Distribution Designer I, II, or Senior

Distribution Designer I, II, or Senior

Location: Boise, Idaho

Job Type: Regular

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $41.54–$62.53

Number of Positions: 1

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time

Note: Current Idaho Power employees, please apply through the Employee Portal.

About the Role

The Distribution Designer coordinates, plans, and designs line extensions and rebuilding of infrastructure for overhead and underground power lines. As a team member, you will meet with internal and external customers, including contractors and developers, to determine needs, negotiate conflicts or clarify issues, and communicate policies and procedures for line design options, rates, tariffs, and cost information. Based on customer needs and company practices, you will design basic line routes and schedule projects. You will also prepare work orders, collect, and process fees.

A senior designer will additionally mentor designers I and II on processes and best practices for estimating, mapping, and design.

Competitive Candidate Knowledge

• Lines core processes of new business operations, emergency response, and unplanned maintenance
• Electrical distribution facilities, operating and protective systems
• Line construction methods, materials, standards, and equipment
• Financial requirements including Rule H, regulations, and rules
• Surveying practices, legal property descriptions, permitting requirements, work order reconciliation, and applicable safety rules

Competitive Candidate Skills

• Professional interpersonal communication including verbal, written, and telephone etiquette
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Personal computers including commonly used applications, and AutoCAD/AUD
• Math and algebra
• Organization and project management

Competitive Candidate Abilities

• Read and understand construction drawings and plat, feeder, and work order maps
• Assist with performing land and construction surveying and preparing easements with appropriate legal descriptions
• Gather information, organize, schedule, and design distribution facilities
• Calculate voltage drop/flicker, fault current, clearance, conductor sag, and tension requirements
• Perform vehicle inspections
• Determine when to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work overtime at supervisor's discretion

Senior Designer Specific Responsibilities

• Utilize latest design criteria
• Lead and mentor others
• Design diverse work orders including URD, transmission, subdivision, overhead rebuilds, highway moves, and upgrades
• Support primary service level customers
• Work independently
• Participate as subject matter expert on various committees

Distribution Designer I Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or GED

Experience:

• 4 years of electric utility experience in relevant field operations, construction support, or drafting/mapping and completion of the Idaho Power Pre-Distribution Designer Program, OR
• 2 years of design experience in the utility or construction industry, OR
• Experience as a Journeyman Lineman, OR
• Completion of Idaho Power Lineman Apprentice Program through Level 7

Preferred:

• Utility field operations experience

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR card within 90 days

Distribution Designer II Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or GED

Experience:

• 4 years electric utility line design, OR
• Experience as a Journeyman Lineman with one year of design experience, OR
• 2½ years of experience as an IPC Distribution Designer I with a successful promotional assessment, OR
• Currently an IPC Journeyman Lineman

Preferred:

• Utility distribution construction experience

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR card within 90 days

Senior Distribution Designer Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or GED

Experience:

• Successful completion of Distribution Designer I and II program requirements and assessments, and a minimum of 2½ years as a Distribution Designer II

Preferred:

• Utility distribution construction background

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR card within 90 days

Physical Requirements

• Hiking upon uneven and sometimes steep terrain of up to 1 mile is performed occasionally, including navigation over/around fences
• Bending/stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required on an occasional basis
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs. and shoveling and trimming of vegetation is required occasionally to open manhole covers, McCarten vault lids, junction boxes, and pad mount transformers
• Physical ability to work in the field up to 40 percent of the time on uneven terrain or within proximity of energized lines
• Performs maintenance work by maneuvering hot sticks and fiberglass measuring sticks, which requires up to 50 pounds of exertional force above the shoulder
• Open pad mounts on transformers, which requires up to 50 pounds of exertional force
• Occasionally lift and carry office supplies and/or equipment such as boxes of copy paper weighing up to 50 pounds, and other awkward items that require special handling

Additional Requirements

• Additional safety related training may be required
• Attend training on a regular basis to stay up to date on changing rules and regulations

Competencies

• Building Customer Loyalty
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Planning and Organizing
• Safety Focus
• Work Standards

About Idaho Power

With 17 hydroelectric power plants along the Snake River and its tributaries, Idaho Power is proud to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to customers in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Our nearly 2,200 employees serve more than 650,000 customers in a service area spanning an estimated 24,000 square miles. They live, work, and play in some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the West.

Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon. We're working hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable, affordable energy they depend on. We're also committed to keeping our communities safe, connected, and thriving.

Benefits

In addition to meaningful work, Idaho Power offers:

• Work-life balance
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Employee incentive plan
• 401(k) employer-match
• Pension plan

Idaho Power is one of the best employers in the state.

Equal Opportunity

Idaho Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, marital status, and any other status protected by applicable federal and state laws.

Note: Idaho Power will not provide sponsorship for obtaining an employment visa, such as an H-1B visa.

Contact Information

Phone: 208-388-2965

Email: jobs@idahopower.com

Idaho Power Company Recruiting Office P.O. Box 70 Boise, ID 83707