Damage Prevention Specialist

Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Every day, we deliver electricity to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in central and southern Illinois, serving more than 1,200 communities.

About the role

The Damage Prevention Specialist is responsible for managing the watch and protect program for Ameren Illinois, which includes coordinating watch and protect activities between the excavators and contract locating companies. This position will provide technical expertise and monitor the overall performance of the program. This position will be part of the Ameren Illinois Damage Prevention Group, responsible for ensuring safety to Ameren employees, contract locators, excavators, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Contact excavators when digging activities will be within the specified tolerance of Ameren Illinois facilities identified for watch and protect.
• Coordinate watch and protect timeframe between the excavator and contract locate company.
• Provide assistance on watch and protect duties, when necessary.
• Respond to high profile gas and electric third party damages to determine cause. Provide direction to Ameren personnel and locators in the damage investigation process.
• Perform locating audits and assist with claims and billing.
• Remove barriers that would prohibit or delay service to the customer.
• Work with excavators and Ameren personnel in problem resolution and education on the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act.
• Assist in the coordination of excavator meetings for Ameren Illinois which are held annually throughout Ameren territory. Provide presentations and educational materials on underground safety and the state laws to the excavators.
• Meet monthly with locate contractor management team to monitor performance, resolve issues and pursue opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as the contact person for difficult to locate facilities and assist in resolving the locate issue.

Requirements

• Associates degree in related field (e.g., Engineering Technology, Construction Management) required.
• Four or more years of relevant experience (e.g., electric or gas distribution design and/or underground locator or construction experience) is required.
• Bachelor's degree in related field (e.g., Engineering, Construction Management) preferred and may substitute for two years of required experience.
• Six or more years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Skills

• Must be adaptable and flexible.
• Proficiency with general computer skills preferred.
• Demonstrated abilities in CSS, Excel, Power Point, API, IRTH, Byers, Access and Word preferred.
• Demonstrated abilities in problem resolution, presentation skills, customer relations and training required.

Schedule

The Damage Prevention Specialist works a standard day-shift in both an office and field environment. This position is subject to emergency call-outs for storm response and third party damages. Travel is required.

Benefits

• Medical coverage on date of hire
• 100% employer paid cash balance pension plan
• 401(k) with company match fully vested on date of hire
• Minimum of 15 days paid vacation and 12 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave and family caregiver leave

Pay

Compensation Range: $71,100.00 - $110,200.00

At Ameren, base salary is one component of a competitive compensation package for employees. Our pay ranges are broad to allow for movement within our organization and to accommodate different skill sets and levels of expertise. Roles are eligible for additional rewards including annual incentive payments based on individual and company performance.