Distribution Designer I, II, or Senior

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Idaho Power is hiring a Distribution Designer I, II, or Senior for its Capital region in Boise, Idaho. The Distribution Designer coordinates, plans, and designs line extensions and infrastructure rebuilds for overhead and underground power lines. Working as part of a team, the designer meets with internal and external customers, including contractors and developers, to identify needs, resolve conflicts, clarify issues, and communicate company policies and procedures related to design options, rates, tariffs, and costs. The role designs basic line routes based on customer needs and company practices, schedules projects, prepares work orders, and collects and processes fees. Senior designers also mentor Distribution Designers I and II on estimating, mapping, and design processes and best practices. The position may involve field work up to 40 percent of the time, including work on uneven terrain or near energized lines. Additional safety training may be required, and employees are expected to attend regular training to keep current with changing rules and regulations. Other duties may be assigned by company leaders or management.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Distribution Designer I: one of the following—four years of electric utility experience in relevant field operations, construction support, or drafting/mapping and completion of the Idaho Power Pre-Distribution Designer Program; two years of design experience in the utility or construction industry; Journeyman Lineman experience; or completion of the Idaho Power Lineman Apprentice Program through Level 7.
Distribution Designer II: one of the following—four years of electric utility line-design experience; Journeyman Lineman experience plus one year of design experience; 2½ years as an IPC Distribution Designer I with a successful promotional assessment; or current IPC Journeyman Lineman status.
Senior Distribution Designer: successful completion of Distribution Designer I and II program requirements and assessments, and at least 2½ years as a Distribution Designer II.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on the position's driving requirements.
Obtain a First Aid/CPR card within 90 days.
Knowledge of new-business operations, emergency response, and unplanned maintenance line processes; electrical distribution facilities and operating and protective systems; line construction methods, materials, standards, and equipment; financial requirements including Rule H, regulations, and rules; and surveying practices, legal property descriptions, permitting, work-order reconciliation, and applicable safety rules.
Professional verbal, written, and telephone communication; negotiation and conflict-resolution skills; computer skills using commonly used applications and AutoCAD/AUD; math and algebra skills; organization and project-management skills.
Ability to read and understand construction drawings and plat, feeder, and work-order maps; gather and organize information; schedule and design distribution facilities; perform vehicle inspections; and work overtime at a supervisor's discretion.
Ability to hike up to one mile over uneven and sometimes steep terrain, including navigating around or over fences; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, shovel, and trim vegetation; and lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
Physical ability to work in the field up to 40 percent of the time on uneven terrain or near energized lines, maneuver hot sticks and fiberglass measuring sticks, open pad mounts on transformers, and handle equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Distribution Designer I: utility field operations experience.
Distribution Designer II: utility distribution construction experience.
Senior Distribution Designer: utility distribution construction background.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, plan, and design line extensions and rebuilding of overhead and underground power-line infrastructure.
Meet with internal and external customers, including contractors and developers, to determine needs, negotiate conflicts, clarify issues, and communicate policies and procedures regarding design options, rates, tariffs, and costs.
Design basic line routes based on customer needs and company practices.
Schedule projects, prepare work orders, and collect and process fees.
Assist with land and construction surveying and prepare easements with appropriate legal descriptions.
Gather information, organize, schedule, and design distribution facilities.
Calculate voltage drop and flicker, fault current, clearance, conductor sag, and tension requirements.
Perform vehicle inspections and determine when to use personal protective equipment.
Senior designers utilize current design criteria; lead and mentor others; design diverse work orders; support primary service-level customers; work independently; and participate as subject matter experts on committees.
Attend regular training to stay current on changing rules and regulations.