We employ many designers and technicians, including:
- Substation technicians
- SCADA technician and distribution planners and designers
- Substation circuitry and layout designers
- Metering technicians.
Electricity system design advisers
One of our key roles is the Electricity System Design Adviser. These advisers prepare designs for our electricity distribution system. They take a defined scope of works and turn it into detailed drawings (works plan). These need to be clear, concise, effective, cost-efficient and easy for field construction crews to interpret.
Standard duties
Some key aspects of the role are:
- Measuring - advisers measure the heights of attachments on power poles and in the middle of the span to determine the tension that the conductors are strung to, and the mechanical load applied to poles
- Line profiling - advisers use theodolites or inclinometers to assess the profile of the land and achieve the correct ground clearance between poles. They also assess the required spacing and ground clearances of major feeders where the lines’ currents and ambient temperature will cause the conductor to sag at heavily loaded times and on hot days
- Works plan preparation - once all the data is captured, the information is transferred to a works plan. This plan gives construction workers a visual image of the work to be performed and allows the designer to estimate materials and resources required. It’s also given to outside groups, such as Local Authorities, to approve the work. It forms part of the asset location records, which is especially important for underground installations. Most works plans are produced using computer packages such as AutoCAD and a hybrid AutoCAD program called Works Plans 2000. Other types of work plans can be paper based
- Customer negotiations - sometimes designers use their negotiating skills to gain access through properties, to provide an electrical connection to customers, especially in rural areas.
What’s required for this role?
- Software proficiency - as a system designer you’ll need to be proficient in a number of computer programs, including Word, Excel, AutoCAD and LV Drop (which calculates the voltage drop on the low voltage network)
- Knowledge of corporate manuals - as a designer you’ll need to have a reasonable knowledge of the various corporate manuals, such as the Overhead and Underground Construction Manuals, and the statutory requirements as outlined in the Electricity Act 1994 and the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and their regulations.
Want to find out more?
Need more information? Call Energy Queensland Careers on 1800 656 810 or email careers@energyq.com.au.
Interested in working for us?
If you’re interested in joining our team, read about working for us and find current vacancies at Energy Queensland job opportunities.