DCC Operator I - Midwest

Duke Energy; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking an experienced Operator to monitor and manage outage events, coordinating field resources to restore power efficiently. You will model outage data in OMS/DMS, perform remote switching, and support emergency response in a 24/7 rotating shift environment.

The role requires strong communication, technical aptitude, and knowledge of distribution systems. Training leads to Operator II advancement through an OJT and certification program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse teams in a high-pressure utility environment.
• Demonstrated computer and technical aptitude related to grid operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct outage dispatching for feeder level outages and below.
• Review outage information and dispatch field resources to restore power.
• Model and ensure outage data accuracy in OMS and DMS.
• Operate DSCADA, DMS, and perform remote switching and tagging tasks.
• Support large outage restoration and emergency operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Computer/technical aptitude

Distribution system knowledge

Education

High-school Diploma/GED

Associate degree

Tools

OMS

DMS

SCADA

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Position Summary

Join a team at the heart of grid reliability and customer impact, where your decisions help restore power and keep communities running. In this critical, fast-paced role, you will play a key part in restoring power and supporting grid reliability by monitoring, analyzing, and managing outage events across Duke Energy’s distribution system. You will evaluate outage data, coordinate and direct field resources, and ensure accurate, real-time information is captured to support efficient restoration efforts at the feeder level and below. Working closely with the technical Grid Management team, Senior DCC Operators, and DCC Operations leadership, you will also assist in substation restoration as needed. You will be responsible for modeling work within OMS, DMS, and/or SCADA systems, and controlling the Distribution grid. A critical responsibility as the grid Control Authority includes the issuance of safety and operational tags such as HLTs, Clearance, Do Not Operate, and Information Tags. All switching and tagging activities under the distribution control authority will be fully managed by this role, to ensure safe and efficient response to planned and emergent work impacting the distribution grid. Successful candidates will thrive in high-pressure environments and are energized by problem-solving during critical events. You will play a vital role during abnormal conditions and large-scale outages, providing essential support to DCC Operators and contributing to emergency and storm response operations. This role serves as a vital support to DCC Operator II during abnormal or emergency events, requiring sound judgment and the ability to perform under pressure. This opportunity offers exposure to complex grid operations in a 24/7 environment, with rotational shifts and on-call responsibilities that directly support service reliability when it matters most. To be considered for this role, candidates must successfully pass the System Operator/Power Dispatching (SOPD) II test. Once selected for this role, all Operator I positions must successfully pass the Operator Training Certification program and progress to Operator II. The Operator Training Certification program typically takes eighteen to twenty-four months and consists of classroom instruction, on-the-job (OJT) training, and simulator training and assessments.

Responsibilities

Direct outage dispatching for feeder level outages and below and assist with substation outages. Review outage information and dispatch appropriate field resources to restore power, troubleshoots and analyzes problems to provide possible fault locations and direct restoration efforts. Review, update and ensure correct outage information is modeled in the Outage Management System (OMS) and Distribution Management System (DMS). Also, ensure that the Distribution System model is kept accurate in OMS and DMS to ensure the best optimization. Authorize, record and model in the OMS and DMS: Hot Line Tags (HLT), Clearance tags, Do Not Operate (DNO) tags, and Information tags. Under supervision and direction of Supervisor or Sr DCC Operator directs and models switching activities in order to maintain an accurate distribution model of the system for the best optimization for MWs from DMS. Periodically review tags in the system to ensure tags are removed promptly and that the system model and data are accurate. Monitor DSCADA and DMS systems including remotely opening and closing Feeder Circuit Breakers, Reclosers, and Regulators under normal and emergency situations. Install and remove HLTs remotely. Monitor alarms from DSCADA and DMS and assist with determining appropriate response (e.g. low/high voltages, transformer load/temperature alarms, abnormal feeder lockouts, etc.) and provide notification/reports to others. Assist in directing restoration efforts associated with large outages (e.g. feeder lockouts, substation outages, transmission line interruptions, etc.) and ensure that the OMS and DMS models are kept accurate for distribution system optimization to achieve MW reductions if called for on the Distribution System. Assist in developing and calling out emergency switching orders to isolate faults and restore power associated with these large outages. Provide possible fault locations, and if not provided automatically, perform the analysis to determine a predicted fault location.

Required/Basic Qualifications

High-school Diploma/GED Preferred Qualifications Associate degree Previous Operator experience Additional Preferred Qualifications Good written and verbal communications skills Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Demonstrated computer and technical aptitude. Knowledge of distribution systems, equipment, and operations Working Conditions Office environment Ability to work in a 24 X 7 rotating shift schedule Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a designated company facility. Specific Requirements Applicants must earn a passing score on the System Operator/Power Dispatching test to be considered as a qualified candidate.

Starting minimum pay is in mid $70,000 range Travel Requirements Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable) No Represented/Union Position No Visa Sponsored Position No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.