Assoc Distribution Operator / Distribution Operator / Sr Distribution Operator - Military veterans preferred

Position Title: Assoc Distribution Operator / Distribution Operator / Sr Distribution Operator

Location: Des Moines, IA, United States

Description:
This is a multi-level posting. The position will be filled at the level based on experience.

Associate: 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. The associate distribution operator 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.

Distribution Operator: The MidAmerican Energy Company distribution operator monitors distribution supervisory control and data acquisition alarms (SCADA), Distribution Management Systems (DMS), Feeder Automation, Electric Outage Management System (EOMS) and Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) to determine electrical system conditions and exercises independent judgment in the operation of the 15 kV electric power system based on MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. This position ensures safe, reliable and efficient operation of the distribution system beginning outside the substation fence and ending at the electric meter of the retail customer. This position is also responsible for providing training and direction to associate distribution operators.

Senior: The senior operator position is also responsible for providing training and direction to distribution operator, associate distribution operator and system operations technician. The position provides direct support for many of the tasks and duties performed by the Shift Supervisor, Distribution Control, and fills in during the Shift Supervisor's absence.

Responsibilities:
Associate: 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.

Distribution Operator: Conduct real-time actions that ensure safe, reliable and efficient 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%) 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%) Maintain proper volt ampere reactive loading and voltage levels on the distribution system. Initiate actions to achieve optimum voltage levels by switching capacitors. (10%) Operate the 15 kV distribution system according to good utility practice criteria and MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. (5%) Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%) Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0-5%) Acts as a lead to associate distribution operators. 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.

Senior: Conduct real-time actions that ensure safe, reliable and efficient 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%) 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%) Maintain proper volt ampere reactive loading and voltage levels on the distribution system. Initiate actions to achieve optimum voltage levels by switching capacitors. (10%) Operate the 15 kV distribution system according to good utility practice criteria and MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. (5%) Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%) Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0-5%) Acts as a lead to associate distribution operators. 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:
Associate: 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.

Distribution Operator: 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 to four years of distribution experience is required, or successful completion of all associate distribution operator training, and demonstrated proficiency at independently operating a distribution console. 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.

Senior: Bachelor's 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's degree.) Five or more years of experience as a distribution operator on the MidAmerican Energy system is required to be considered for this position. Excellent understanding and familiarity with all areas of the MidAmerican Energy distribution system, distribution system equipment, operating practices, and all computer applications utilized within distribution control. Demonstrated understanding of distribution protection coordination principles and practices, as well as transmission and substation protection schemes. Demonstrated understanding of complex distribution operating topics, and ability to train others on topics such as network switching, complex outages, storm response, etc. Demonstrated commitment to the company¿s customers and the overall performance of the department, including willingness to work storm shifts, assist other operators and system operations technicians. 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.


JOB INFO

Job Identification: 10002619

Job Category: Electric Operations

Posting Date: 2025-04-29


Job Schedule: Full time

Job Shift: Rotating

Locations: 3500 104th St, Urbandale, IA, 50322, US

Salary Range: $78,500 - $122,000


Business: MidAmerican Energy Company



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI269870046