DEA Summary:

Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, member-focused electric distribution cooperative, striving to exceed our member’s energy expectations in a changing world. We are an equal opportunity employer and we believe that diversity of ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our business. As a Dakota Electric employee you would be an essential worker that would have a hand in serving our members. For additional information about Dakota Electric please visit: dakotaelectric.com.

Dakota Electric offers an extensive benefits package:

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with an employer contribution of 6% of an employee's base wage, plus matching contribution up to 4%.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Short-term disability and other voluntary benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Vacation, sick and personal leave

Pay:

$83,120 - $103,900

Job summary:

This position’s primary responsibilities are to ensure accurate metering of the Dakota Electric Association advanced metering (AMI) system and have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the AMI system and for the supervision of the metering work group. The duties include using the AMI system to identify and coordinate the replacement and repair of meters and the coordination, testing and implementation of software and hardware updates to the AMI system.  This position is responsible for identifying, testing and coordinating the use of new metering technologies to support the safe and accurate metering of the flow of energy from the Dakota Electric system to members.  In addition, this position is responsible for the proper operation of the load control equipment installed at the consumers premises.  Duties include ensuring the reliability of the AMI system, troubleshooting issues, and working with other departments to ensure issues are identified and corrected quickly.

Responsibilities

• Comply with established Dakota Electric Association safety and operating rules, polices, procedures, and guidelines. Be responsible for reporting any un-safe practices and/or hazards to a supervisor, manager or Vice President. Be committed to and actively involved in Dakota Electric’s safety programs, initiatives and performance.
• Overall supervisory responsibilities for the metering work group include managing work scheduling and planning, assessing efficient use of personnel and time, directing the work to ensure it is effectively completed and making certain that personnel are trained to meet position requirements and fully understand their job description. Reviews and approves position descriptions for all personnel under direct supervision. Assures backup support is provided for all positions supervised.
• Coordinate with others to ensure the reliable daily operation of the AMI system. This includes ensuring that all important events are resolved and the AMI system is providing accurate, timely and complete billing information.
• Working with the AMI vendor and internal teams to keep the software current and functioning. Identify new device firmware and software releases which are of benefit to Dakota Electric and coordinate the installation of that software in the environments.  Develop and maintain testing procedures and coordinating the testing of each new version of the device firmware & software before releasing to the production system.  This includes all devices which are connected to the RF Mesh network, such as meters and load control receivers.
• Responsible for the accuracy of AMI meter data which includes the periodic audit of the metering installations and practices to ensure accurate metering of the energy use by the consumers and energy produced by distributed energy systems. Develop and maintain process and procedures to identify metering errors and coordinate the resolution of metering issues.
• Working with the load control vendors to ensure all load control devices are operating as required. In coordination with member services, identify and coordinate the resolution of issues with the proper operation of individual load control devices.
• Develop and maintain processes and procedures to ensure the security of the Dakota Electric metering. This includes using the AMI system to help identify energy diversion and working with other departments on the resolution of energy diversion issues.
• Identify and recommend changes to system metering equipment, control and operation of the distribution system as necessary to ensure safe, reliable electrical service. Periodically review the meter systems so the equipment is not overloaded.
• Develop and provide training to metering employees as necessary on technical issues, such as new technical standards, new procedures in support of the AMI system, use and operation of new metering equipment and software and other areas as required.
• Recommends and implements new and changes to existing technical standards covering metering, construction, maintenance and operating procedures.
• Perform related work as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience

A degree in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology and strong supervisory skills are required for this position. A minimum of five years’ experience working with meters, preferable communicating meters or demonstrated proficiency in use of Advanced Metering System information is required for this role, with a minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.  Vocational school graduate in an applicable electrical industry related program combined with experience in utility metering may be considered in lieu of the requirements above. 

(All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act.)