Southwest Public Power District located in southwest Nebraska, has an opening for the position of Engineering Technician. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting in the maintenance of the District’s geographic information system (GIS), system planning and improvements, and implementing technology as required to improve the distribution systems. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. This position requires passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: Gary Hanken – garyh@swppd.com . Position will be open until filled. Job Description as follows: SUMMARY The Engineering Technician will work with the System Engineer to meet the goals and duties of the Engineering Department. Assists in the maintenance of the District’s geographic information system (GIS), in planning for new loads and system improvements, and implements technology as required to improve the planning design of the distribution system. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Within the limits of approved board policies, operating guides and procedures, assumes responsibility and has commensurate authority for the following activities: A. Obeys all safety rules, policies, and procedures. B. Assists with system planning studies, engineering, metering, and staking. C. Provides necessary GIS data, drawings, and assistance required by employees to aid in the planning, design, analysis, installation, and maintenance of the electric distribution system D. Have working knowledge of and ability to use the following systems in use by the District: Meridian/CIS; AMI; GIS; OMS; Staking; and work order system. E. Perform updates and maintenance of the SCADA system as directed. F. Prepares specialized map files, spreadsheets and database applications to provide technical support and analysis. G. Be available for load management duties as needed. H. Answers telephone calls in a courteous and efficient manner; operates radio between office and field personnel as directed. I. Know the District policies and procedures. J. Performs other duties as necessary or assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS A. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is mandatory. At least one year related administrative or equivalent utility experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience is also required. Experience in dealing with the public is desirable. B. JOB KNOWLEDGE: The following knowledge and skill levels are needed to fulfill the requirements of this position: Must possess a working knowledge of electrical principles; Knowledge of construction/staking units; and legal land descriptions. Training can be provided in identified areas of weakness. This position requires the ability to multi-task, learn various software packages used by the District, and have GIS/drafting/mapping experience. C. COMPUTER SKILLS: This position requires the ability to use office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, plotters, calculators, fax machines, and two-way radio equipment. The employee must have a working knowledge of basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and Outlook). This position also requires the use of industry-specific programs, for which training will be provided. It is beneficial for the employee to have experience working with databases and file systems. D. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Nebraska driver’s license. Additional training and certificates necessary to perform utility line work as needed. E. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Night, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required.

Southwest Public Power District has an opening for the position of Journeyman or Apprentice power line worker. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintenance and construction of overhead and underground distribution and sub-transmission facilities. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. After-hours and on-call duty are required. This position requires heavy lifting, pole climbing, and other strenuous activity and working well with other crew members. Must be able to complete associated written and electronic documentation. Must possess a valid Class B CDL and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.  Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: Jim Dyer – jimd@swppd.com . Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Position will be open until filled.

Southwest Public Power District is proud to announce the Frank & Betty Potthoff Memorial Scholarship Program! Frank and Betty Potthoff were both formerly employed by SWPPD, and the Potthoff family has generously offered to fund this scholarship as a memorial to them. This $500 per semester scholarship will help a student attend the Utility Line Program at either Northeast Community College or Western Nebraska Community College. To qualify for the scholarship students must be a high school senior or graduate and reside in the border territory generally served by SWPPD and all towns therein. The applicant must have already applied to be admitted to the Utility Line Program at either college and have been accepted or placed on a waiting list. To apply for the scholarship, the student must submit a personal essay to SWPPD not more than 350 words in length explaining why they are interested in the Utility Line Program as their course of study. They must also provide their class rank and GPA. If the applicant has graduated high school and is attending college, they must submit college transcripts with their essay. Applicant essays will be forwarded to a selection committee. SWPPD would like to award the first scholarship for the Fall semester of 2023. Applicants must have their essays submitted by May 31, 2023 in order to be eligible. Please contact Frank Bonini at (308)285-3295, or frankb@swppd.com, with questions.