Employment Opportunities

Valley Electric Association Inc. (VEA), and its subsidiary, Valley Electric Transmission Association L.L.C. (VETA), are expanding their operations and will be seeking over 8 new positions in the next 60 days.

VEA is a member-owned electric cooperative based in Pahrump, Nevada, with a certified service area covering 6,800 square miles in Nevada and California. VEA presently provides service to over 24,000 services with 2,120 line miles of distribution facilities and 13 substations.

VETA is a wholly-owned transmission cooperative association providing service to VEA and other entities. VETA currently has 324 miles of 230/138 kV transmission facilities. Current construction includes the transmission facilities and extending service to additional large scale customers. VEA is presently siting and permitting a 500 kV facilities expansion.

VEA will become a participating transmission owner and load serving entity in the California Independent System of Operators Corporation (CAISO) beginning 2013. Other opportunities include: expansion of service area on military installation through government procurement, renewable generation totaling 2.2 GW, natural gas cooperative, fiber optics communications and others. This is a unique and exciting opportunity within the cooperative's history.

VEA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes company paid:

VEA is an equal opportunity employer.

Current VEA Job Openings

Manager of Operations

Immediate opening for a Manager of Operations to join our dynamic team. This senior management position will manage the activities of the operations department where decisions involve revision of methods, procedures, policies and plans necessary to achieve objectives. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: Responsible for the overall planning, performance, and functions of construction, maintenance, and operations of the cooperative; test systems to ensure compliance with RUS/VEA construction specifications and National Electric Safety Codes; and assist the Engineering Department as needed. Performs diversified operational and administrative duties that require technical knowledge of electrical, civil and mechanical applications.

Required Education, Experience and Knowledge: College degree in relating fields and at least ten years of experience of practical experience involving the electric utility and interconnected system operations, or a combination of education and experience that would qualify for this position. Extensive experience (preferably 15 years) in distribution operations where five years were in a supervisory role (preferably with an electric utility), maintenance and construction work, laws and regulations is necessary; highly motivated, and demonstrate positive management and supervisory skills along with a strong commitment to cooperative principles and to providing excellent customer service. Have a working knowledge of electrical engineering principles, accident prevention, code requirements, personnel procedures, budgeting and general company policies and procedures; ability to deal with co-workers, customers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner. Alternative equivalencies to this experience may be considered appropriate and acceptable. Thorough knowledge of related construction and specification codes; safety compliance; federal and state laws and regulations; proficiency in work processing and in the use of spreadsheet software; and knowledgeable to analyze financial budgets, expenditure of funds, power requirements, and associated growth factors.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Manager of Operations position, please refer to the Job Description.

Compensation: Salary based on education, skills, experience and knowledge.

Lead Power System Controller

Immediate opening for a Lead Power System Controller to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: The Lead Power System Controller is responsible for the overall performance and oversight of the Power System Controllers and dispatch center. This is a management position where decisions involve revision of methods and procedures necessary to achieve objectives. The Lead position must be able to perform the duties of a Power System Controller and carry out management tasks as well.

Required Education and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent.  Must be NERC certified as a Transmission Operator (TO, BT or RC certification) and remain current on all continuing education requirements.  Fifteen years of experience at a utility with emphasis on operation of power systems, including; transmission, distribution, power marketing/scheduling, or balance and interchange, or any equivalent or related combination of education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for requirements listed above.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Lead Power System Controller position, please refer to the Job Description.

Compensation: Salary based on education, skills, past experience and knowledge.

Telecommunications Technician

Immediate opening for a Telecommunications Technician to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: The Telecommunications Technician position will be responsible for providing the specialized technical skills and knowledge for microwave communication, fiber optic communications systems and SONET technology, two-way radio, PBX telephone systems (POTS, digital and VOIP), video/door security, LAN network and software support, system testing and programming including TWACS support, and to provide support for substation SCADA and control of regulators, reclosures, transformers, and other control equipment.

Required Education, Training, Experience, and Knowledge: High School Diploma and an AAS degree in Electronics or a minimum of 2 years of job related experience.  A minimum of 2 years experience with wireless communications and computer networking is desired.  Additional experience with terminations of coax, fiber and data cabling and tower climbing experience is preferred.  Must possess an entry level working knowledge of wireless technology.  Must have sound knowledge of the proper and safe use of the tools and equipment used in the installation and maintenance of wireless equipment.  Must have the ability and be willing to attend courses relating to his/her area of work and climb towers up to 100 feet.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Telecommunications Technician position, please refer to the Job Description.

