Staff Engineer

Salary : $70,815.00 - $115,252.00 Annually
Location : New Bern, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00609
Department: Public Utilities - Electric
Division: Electric Communications Control
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

General Definition of Work
The Staff Engineer performs difficult professional and administrative work in the development, design and operation of electrical engineering projects, line additions, relocations and rebuilding of an electric distribution system. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Department Head's designee.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks
Conducting research; inspecting construction sites; designing plans and drafting specifications; reviewing and commenting on submitted plans; provides technical support to all divisions.

(The following tasks are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Designs and prepares plans for construction of overhead and underground lines, including new construction, reconductoring and rebuilding of old lines.
• Stakes job sites and establishes locations for poles, transformers, and u/g cable.
• Meets with land developers, industrial and residential customers, and others to obtain service requirements and propose locations of utilities.
• Prepares and obtains easements, rights-of-way, State Road encroachments and railroad encroachments.
• Prepares cost estimates for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Makes surveys and studies based on economic and engineering practices in order to prepare plans for proposed construction projects
• Reviews plans for proposed projects to ensure compliance with National Electric Safety Code, National Electric Code and City of New Bern utility design standards and good design practice.
• Drafts specifications for equipment, materials, maintenance, and the operation of an electrical system
• Makes on-site inspections of work to ensure compliance with plans and safety codes
• Works directly with all division leadership to provide engineering support as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of electrical engineering as related to the preparation of plans and specifications; thorough knowledge of modern methods and techniques as applied to the design, construction and maintenance of electric utility infrastructure; skill in the use of electrical engineering instruments and equipment; ability to climb in and around excavations, visit overhead and underground project locations for inspection purposes; ability to prepare technical reports in connection with electric utility projects; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, associates, contractors and the general public; ability to communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

Requirements
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or related field and some engineering design experience.

Special Requirements
Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Visit our page to learn about eligible benefits at the City of New Bern.