Assoc/Distribution Operator

MidAmerican Energy Company; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MidAmerican Energy Company in Urbandale, IA, is seeking an Associate Distribution Operator to train toward becoming a fully qualified distribution operator on the 15 kV system. You will operate under supervision, supporting callouts, dispatching and other duties while building proficiency.

During the 8–12 month training period, performance will be reviewed to determine readiness for advancement. The role emphasizes safety, real-time monitoring, and collaboration with transmission teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor or technical degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years in this field or related field is preferred; related areas include substation/transmission engineering and operations.
• One year of distribution experience is required; knowledge of power system devices and switching is desired.
• Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Ability to work systematically to analyze problems, coordinate projects and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Complete training to become fully qualified as a distribution operator within 12 months.
• Perform real-time actions to ensure safe, reliable operation of the 15 kV system and restore service after disturbances.
• Direct emergency switching on the 15 kV system and coordinate with transmission operators.
• Operate the 15 kV distribution system per utility practices and company standards.
• Take on additional responsibilities as directed and assist in project planning.
• Provide input to develop project planning and process improvements.
• Demonstrate human performance improvement concepts and reduce human error risk.
• Maintain system integrity and reliability during outages.

Skills

Education/work experience requirements

Experience in field

Distribution experience (1 year)

Power system knowledge

Communication skills

Shift work capability

Education

Bachelor or technical degree in a related field

Job description

Job Description

Under direction of a distribution operator or shift supervisor, the MidAmerican Energy Company associate distribution operator monitors and operates the 15 kV electric power system based on MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. The associate distribution operator provides support to the distribution operator and shift supervisor in the area of callouts, dispatching and other areas as directed. This position is intended to be a training position until the incumbent is fully qualified to operate the system independently as a distribution operator. After 8-12 months as an associate distribution operator, the employee's performance will be reviewed to see if he/she meets the minimum qualifications and performance standards for becoming a distribution operator. The associate distribution operator will be required to achieve proficiency and move to the distribution operator position within 12 months of starting training. Failure to meet these performance standards within 12 months will result in a six-month remedial period. At the end of the remedial period, the associate distribution operator will be evaluated for possible advancement to the distribution operator position. Proficiency will be determined by testing and observation.

Responsibilities

• Complete training to become fully qualified as a distribution operator within 12 months of starting the training program.
• Under direction, conduct real-time actions that ensure safe, reliable and economic operation of the 15 kV electrical system, beginning at the substation breaker and ending at the electric meter of the retail customer, by monitoring and responding to system disturbances involving distribution equipment and taking appropriate steps to restore service to customers and portions of the electrical system affected by the disturbance. (60-65%)
• Under direction direct emergency switching on the 15 kV electrical system. Restore service as safely and quickly as possible. Work closely with transmission operators to ensure that clear and open communication is present between both transmission and distribution electrical systems whenever an incident would occur or actions need to be taken. (20-25%)
• Operate the 15 kV distribution system according to good utility practice criteria and MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. (5-10%)
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5-10%)
• Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%)
• Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of human performance improvement techniques.
• Evaluate present practices and implement processes, concepts, training and tools to prevent, detect and correct human errors that may adversely impact the safe, reliable operation of the electric transmission and distribution system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or technical degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor or technical degree.)
• Three years prior work experience in this field or a related field. Examples of related fields would be substation/transmission engineering and substation operations and field operations.
• One year of distribution experience is required. Knowledge of power system devices and operating characteristics and technical skills related to understanding energy control and switching is desired.
• Clearly articulate the key points of an issue, keep attention of others and take recipient's needs into account when speaking or writing.
• Ability to work systematically to analyze problems and issues, identify causes, anticipate implications and identify effective courses of action.
• Ability to coordinate construction or maintenance projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring continued reliability.
• Ability to resolve conflicting demands in a diplomatic manner while maintaining system integrity and reliability of service to our customers during outage periods.
• Ability to work a rotating shift.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

About Us

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.

About The Team

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.