Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Ops Tech

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Position Summary:

This position is responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting Duke Energy's AMI network communications by utilizing SmartGrid Database tools and reports to ensure a consistently healthy smart meter network. This position monitors meter communication remotely, and either remotely resolves the meter communication issues, or creates field orders. Any meter orders go to a meter tech or Customer Delivery to install communication equipment. This is the first level of the AMI Ops Tech job classification. AMI Ops Tech I applies technical expertise to solve complex AMI problems and management skills to provide oversight and direction of work in a specific area of expertise under general supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop deeper technical skills and the ability to work with an increasing degree of independence. This position is responsible for optimizing accurate metering/billing for customer revenue and ensures the company meets jurisdictional compliance requirements for accurate billing (e.g. limiting metering/estimated bills per the requirements).

Responsibilities:

• Monitor AMI network communication to identify meter communication failure at the network level and individual meter level.
• Utilize AMI Ops work allocation software to identify, investigate and take appropriate action upon non communicating meters.
• Review, process and send out daily smart grid database reports to appropriate groups (e.g. resources/leaders within Metering and Revenue Service to convey to state of the AMI Metering Network; providing meter reading issues or system impacts that can effect Billing or other critical processes)
• Performs data analysis/root cause investigations and responds to AMI Ops inbox requests from adjacent organizations and internal customers. Performs complex transactional tasks to support daily operations.
• Use secure applications to recover missing read data enterprise wide on a daily basis.
• Utilize GIS mapping software to investigate individual and large-scale network issues.
• Use spatial analysis to ensure the appropriate action is taken to restore meter communication.
• Use Duke Energy customer, billing, work management and outage information systems to investigate account history to ensure appropriate actions are taken on meters.
• Develop AMI technical expertise necessary to analyze and resolve basic AMI communication issues.
• Strives to continually improve job-related, technical and professional knowledge, skills and performance.
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.
• Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally

Required/Basic Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Technology, Engineering or other related degree
• In lieu of Associate's degree(s) AND two (2) or more years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND four (4) or more years related work experience
• Additional Preferred Qualifications
• Understanding of smart meter head end systems and communication devices including but not limited to mesh and cellular meters, connected grid routers, range extenders.
• Experience with Duke Energy billing and customer systems.
• Knowledge and experience with smart grid head end system network directories.
• Knowledge in work allocation functionality and design including queues, exception prioritization, meter order automation, estimation issue types, and reporting.
• Experience with Duke Energy work management systems.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with GIS mapping software.
• Experience in the Utility Industry
• Office environment
• Specific Requirements
• Intermediate Computer Experience (Outlook, Excel, Access, Sharepoint, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Travel Requirements 5-15%