Distribution Design Technician Associate - Technician Senior

Responsible for performing entry-level technical work and related activities associated with the planning, engineering, design, analysis, research, development, testing, construction, maintenance, and operation of Company equipment and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Power Quality
  • Respond to and investigate power quality issues for customers throughout district territory
  • Provide power quality support to other districts as needed
  • Travel to customer locations to discuss issues and set monitoring equipment
  • Collaborate with team members to quickly close out requests
• Distribution Design
  • Field collection of distribution poles based on scope of work utilizing GPS collection device
  • Analysis of new design in DDS software (structural, clearance, and electrical as needed)
  • Creation of construction prints and material lists, along with additional needed documentation such as permits, easements, forestry requests, etc.
  • Tracking of status and progress of projects in Smartsheet schedules
  • Coordination with PMs and construction coordinators as needed
  • Staking of new pole and guy locations as needed ahead of construction
  • Primary job types include Grid Modernization and TAP/DAP
• Technical Proficiency
  • Possesses technical knowledge acquired from an associate degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Gains knowledge of standards, codes, and regulations relevant to area of assignment
  • Gains knowledge with pertinent equipment, material, systems, and business processes
  • Assists employees in handling defined portions of routine problems when beneficial to AEP
  • Possesses basic computer literacy, knowledge, and skills
• Leadership & Guidance
  • Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher-level employees
  • Demonstrates ability to work with others in supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary
• Planning & Organization Ability
  • Plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices
  • Prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the company
  • Maintains accurate records
• Problem Solving & Initiative
  • Applies technical knowledge and experience in resolving problems encountered in assigned work
  • Uses initiative in looking for opportunities to improve the process and increase job knowledge/technical skills
  • Seeks out, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information necessary to perform work activities and solve problems
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing with internal and external customers
  • Assists in the preparation of technical reports and papers
  • Demonstrates the ability to be a team player
  • Relates to people in an open, friendly, and sincere manner
• Decision Making & Business Awareness
  • Develops decision-making skills based on sound judgment and job knowledge
  • Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local organizational unit

Requirements

• Strong focus on customer service
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to customers and other non-technical team members
• Comfortable working near/in low voltage equipment after provided training
• Regular local travel required
• Valid Driver’s License

Qualifications

• Technician Associate SG4
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience, or
  • Associate’s degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields
• Technician SG5
  • Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience, or
  • High school diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related utility industry work experience
• Technician Senior SG6
  • Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields, with a minimum of 4 years of related utility industry work experience, or
  • High school diploma or GED, with a minimum of 6 years of related utility industry work experience, including experience in work activities and projects requiring technical engineering knowledge
  • Meets expectations of the Technician level

Physical Demands

Varies by location or territory. In some locations or territories, technicians must be able to:

• Walk right-of-ways of various terrain in adverse conditions to patrol distribution power lines to determine damage
• Carry and handle telescopic measuring sticks and switching sticks that weigh 11 pounds
• May be required to use a brush axe (approx. 6 pounds) or machete (approx. 2 pounds) to clear brush for walking and staking in survey work

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Location

This role sits on-site in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Pay

• Technician Associate SG4: $54,063 - $67,578/hourly
• Technician SG5: $63,496 - $79,369/hourly
• Technician Senior SG6: $74,551 - $93,188/hourly

Compensation Grade: SP20-004
Compensation Range: $25.99 - $44.80

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.