AMI Operations Specialist - Job Family

Description

Job Summary
This position is responsible for the monitoring, management, and analysis of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems and assets. This includes leveraging the AMI headend system and other applications to monitor and track AMI communications network performance, AMI meter read rate, AMI device alerts and alarms, and other KPIs. Additionally, this role will be responsible for handling handoffs with parallel NIPSCO and vendor teams responsible for implementing these systems, deploying devices, and managing downstream business processes.

Essential Functions

• Perform technical review, acceptance testing and implementation for software and firmware upgrades for AMI related systems and associated tools and equipment.
• Monitor the AMI system for daily meter read delivery and network performance and run daily system batch jobs. Present reports to AMI Operations team leadership on system performance.
• Monitor AMI alerts and alarms; develop and present recommendations for resolution of any issues to support timely repairs of the AMI system, network, and associated equipment.
• Collaborate with field operations teams (meters and communications network devices) to monitor repairs of AMI devices and develop solutions to needed repairs.
• Utilize daily AMI system reporting for desktop resolution of identified performance issues with AMI devices.
• Monitor AMI orphans and no-read reports, trouble tickets, and high/low validation reports, escalate identified issues as necessary to AMI Operations leadership, and support solution development.
• Monitor AMI GIS data for problems; effectively determine source of issue (data quality in GIS system, device setting issue, other, etc.) and support solution development.
• Coordinate with field operations teams to track and report on status and trends of issues and returns to the manufacturer for repair or replacement (RMA). Escalate to AMI Operations team leadership as necessary should manufacturer issues begin to impact AMI system performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) of AMI system performance. Present KPI reports to AMI Operations leadership and proactively identify potential solutions to any underperforming metrics.
• Monitor and report diversions and tampers. Perform desktop resolution steps, escalate instances to AMI Operations leadership, and coordinate with field operations and dispatch teams for any required field resolution.
• Coordinate with Billing and Meter-to-Cash teams to monitor meter read rates and identify any AMI meter or communications issues impacting meter reading or billing.
• Coordinate with field operations personnel to dispatch and resolve issues identified with AMI meter and communications hardware.
• Coordinate with Customer Service personnel to facilitate activities such as on-demand reads and meter pings while providing direction and guidance on system capabilities.
• This position is generally performed in a back-office environment where tasks such as reading, computer use, and phone and personnel interaction are required. FR clothing will be required when making site visits to active work areas. Walking, driving, sitting, and minor lifting are required. This position may require business related travel that can include out of town destinations for several days at a time.

AMI Operations Specialist 2

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, etc. or equivalent work experience
• At least two (2) years’ of utility experience in a utility operations or IT or similar function.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills, including in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment
• Knowledge of utility meter-to-cash, customer operations, and meter operations processes
• Knowledge of units of measurement of energy
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools for data analysis and visualization
• Knowledge of customer information systems (CIS)
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for AMI Operations Specialist 2

• Knowledge of the Sensus FlexNet AMI point-to-multipoint network solution and components, or other major AMI communications network solutions
• Knowledge of Sensus RNI Headend System solution, application modules, and functionality, or other major AMI headend applications
• Knowledge of microwave, fiber optic, and cellular backhaul communications

AMI Operations Specialist 3

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, etc. or equivalent work experience
• At least four (4) years’ of utility experience in a utility operations or IT or similar function.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Skilled in analyzing complex problems
• Skilled in working in diverse team environments
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and command respect based on technical expertise and communication style
• Increased knowledge of utility meter-to-cash, customer operations, and meter operations processes
• Increased knowledge of units of measurement of energy
• Increased knowledge of Microsoft Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools for data analysis and visualization
• Increased knowledge of customer information systems (CIS)
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for AMI Operations Specialist 3

• Increased knowledge of the Sensus FlexNet AMI point-to-multipoint network solution and components, or other major AMI communications network solutions
• Increased knowledge of Sensus RNI Headend System solution, application modules, and functionality, or other major AMI headend applications
• Increased knowledge of microwave, fiber optic, and cellular backhaul communications

AMI Operations Specialist Sr.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, etc. or equivalent work experience
• At least seven (7) years’ of utility experience in a utility operations or IT or similar function.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Proficient in analyzing complex problems
• Proficient in working in diverse team environments
• Increased ability to demonstrate leadership and command respect based on technical expertise and communication style
• Proficient in utility meter-to-cash, customer operations, and meter operations processes
• Proficient knowledge of units of measurement of energy
• Proficient with leveraging Microsoft Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools for data analysis and visualization
• Proficient knowledge of customer information systems (CIS)
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for AMI Operations Specialist Sr.

• Proficient with the Sensus FlexNet AMI point-to-multipoint network solution and components, or other major AMI communications network solutions
• Proficient with Sensus RNI Headend System solution, application modules, and functionality, or other major AMI headend applications
• Proficient understanding of microwave, fiber optic, and cellular backhaul communications

The successful candidate will be hired and compensated at the appropriate level within the job family, based on education, knowledge, skills, abilities & years of experience

• AMI Operations Specialist 2
• AMI Operations Specialist 3
• AMI Operations Specialist Sr.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Inclusion & Diversity
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

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