Assoc Distribution Operator / Distribution Operator

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. 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. MidAmerican Energy Company has an exciting career opportunity available. Take the next step in your career and apply now!

Associate 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 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.

Associate Distribution Operator

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.