team that powers Michigan's largest energy provider and one of the nation's largest gas and electric combination utilities. Consumers Energy services 6.7 million of Michigan's 10 million residents - caring for our friends and neighbors in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We embrace a cleaner and leaner utility vision focused on eliminating energy waste and adding renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar.
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
Design Technician
Department Summary
The LVD (Low Voltage Distribution) Engineering department produces quality, expert and efficient design services within scope and on-time to provide safe and reliable electric service to our customers. LVD Engineering is responsible for utility electrical distribution designs 25kV and below, from distribution substation exits to the customer meter.
Job Description/Responsibilities
This role is primarily responsible for electric distribution system design. The Technician will design projects as approved through the LVD Planning department, and as required for new business approved through the Customer Energy Management department.
The two main internal clients of the Design department are the circuit System Owners and Customer Energy Management Project Coordinators. Designs flow to Scheduling (and then to Field Construction) for execution in partnership with LVD Planning and Customer Energy Management.
Key Responsibilities in this area include:
Design electric distribution systems for customer relocation, capacity projects, failures or reliability improvement projects
Design various new business projects, including line extensions (primary, secondary) and services of various degrees of difficulty, and customer types (residential, commercial, industrial, developments)
Design in a CAD system
Identify other pole attachments
Negotiate with customers and obtaining easements (or work with the Right of Way department)
Work with government entities for permits (or work with the Permitting department)
Track projects in spreadsheets and/or databases
Create projects and/or orders and order materials in the work management system
Communicate work to internal departments (LVD Planning, Forestry, Long and Short-Range Scheduling, Field/Construction, Closeout, etc.)
Obtaining field notes outdoors, and at times, work in remote areas on uneven terrain and/or in difficult-to-access locations
Participate with storm and emergency restoration activities and includes both office and field assignments.
Requirements/Qualifications
A 2-year Associate Degree in the requisite scientific or technical field, of which, 48 credit hours must be technical in nature. 48 scientific or technical credit hours as measured on a semester basis; the 48 scientific or technical credit hours can be obtained through colleges, technical institutes, licensed apprenticeship programs, trade schools, military programs, etc.
Degree requirement may be waived if the applicant has extensive experience in lieu of education.
At least 1.5 years of applicable experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work as an independent contributor with minimal supervision
A valid driver's license
Must be willing to work additional hours as necessary to assist with storm restoration activities.
Ability to perform the above-mentioned duties in a safe manner at all times; driving to and from field (including remote) sites is required and the individual must be able to perform this function in all Michigan seasons
The following skills are not required however any one skill may set you apart from others:
Experience with electric utility
Successfully completed electric power classes
Experience with CAD systems
Electric line design or construction knowledge and experience
*The successful candidate must live within a 60 mile radius of the assigned headquarter.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:In compliance with the Executive Order issued by President Biden, all CMS Enterprises and Consumers Energy co-workers are required to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes remote, hybrid and in-person employees, new employees, and our service contractors. All hires must be fully vaccinated before they start. Proof of vaccination will be required. If you are unable to be vaccinated due to a disability (including medical conditions) or a sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance, you may be entitled to an accommodation in accordance with applicable law.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.