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University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • Position Number: 3652787
  • Location: Fairbanks, AK
  • Position Type: Facilities Management


Power Engineer - Site Lead - HAARP

  • Job No: 522195
  • Classification:Facilities Services-Engineering 4
  • Grade:Grade 81 (11% GeoDiff)
  • Work type:Staff Full-time
  • Administrative Unit:University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • School/Business unit:UAF Geophysical Institute
  • Location:Copper Center
  • Categories: Engineering/Computer Science


  • Position Summary:
    The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is the world's most capable high-power, high-frequency (HF) transmitter for study of the ionosphere. The principal instrument is the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), a phased array of 180 HF crossed-dipole antennas spread across 33 acres and capable of radiating 3.6 megawatts into the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The goal of the research at HAARP is to conduct fundamental study of the physical processes at work in the very highest portions of our atmosphere, called the thermosphere and ionosphere. The Geophysical Institute's HAARP site supports the National Science Foundation's Subauroral Geophysical Observatory (SAGO), a research laboratory dedicated to exploring Earth's upper atmosphere and geospace environment. The HAARP program is managed out of the Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks and operated at the Gakona site in support of UAF's mission to be a student-centered, research university. HAARP is seeking an experienced power engineer to perform dual duties as the Gakona site manager and diesel power plant lead. The power engineer plays a critical role in ensuring power is available for research campaigns, and that all power plant computers, servers, control systems and protective relays are working correctly. The ideal candidate will have experience leading a highly skilled group of technicians and maintainers, with a focus on program development, readiness, and safety.

    Duties:
    1-60Power Plant: Lead for readiness, operations, and maintenance of the 12 MW HAARP diesel power plant, including all high, medium, and low voltage power transformers. Work with technicians and contractors to maintain and upgrade power plant supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems. Provide configuration management for power plant servers, control systems and computers. Provide network administration and update network diagrams as required. Maintain backups of power plant computers and servers. Implement, maintain and train standard operations procedures (SOPs), checklists, instruction manuals, quality control, maintenance/operations logs, and software programs for all power plant equipment, maintenance and controls. Provide planning, develop budgets, manage maintenance projects and provide designs for protective relay testing, controls projects, and power plant network upgrades. Support contract work and participate in project acceptance activities. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, specifically EPA/DEC environmental and OSHA safety laws, regulations and permits. Oversee network security for power plant networked computers including control and metering systems. Assist UAF environmental health, safety and risk management (EHSRM) with power plant permitting and air quality compliance. Ensure EHSRM programs and databases are managed and implemented correctly. Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and site safety plans. Respond to technical issues that require immediate action. Be available for emergency call essential back and respond to incidents after hours. Responsible for directing emergency procedures for the power plant and/or power distribution systems. Monitor the use and inventories of spares, supplies and equipment and initiate reordering when necessary. Take proper safety and health precautions to protect the work, the workers, the public, and the property of others. Supervise and/or mentor UAF staff and student employees. Responsible for authorizing expenditures up to $2,500 (single purchase procard limit). Responsible for helping maintain the HAARP annual budget of $1.8M.Essential 2-10Program: Serve as Gakona site lead/HAARP deputy program manager. Participate in program development, administration, budget responsibility, supervision and reporting. Work under the direction of the HAARP Program ManagerEssential 3-10Facilities: Provide oversight for all control systems and protective relay inspections and upgrades throughout the facility. Design modifications and improvements to electrical and power distribution systems. Quality control and operational inspections of electrical subcontractors' work for compliance with contract documents and/or applicable codes. Provide day-to-day technical support to engineering and maintenance staff and/or project through the application of extensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles, practices and codes, and coordination of projects with program goals. Facility inspection and assessment, identification, analysis and recommendations on maintenance, energy conservation and/or renewal options; support of facility asset database and maintenance scheduling software. Troubleshoot facilities systems such as fire alarms, HVAC equipment and control systems, motor controls, VFDs, electric motors, power distribution and lighting systems, UPSs, power conditioners, and generators. Ensure that current and new facility metering records are accurate, complete, and stored properlyEssential 4-10Utilities: Provide technical counsel to utilities equipment, controls and systems including boilers. Monitor daily work assignments for mission-critical utilities operations and distribution systemsEssential 5-10Research: Provide technical support for Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI) control and fiber optic systems and control room computers and electronics.Essential
    This position will be physically located in Gakona, Alaska.While there may be the occasional opportunity for remote work, the successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the HAARP facility no later than 60 days from written noticed provided by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    Geophysical Institute:

    The Geophysical Institute is a research-driven organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers an attractive work environment and strong benefits including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute is committed to equity, inclusion, and accountability and values the open sharing of different perspectives. We support a respectful and welcoming environment and a commitment to serving Alaska and Alaskans with strong applied science. Career growth and professional development are expected and encouraged.

    As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages women, minorities, members from marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

    To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

    Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    -Extensive experience leading complex technical organizations
    -Extensive knowledge of power generation and distribution systems
    -Extensive experience with operating diesel generator power plants including accessory or supporting systems such as electrical components and instrumentation, material handling equipment, pneumatics, pumps, and valves
    -Extensive knowledge of power/electrical engineering principles, building, and life safety
    -High ethical standards and ensure compliance with laws, UA policies and procedures
    -Expert planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
    -Extensive knowledge of environmental, safety and power generation laws, regulations and permits
    -Extensive knowledge of risk management and mitigation principles
    -Create and maintain a positive, safe and secure work environment including appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
    -Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
    -Ability to work under pressure - calmly and effectively in emergency situations
    -Proficient with use of desktop computers, Microsoft Suite, and Google Workspace
    -Ability to foster a safe, professional, productive and effective work environment
    -Review and keep current with all collective bargaining agreements and requirements and maintain compliance in managing represented employees
    -Ability to work in a wide variety of locations and environments, including confined spaces and rooftops
    -Ability to work in extreme heat and humidity. Ability to climb stairs and walk on grated floors
    -Promote consistency and collaboration of employees
    -Ability to respond and address conflict and resolve issues in a timely manner
    -Lift up to 50 lbs
    -Ability to live and work in a remote environment

    Required Experience, Education or Training:
    -Bachelor of Science degree in power and/or electrical engineering required from an accredited engineering program, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
    -Ten years progressively responsible supervisory and work experience in a powerplant or similar industrial environment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

    Salary Information:

    This position is full - time, Grade 81, term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, based on education and experience.

    Special Instructions to Applicants:

    To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date.

    To apply for this position, please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references with your application. Please submit your application no later than 11/20/2022 at 11:55 PM Alaska Time. The review of this posting will start on 11/21/2022. This posting will be closed once it is filled.

    If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357.

    UAF COVID Requirements:
    Effective immediately, all new UAF hires, whose job function or work location results in the employee being subject to the UAF vaccine requirements guided by the Federal Contractor Employee vaccine mandate*, must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption no later than six weeks from the new hire's start date.

    *Employees based on UAF's Troth Yeddha' (Fairbanks) campus, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks (including Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station); and Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contract.



    This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.


    The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.


    UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination


    The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.


    Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.


    If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.




    Applications Close: Open until filled

    To apply, visit: https://careers.alaska.edu/en-us/job/522195/power-engineer-site-lead-haarp







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