Compensation: The minimum of the salary range for this position is $40,000/annual.  Actual salary will be based on education, skills, past experience and knowledge.

Project Engineer

Immediate opening for a Project Engineer to join our team.  This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: The Project Engineer is a mid-level position that reports directly to the Manager of Engineering, with specialized skills, knowledge and responsibility for providing assistance to the Engineering Department to improve and maintain the transmission, distribution and substation systems of Valley Electric.  This position will also coordinate engineering and technical support with the Manager of Engineering and other Departments throughout the Cooperative. Other key responsibilities include the supervision of project deadlines, scope and quality, including oversight of VEA employees, contractors and consultants involved in projects.  Direct supervision responsibility of VEA employees will be assigned to this position.

Required Education, Training, Experience, and Knowledge: Successful candidate must have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferably. Past job experience will also be taken into consideration with other engineering degrees. This requires at least five (5) years of demonstrated project management and/or construction management experience with an electric utility, consultant or construction firm. This position requires the application of engineering theory and practice in carrying out its responsibilities. A professional registration in the State of Nevada is preferred.  This position will also have supervisory responsibilities.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Project Engineer position, please refer to the Job Description.

Compensation: Actual salary will be based on education, skills, past experience and overall knowledge.

Substation Technician

Immediate opening for a Substation Technician to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: This position is responsible for learning and performing the construction, maintenance, and operation of the electrical substation, metering, and distribution equipment throughout the area served by the cooperative. This position reports directly to the Substation Superintendent.

Required Education, Training, Experience, and Knowledge: High school diploma or equivalent, with a certification through an approved apprenticeship program or documented equivalent experience.  Five years’ experience and knowledge in testing and maintaining substation equipment highly desired.  Must be familiar with the National Electric Safety Code and VEA Materials specifications as they apply to the position. Must be proficient in and possess a Medic First Aid Card (CPR inclusive).  Must obtain and maintain a current commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a class (A) endorsement per Nevada State Department of Transportation Regulations. Must have or be able to obtain a Certification for Fork Lift Operator. Must have general knowledge of Microsoft Windows and ability to navigate in a web browser.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Substation Technician position, please refer to the Job Description.

Compensation: Salary Range: Minimum $28.08/hour - Maximum $40.18/hour. Actual salary will be based on education, skills, past experience and overall knowledge.

Assistant Controller

Immediate opening for one (1) Assistant Controller to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: This position works under the general direction of the Controller who reviews work through daily observation of assigned tasks, records, and customer/vendor feedback.  Employee is responsible for applying generally accepted accounting principles to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports that are to be used by management.

Required Education, Training and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, with a minimum of eight (8) years of related experience.  Experience in utility accounting and a CPA certification is a plus.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Assistant Controller position, please refer to the Job Description.

Safety, Health, Environmental & Efficiency Manager

Immediate opening for one (1) Safety, Health, Environmental & Efficiency Manager to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities:  Responsible for managing, monitoring and implementing company health and safety programs, managing environmental obligations, compliance with safety and environmental programs and reviewing and improving the efficiency of the day-to-day electrical distribution operation.  The work will entail direct interaction with managers and operation supervisors on various operational, health & safety and environmental projects as well as training and interaction with front line employees and regulators.

Required Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health, science, or engineering discipline required or equivalent work experience may be substituted for all or part of the required education.  Fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in safety, accident/incident prevention, industrial hygiene, loss control, process/production improvement and safety education is required, preferably with seven of those years in a field environment as a Safety Specialist or Safety Engineer (or similar) and five of those years in a supervisory capacity. Must have experience in industrial incident investigations and written mitigation plans.

Position Description: For more detailed information regarding the responsibilities, duties and specifications of the Safety, Health, Environmental & Efficiency Manager position, please refer to the Job Description.

Government Contract Administrator

Immediate opening for one (1) Government Contract Administrator to join our team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Pahrump, Nevada.

Key Responsibilities: Main responsibilities will include understanding, reviewing and tracking each contract to ensure complete compliance, providing technical guidance on fulfillment issues, and communicating extensively with internal and government employees to resolve discrepancies and address concerns.

Required Education, Training and Experience: 4 year college degree in a related field with 5 years of experience administering government contracts. Exemplary attention to details, excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, successful experience in developing and negotiating claims and change orders, and the ability to consume large amounts of information and manage it effectively.

To Submit an Application

All interested applicants shall complete and submit the Application Packet. Qualified applicants chosen for an interview will be notified by email. Not all applications will receive response; status calls related to the same will not be returned.

Applications will be accepted by electronic means and for open positions only.