Assistant System Operator

South Central Power Co.; Lancaster, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

South Central Power Company in Lancaster, Ohio is seeking two Assistant System Operators to support the safe, reliable electric distribution system. You will monitor conditions, dispatch crews, and facilitate communications among crews, members, and agencies.

The role offers growth toward a fully qualified System Operator within about two years, with exposure to OMS, SCADA, GIS, and AMI, plus a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of utility operations or dispatching experience.
• Knowledge of electric distribution systems and outage restoration.
• Ability to stay calm during outages, storms, and emergencies.
• Experience with SCADA/OMS/GIS/AMI preferred.
• Strong communication and map-reading skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate the two-way radio to dispatch crews and relay updates.
• Monitor SCADA system and document operations.
• Maintain outage information in OMS and track ETORs.
• Support GIS mapping and documentation of system changes.
• Coordinate with crews, members, and external agencies.
• Assist with switching operations under supervision.
• Process OUPS/811 locate requests and safety communications.

Skills

SCADA

OMS

GIS

AMI

Radio dispatch

Outage restoration

Microsoft Office

Reading maps

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree (technical)

Tools

OUPS/811 locate

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-time Regular Lancaster, OH, US

South Central Power Company, Ohio’s largest electric cooperative, has an immediate opening for two Assistant System Operators at our Lancaster, Ohio location.

The Assistant System Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric distribution system by monitoring and analyzing system conditions, coordinating field resources, and facilitating communications between crews, employees, members, and external agencies. This position interacts with an Outage Management System (OMS), a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a Geographic Information System (GIS), an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and other related applications to support outage restoration, routine operations, and emergency response activities. The Assistant System Operator serves as a central communications resource, dispatching personnel, providing operational updates, maintaining situational awareness of field activities, and assisting with switching operations under the direction of authorized personnel. The ability to advance to System Operator within approximately two years is required. The System Operator role carries increased responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of the electric system, greater independent decision-making authority, and a corresponding increase in compensation.

What you’ll be doing

• Operate the two-way radio system to relay information, dispatch crews, provide locations and directions, and communicate operational updates to field personnel.
• Monitor, document, and assist with operation of the SCADA system.
• Maintain and update outage information within OMS, including outage status, estimated restoration times (ETORs), damage assessments, and active crew assignments.
• Support system mapping activities, including updating GIS records, area maps, digital map notes, and documentation related to system additions, retirements, and modifications.
• Maintain awareness of the location and status of Cooperative crews, contractor line crews, and contractor tree crews to support safe and effective field operations.
• Remotely operate system devices, as authorized and under the direction of authorized personnel.
• Utilize the company callout system to notify and mobilize personnel in accordance with established procedures and operating requirements.
• Coordinate with Member Services to support disconnects, reconnects, service orders, power quality investigations, AMI-related activities, and field service requests.
• Receive and process requests related to line repairs, street lighting, vegetation management, and other system maintenance activities.
• Process Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) / 811 locate requests, including emergency locate situations and facility analysis as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What the job requires

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in a technical field preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience in utility operations, dispatching, system operations, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of electric distribution systems, equipment, and outage restoration practices.
• Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm during outages, storms, and emergency situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience using utility software systems such as SCADA, OMS, GIS, or AMI preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, electrical diagrams, and system information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency restoration assignments as required.
• Opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to progress into a fully qualified System Operator role.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package.

EEO – Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

South Central Power Company is a drug free workplace.

We do not offer visa sponsorship or accept candidates on work visas at this time.