Jobs at Idaho Power

Idaho Power — located in vibrant Boise, Idaho — is looking for two Distribution Designers to join our Customer Operations team.

It’s an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. We’re working toward our goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045, and our work plays a critical role in our customers’ lives and in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon.

In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

What does a Distribution Designer do for us?

 Distribution designers are critical to our mission of providing safe, reliable, affordable, clean energy for our customers. They coordinate, plan, and design line extensions and rebuilding of infrastructure for the overhead and underground power lines that deliver energy to homes and businesses. As a member of a well-coordinated team, they will meet with internal and external customers, including contractors and developers, to determine needs, negotiate conflicts or clarify issues and communicate policies and procedures for line design options, rates, tariffs and cost information. Based on customer needs and company practices, they will also design basic line routes, schedule projects, prepare work orders and collect and process fees

REQUIRED SKILLS

Knowledge of:

·        Lines core processes of new business operations, emergency response, and unplanned maintenance

·        Electrical distribution facilities, operating, and protective systems

Line construction methods, materials, standards, and equipment

·        Financial requirements including Rule H, regulations, and rules

·        Surveying practices, legal property descriptions, permitting requirements, work order reconciliation, and applicable safety rules

Skills in:

·        Professional interpersonal communication including verbal, written, and telephone etiquette

·        Negotiation and conflict resolution

·        Personal computers including commonly used applications and AutoCAD/AUD

·        Math, organization, and project management

Ability to:

·        Read and understand construction drawings and plat, feeder, and work order maps

·        Assist with land and construction surveying and preparing easements with appropriate legal descriptions

·        Gather information, organize, schedule, and design distribution facilities

·        Calculate voltage drop/flicker, fault current, clearance, conductor sag, and tension requirements

·        perform vehicle inspections

·        Determine when to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work overtime at supervisor's discretion

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

·        High school diploma or GED

Experience:

DDI

·        4 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

·        2 years design experience in the utility or construction industry

OR

·        Experience as a Journeyman Lineman

OR

·        Completion of Idaho Power Lineman Apprentice Program through Level 7

Prefer:

o  Utility field operations experience

DDII

·        4 years electric utility line design

OR

·        experience as a Journeyman Lineman with one year of design experience

OR 

·        2½ years’ experience as an Idaho Power Distribution Designer I with a successful promotional assessment

OR

·        Currently an Idaho Power Journeyman Lineman

Prefer:

o  Utility field operations experience

Sr. DD

·        Successful completion of Distribution Designer I and II program requirements and assessments, and a minimum of 2½ years as a Distribution Designer II

Prefer:

o  Utility field operations experience

Licenses & Certifications:

·        Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position

·        Must obtain First Aid/CPR card within 90 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The distribution designer coordinates, plans, and designs line extensions and rebuilding of infrastructure for overhead and underground power lines. Hiking upon uneven and sometimes steep terrain of up to 1 mile is performed occasionally, including navigation over/around fences. Bending/stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required on an occasional basis. Lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs. and shoveling and trimming of vegetation is required occasionally to open manhole covers, McCarten vault lids, junction boxes, and pad mount transformers. The above is a summary of the primary essential functions of the position. This job may require the performance of additional tasks assigned by company leaders or management. Questions regarding job requirements or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional safety related training may be required. Attend training on a regular basis to stay up to date on changing rules and regulations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Physical ability to work in the field up to 40 percent of the time on uneven terrain or within proximity of energized lines. Performs maintenance work by maneuvering hot sticks and fiberglass measuring sticks, which requires up to 50 pounds of exertional force above the shoulder. Open pad mounts on transformers, which requires up to 50 pounds of exertional force. Occasionally lift and carry office supplies and/or equipment such as boxes of copy paper weighing up to 50 pounds, and other awkward items that require special handling.