Non-Technical

Question 1

What is our 2020 and 2030 goal?

Answer 1

Increase renewable energy to 33% of LADWP’s retail power sales. 2030 goal is to increase to 50%

Question 2

Relevant DWP company information

Answer 2

a) # of customers - 1.4 million residential and business customers
b) Creation date and historical tidbits
- Established in 1909 as the Bureau of Los Angeles Aqueduct Power
- By 1939 was the sole provider of electricity in Los Angeles after buying out smaller companies.
- Largest municipal utility in the country

Question 3

Know the basics surround the CA Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and how renewables may impact the grid.

Answer 3

a) Met its goal of 20% by 2010 now looking to get to 33% by 2020. 50% by 2030.
b) Issue one or more Requests for Proposals (RFP) to develop and/or purchase renewable energy resources. Proposed development and/or purchase opportunities would be evaluated based on “least cost, best fit” technologies.
c) Plan public meetings with stakeholders, including elected officials, Neighborhood Councils, homeowners, labor unions, the environmental community, the business community, and commercial customers.
d) Incorporate the RPS goal into the 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
e) Look up repowering of scattergood.
f) Plan for expanding transmission facilities to transport the renewable energy to Los Angeles.

Question 4

Why do you want to be a part of the power revolution?

Answer 4

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Question 5

If you have two projects, how would you manage your time in completing them?

Answer 5

a) Review the projects for multiple factors:
b) Date in
c) Deadline for project
d) Complexity of the project
e) Political sensitivity
f) resources and capabilities of your team

Question 6

If you are in charge of managing a project, describe your process to completing it

Answer 6

a) Review the project
b) Investigate multiple solutions
c) Perform a cost estimate to create a least cost design
d) Determine what the different components of the project are and who else may need to be involved
e) Create a timeline for the completion of each component
f) Periodically communicate progress of project to supervisor
g) Consult with my supervisor for feedback and approval
e) Complete the project

Question 7

If a customer disagrees with the project plans that you have designed for him/her, how do you respond?

Answer 7

a) Explore other options
b) Setup a meeting with your supervisor

Question 8

A co worker disagrees with the project plans that you have designed, how do you respond?

Answer 8

a) See what his solution is
b) Analyze the differences of original design vs his design
c) If his design turns out better implement his solution
d) If original design is better keep it and make sure to explain why his design is not up to par
e) If he still disagrees talk to supervisor to see which design he thinks is better
f) if further disagreement report to supervisor

Question 9

What are the aspects of good customer service?

Answer 9

a) Friendly and approachable
b) Making myself available to answer questions
c) Working with the customer to help provide options

Question 10

Describe a time at work or in school where you had a disagreement with somebody. How did you resolve it?

Answer 10

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Question 11

Summarize some specific aspects of your background, experience, education & training which have prepared you for this position?

Answer 11

a) Family full of engineers - used to solving problems and taking on projects and creating unique solutions to them.
b) Cubesat/senior projects - projects similar to work - given a deadline and had to keep to budget and work in group and individual settings
c) My former job as a coach put me in a position to be a leader and be responsible for organizing a group to be able to accomplish goals. It also helped me better my communication skills and realize that every person has to be dealt with differently.
d) Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety - deal with customers, coworkers, and supervisor.

Question 12

Describe a situation where you had a difficult problem and how you solved it?

Answer 12

Senior project?

Question 13

Describe a time when you and your supervisor disagreed and how it got resolved?

Answer 13

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Question 14

Describe a time you had no technical knowledge and was given a task, how did you go about completing the task?

Answer 14

a) Looked up spec sheet
b) read professional articles about the device
to learn how they work and function
c) consulted the advisors when I ran into issues (?)
d) Did several trials with the system until I was comfortable with my knowledge and documented my work for the rest of my group to use

Question 15

Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult coworker and how you resolved it?

Answer 15

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Question 16

How would you prepare a technical presentation?

Answer 16

a) First I would gather information and data on the given topic.
b) Then I would organize it in a way to be clear and to the point, while keeping in mind the audience I am presenting for. (technical, or average person)
c) I would gather all the points and create a visual presentation (Powerpoint or poster). Try not to have big blocks of writing, instead just key points
d) Present the information, while speaking clearly and allowing time for questions
e) At the end follow up and ask questions to make sure everyone understood the presentation.

Question 17

What is your biggest weakness?

Answer 17

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Question 18

What are your strengths?

Answer 18

Adaptable - can fit into any environment and make the best of the situation.

Question 19

Tell me about yourself?

Answer 19

CSUN student,
a little background experience
hobbies

Question 20

Please describe the aspects of your background, experience, education, and training, which have prepared you for the Electrical Engineering Associate position. (Take a max 3 minutes)

Answer 20

Talk about the your education first, including things like notable classes, degree, and graduation date.
Talk about the experience that you have received through internship and other real world experience.
Talk about a major achievement that you are proud of such as a project you worked on.

Question 21

Safety is very important. How do you ensure safety in the workplace?

Answer 21

a) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hat, sunglasses, gloves, FR shirts and jeans and coveralls, shoes
b) Different locations dictate the type of PPE to wear. The best thing is to call the facility ahead of time and be aware of any hazards and listen to their recommendations.
c) Observe all signs at the facility
d) Attend/hold regular safety meetings or include safety topics in group meetings. If you feel like you are not receiving adequate training, ask your supervisor.
e) In the office, take note of emergency exits and procedures

Question 22

Is there anything else you would like to say to show how you are prepared for this position?

Answer 22

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Question 23

What are you looking for in an employer?

Answer 23

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