04/28/2007 13430

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER CONSULTANT

DEFINITION: This is professional consultative electrical engineering work.

An employee in this job performs advanced developmental and consultative electrical engineering work in support of a statewide public works engineering function. Work requires developing solutions to design or general construction problems, which require advanced or innovative electrical engineering principles and methods. An employee in this job is an electrical engineering expert, and serves as a project coordinator for construction projects contracted to professional, licensed engineers or designed in-house and is required to advise outside architectural consultants, construction managers, construction inspectors and agency officials on an ongoing basis for a wide range of complex construction projects. In the Bureau of Mine Safety, work involves serving as a responsible charge engineer for the most complex underground mine electrical safety issues. An employee is required to advise on the effects of new technology or changes to existing standards by identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the engineering methods, practices and materials. An employee may be involved in conducting and evaluating research to revise engineering standards and to update engineering principles and techniques. These employees are recognized agency or discipline experts, and advise managers on the effects of utilizing new technology, and/or changing existing standards. Assignments can be self- generated or provided with general instructions. Employees work independently within broad engineering and administrative guidelines. Work is reviewed by an engineering manager for overall effectiveness and satisfactory completion of objectives and goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Prepares or reviews plans, specifications, and cost estimates designed by private professionals or in-house staff for technical soundness, economy and adherence to appropriate standards, regulations and codes.

Reviews electrical drawings, reports, catalog cuts, shop drawings, material samples, computations, and cost comparisons.

Conducts review conferences with design professionals and using agencies and discusses project scope, observations and conclusions.

Reviews the budget estimates and expenditures during the various stages of development to insure adequate funding.

Scrutinizes submissions and changes in construction through the various stages of design development and construction to insure compliance with good design practices, appropriate codes, Labor and Industry Standards, and Departmental guidelines on energy conservation, fire protection and budget constraints.

Provides technical advice on contract administration throughout the projects and during dispute resolution.

In a roadway engineering environment, standards and guidelines, such as the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and Illuminating Engineering Society Standards (IES) are used by the Department of Transportation.

Performs electrical engineering quality assurance for construction designs for electrical engineering systems projects assigned by an engineering manager, which may include site inspections during construction to resolve complex electrical engineering problems.

Provides advanced technical and professional advice in the field of electrical engineering for projects such as underground electrical renovations, complete addressable fire alarm systems, state-of-the-art security systems, and special lighting systems for Commonwealth facilities.

Conducts studies into the feasibility of changing electrical engineering procedures, methods, or standards in response to changes in technology, funding, and administrative policies.

Conducts investigations into electrical engineering failures caused by unusual environmental conditions or suspected faulty designs, and develops solutions or alternatives to resolve problems.

In a roadway engineering environment, conducts studies of requirements and conditions to develop policy for the design, replacement, service requirements, and special criteria for transportation lighting systems, tunnel electrical systems, and navigational guidance systems.

Reviews, critiques and recommends changes to plans and specifications for construction projects which involve unusual or innovative approaches or significant safety and high profile concerns.

Designs or reviews the design of complete underground mine electrical systems and electrical equipment, reviews detailed electrical schematics submitted by equipment manufacturers and mine operators, researches new technology, and prepares reports outlining findings and technical decisions.

Meets with concerned officials, the public, and news media to explain engineering methods and practices as they relate to Commonwealth construction projects on a statewide basis.

Travels to various field sites.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of electrical engineering.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of construction project management and contract administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of electrical systems construction and construction inspection and testing.

Knowledge of the standard reference sources regarding the costs, principal applications, dimensions, and characteristics of materials, fixtures, and equipment used in electrical engineering systems.

Knowledge of algebra, plane and solid geometry, and plane trigonometry for solving engineering problems.

Knowledge of underground mine electrical systems.

Ability to apply the principles and practices of electrical engineering pertaining to the design or review of drawings and specifications for components or electrical engineering systems such as building and/or highway illumination, primary and secondary power distribution systems, or electrically operated controls.

Ability to read and interpret electrical engineering drawings and specifications used in the design or construction of such facilities as office buildings, water treatment plants, institutional power distribution systems, or highway lighting systems.

Ability to develop and review complex design drawings, details, and schedules; assemble specifications and integrate project components into complex state-of-the-art electrical engineering systems.

Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and standards that pertain to construction.

Ability to apply the principles and practices of electrical engineering pertaining to the design or review of drawings and specifications for projects such as building and/or highway illumination, primary and secondary power distribution systems or electrically operated controls.

Ability to read and interpret electrical engineering drawings and specifications used in the design or construction of such facilities as office buildings, water treatment plants, institutional power distribution systems, or highway lighting systems.

Ability to interpret complex architectural, mechanical and structural engineering drawings and specifications as they relate to electrical engineering systems.

Ability to analyze and present technical data in engineering reports.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years as an Electrical Engineer 2;

                                                                                                                                                           or

Four years of professional electrical engineering experience which required work on any structural electrical system.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid driver’s license.