Distribution Designer I, II, or Senior

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

8d•$42 - $63

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 concerning 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 Designers I and II on estimating, mapping, and design processes and best practices. The position may require 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 attend regular training to stay current with changing rules and regulations. The job may also include additional tasks assigned by company leaders or management.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Distribution Designer I: 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; or two years of utility or construction industry design experience; or experience as a Journeyman Lineman; or completion of the Idaho Power Lineman Apprentice Program through Level 7.
Distribution Designer II: Four years of electric utility line-design experience; or Journeyman Lineman experience with one year of design experience; or 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 line-operations core processes, including new business operations, emergency response, and unplanned maintenance.
Knowledge of electrical distribution facilities, operating and protective systems, and line-construction methods, materials, standards, and equipment.
Knowledge of financial requirements, including Rule H, regulations, and rules; surveying practices; legal property descriptions; permitting requirements; work-order reconciliation; and applicable safety rules.
Professional interpersonal communication skills, including verbal, written, and telephone etiquette; negotiation and conflict-resolution skills; and organization and project-management skills.
Computer skills, including commonly used applications and AutoCAD/AUD; math and algebra skills.
Ability to read and understand construction drawings and plat, feeder, and work-order maps.
Ability to perform vehicle inspections and work overtime at a supervisor's discretion.
Ability to hike occasionally up to one mile over uneven and sometimes steep terrain, including navigating over or around fences.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch occasionally; lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds; and occasionally shovel and trim vegetation to access equipment.
Ability to work in the field up to 40 percent of the time on uneven terrain or near energized lines, and to exert up to 50 pounds of force above the shoulder while maneuvering hot sticks and fiberglass measuring sticks.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force to open transformer pad mounts and occasionally lift and carry supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, including awkward items requiring special handling.
Additional safety-related training may be required.

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 overhead and underground power-line infrastructure rebuilds.
Meet with internal and external customers, contractors, and developers to determine needs, negotiate conflicts, clarify issues, and explain line-design options, rates, tariffs, costs, policies, and procedures.
Design basic line routes according to customer needs and company practices.
Schedule projects, prepare work orders, and collect and process fees.
As a senior designer, mentor Designers I and II on estimating, mapping, and design processes and best practices.
For senior-level work, use current design criteria; lead and mentor others; design diverse work orders, including URD, transmission, subdivision, overhead rebuild, highway move, and upgrade projects; support primary service-level customers; work independently; and serve as a subject matter expert on committees.
Assist with land and construction surveying and prepare easements with appropriate legal descriptions.
Gather and organize information, schedule projects, and design distribution facilities.
Calculate voltage drop/flicker, fault current, clearance, conductor sag, and tension requirements.
Perform vehicle inspections and determine when to use personal protective equipment.
Perform field work and maintenance tasks, including maneuvering hot sticks and fiberglass measuring sticks and opening pad mounts on transformers.
Attend regular training to remain up to date on changing rules and regulations.