Operations Specialist Jobs in Pennsylvania

COMPANY SUMMARY STATEMENT: As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview: This position provides support to the Advanced Metering System Operations group. This person has the technical expertise on all the applications used by the Advanced Metering System Operations group. Typically, this person would be responsible for the business-related operations for the various metering support applications to monitor meter reading systems and data validation for internal and external customers. This position also investigates and resolves issues associated with AMI assets that have failed or that are not processing data as expected.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the daily business operations of the various systems and applications associated with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, specifically the Meter Reading systems and the Meter Data Management System (MDMs) as well as individual meter assets.
• Evaluate and validate data in the MDMS to resolve data exceptions and monitor system inputs/outputs to ensure quality of billing and settlement data. Assess the performance of AMI system components through the tracking of meter reading data including the investigation of new alerts on customers who are missing large amounts of meter data (reads) or have meter data outside of established parameters.
• Provide technical leadership (hardware, software, communication paths) in meeting the technology needs of the Advanced Metering System Operations group and serve as the business technology liaison to PPL's ISD organization.
• Responsible for Advanced Metering Operations Group performance metrics including Head End Network availability, MV90 System availability, Meter Billing and Interval read rates, and Remote Switch Performance.
• Responsible for troubleshooting meter assets thru the Meter Read systems to determine the root cause of the issue and to refer to the appropriate group for resolution.
• Responsible for AMI data integrity. This includes monitoring data backups as well as an understanding of appropriate protocols for granting logical access to key AMI systems.
• Support the activities associated with maintaining application release version levels and system patches. Support the activities associated with application upgrades or implementation of new applications.
• Identify and Promote business opportunities in support of various PPL groups to leverage the AMI investment.
• Responsible as necessary for monitoring the performance of the RF network assets and resolving issues associated with the network.
• Monitor changes in technology and maintain a current awareness of industry trends and long-term technology plans at PPL.
• Participate in the planning, design, and implementation of AMI systems, applications, communications infrastructure and operations. Works with various groups with PPL to identify best practices while developing and documenting policies and procedures related to applications and interfaces.
• Responsible for maintaining lists for enhancements/modifications and IT related operations support requirements.
• Prepares and delivers proposals and informational presentations for management and business associates.
• Responsible for understanding PPL tariff and Regulatory requirements as they apply to billing, settlement, etc.
• Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration or Professional
2. 7+ years relevant AMI Experience
3. Ability to analyze data and troubleshoot
4. Possess a high level of customer sensitivity and ability to manage stress, ambiguity, and uncertainty
5. Ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) Communication Technology.
• Extensive knowledge of information system administration policies and practices at PPL for the purpose of operating the AMI system in accordance with department and company goals.
• Skilled in Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS) with a comprehensive understanding of exception management and the process of meter data collection to bill issuance.
• Skilled in application administration, metrology associated with communication, and the aspects of telecommunications infrastructure to support AMI operations.
• Working knowledge of computer hardware, software, telecommunications, and knowledge of industry trends and best practices for applying AMI technologies to other workgroup tasks and activities.
• Ability to build relationships with major players in the IT and Utilities business arena.
• Must have a clear understanding of PPL utilities issues, operations, and priorities.
• Ability to define business benefits, costs, resource requirements, risks, and success criterion of technology operations.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Experience in organizational and system change management.
• Data analytics skills including the ability to query and analyze information across a variety of data sources.