The Senior Designer serves as a subject matter expert and senior technical leader, responsible for directing highly complex electric distribution design and staking programs across multiple utility clients and playing a major role in communicating with those clients. This role operates with significant autonomy and authority, providing strategic guidance, technical oversight, and leadership across large-scale or high-impact projects. The Senior Designer plays a key role in driving design standards, improving processes, and mentoring staff while ensuring excellence in safety, quality, and client satisfaction. There is also the expectation that they will keep an eye toward new work opportunities with both existing and new clients, and to assist in developing those opportunities when they arise.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the design and execution of highly complex and large-scale overhead and underground electric distribution projects and communications projects, including system expansions, reliability programs, and infrastructure modernization efforts.
• Serve as a technical authority and escalation point for complex design challenges, providing expert-level problem solving and guidance across projects and teams.
• Oversee and perform advanced field staking activities, including route optimization, structural analysis, constructability reviews, and right-of-way coordination.
• Direct the development, review, and final approval of construction packages, including detailed drawings, work orders, cost estimates, and supporting documentation.
• Provide strategic oversight of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, budgets, schedules, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a primary client liaison, managing high-level relationships, resolving complex issues, and supporting business development efforts with existing and new clients.
• Establish, refine, and enforce design standards, best practices, and quality control processes across the organization.
• Mentor and develop Designer/Staker I-IV staff, including technical coaching, performance feedback, and training program support.
• Collaborate with internal leadership on resource planning, project forecasting, and operational improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, utility specifications, and federal, state, and local regulations.
Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate or technical degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in electric distribution design, staking, surveying, or related utility field work.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, or multi-project programs with minimal supervision.
• Advanced expertise in electric distribution systems, design standards, and construction practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to influence both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must reside within commuting distance of Durango, CO, or be willing to relocate.
Preferred Qualifications
• Associate or technical degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency with utility design software, GIS platforms, and staking applications.
• Expertise in PLS-CADD, O-Calc, and related engineering/design tools is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory role, including team leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives, standards development, or operational strategy.
• Familiarity with utility client standards across multiple service territories.
The pay for this position will be in the $44-$60/hour range.
