Job Description

The DOC Field Planner provides direction and oversight to APS personnel involved in the construction, maintenance and operation of APS' distribution and network systems. This role: 

  • Provides technical support to local Operations and Maintenance, Construction, management, and Distribution Operations Center personnel.

  • Ensures that system utilization is optimized while adhering to APS' operating practices and procedures and without compromising the system's safety, integrity, and reliability.

  • Responsible for researching, planning, coordinating, and scheduling of system outages and reconfigurations required for planned system additions and modifications.

  • Coordinates and oversees work activities of various APS functional areas and interconnected utilities to ensure that the outage restoration is completed in a timely manner.

    • Minimum Requirements

  • High School diploma/GED and five (5) years' experience with APS working as a Journeyman Lineman, Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Engineer, or equivalent experience where extensive knowledge of the transmission and/or distribution systems operations, maintenance and/or construction is obtained.

  • Must have the ability to work independently and be self-directed in establishing priorities and adapting to change.

  • Working knowledge of electrical theory and operation of an interconnected electric distribution system, lines and substation equipment, protective schemes and relays, general safety practices and the APS accident prevention manual.

  • Demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate and evaluate information to determine the scope of unplanned system outages, and formulate viable options to isolate the problem and reconfigure the system in order to restore service.

  • Must be able to perform field evaluations as to the extent of damage, and direct field personnel in the priority and required sequencing of activities needed in the completion of permanent repairs in order to return system to its normal configuration.


    • Preferred knowledge, skills, or qualifications:

  • Experience with the following applications is preferred: Transmission Outage Application, Advanced Distribution Management System, Geographic Information System, PI database.

  • Extensive experience and technical knowledge of distribution switching and clearance writing.

  • Experience and technical knowledge of substation, distribution and transmission equipment, transmission and distribution electrical design/schematics and one-line diagrams.

  • Experience with Blue Print reading/interpretation.

  • A valid Arizona driver's license is required.

  • May also require the administration of a test. 


    • Major Accountabilities


    1) Formulate switching orders to safely and efficiently reconfigure circuits to allow for planned construction and maintenance of distribution facilities.



    2) Provide assistance to construction and operations and maintenance personnel to determine necessary equipment needs and outages for planned work. Ensure timely and clear communications are delivered to customers, external agencies and internal departments.



    3) Provide guidance and support to operation center during storms and emergency situations to assist in system restoration. Ensure that restoration efforts support the integrity of the electrical system.



    4) Develop and implement plans to restore system back to normal after repairs are completed.



    5) Support operators, troublemen, and line crews to ensure reliable maintenance, construction and operation of the APS electrical system. Formulate plans for required planned outages to the system to ensure the integrity of the electrical system during construction and maintenance activities. Perform field checks of equipment and infrastructure as necessary.



    6) Direct the work planning process from an Operations perspective, including assisting in the prioritization of work plans, work schedules, resources and material coordination with Operations &Maintenance, Customer Construction, Advanced Grid Technologies and area managers.



    7) Provide consultation on Operational Studies and Construction budget preparation concerning load growth, construction and maintenance, engineering standards and plans for distribution, substation, and system reliability. Identify areas for improvement or operational issues and recommend corrective actions.



    8) Assist Distribution Operations Center (DOC) during emergency events by coordinating Operator activities, tracking and prioritizing outages, developing restoration and manpower utilization plans, and communicating outage information to the Floor Supervisor and incident command center.



    9) Ensure compliance to the Accident Prevention Manual, IBEW Contract, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) guidelines.

    Apply for this Position

    Ready to join ? Click the button below to submit your application.

    Submit Application