Dist System Operator II

Pepco; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 84,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Exelon Utilities is seeking a Distribution System Operator 1 to manage switching, tagging, and real-time operations across the electric distribution network. The role emphasizes safe, reliable operation and coordination with multiple teams during outages and storms.

You will monitor SCADA, execute planned and emergency switching, and ensure proper tagging and records. The position requires overtime, weekend work, and the ability to progress to higher classifications.

Qualifications

• Meet Distributed System Operator 1 requirements and have at least 6 months Distributor System Operator 1 equivalent experience.
• Willingness to progress to higher Distribution System Operator classifications.
• Sit/stand for extended periods and distinguish colors on schematics.
• Thorough understanding of the distribution system and OCC training.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and judgment.
• Ability to work shift work.
• Must receive a 'Recommended' result on SOPD test.

Responsibilities

• Follow policies to maintain system integrity, reliability and safety.
• Gather/analyze data for switching feasibility and verify safe operation.
• Develop emergency switching plans and provide guidelines for clearances.
• Direct electrical switching, safety tagging and testing activities.
• Coordinate with operating, construction, customer and contractor personnel.
• Maintain system voltages and loadings within limits.
• Keep supervisors informed of abnormal conditions and outages.
• Maintain SCADA displays and switching maps; ensure map accuracy.
• Record system status and sequence of events.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Shift work

Color vision

Emergency response

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/tech/math/business

Job description

Who We Are

We're powering a cleaner, brighter future.

Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.

We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).

We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive.

In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career.

Are you in?

Primary Purpose

Optimize the practices, policies, procedures and programs to operate the electric distribution system in a safe, reliable and efficient manner with the welfare of employees, customers, the public and shareholders in mind. Follow established operating practices and procedures as they relate to customer restoration, switching and operating for scheduled and emergent work. Manage real-time system alarm status and loading conditions. Perform system restoration during storms and emergency events. Perform the work of receiving, recording, routing, dispatching customer calls, information, orders, and emergency calls. Serve as the tagging authority by leading and directing the application of the safety tagging procedures. Execute line clearance orders by confirming and directing the placement of tags. Lead, direct and supervise associates in restoring customers and safely clearing and restoring equipment. Control and operate the distribution system at various voltage levels. Span of control includes all devices connected to the distribution system typically beginning with the circuit breaker at the substation. Respond to all electrical service interruptions involving distribution equipment referenced above. Respond to electrical service interruptions up to and including Power Quality, Part Out and All Out categories at various voltage levels. Perform electrical switching on a planned, emergent and emergency basis on the distribution system. Maintain system voltages as well as line and equipment loadings within acceptable limits. Maintain and apply a working knowledge of the Exelon Management Model for business controls and meet management's expectation for conducting effective business.

Position requires the ability to work extended hours, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays and overtime on regularly scheduled days off to support operations for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties

• Follow established policies, procedures and guidelines on distribution system operations. Maintain the system integrity, reliability and security of the distribution system in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.
• Gather and analyze system data to determine the feasibility of switching requests. Verify the safe and efficient operation of the electrical system.
• Compile switching routines within system loading and system configuration parameters and provide guidelines to ensure proper clearance for switching requests. Develop and provide emergency switching plans based on last contingencies
• Direct and supervise all electrical switching, placement of safety tags and testing activities on the system in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.
• Notify and direct appropriate personnel including but not limited to Operating, Construction, Customer and Contractor Personnel, as may be needed to take the necessary actions associated with outages, equipment failure, emergencies and various events on the distribution system.
• Maintain system voltages, line and equipment loadings within acceptable limits
• Keep supervisors informed of abnormal system conditions, major customer outages and equipment related problems
• Maintain current system status information on SCADA displays, operating maps and switching routines. Interface with mapping and monitor the accuracy of new maps issued for project diagram and other related work.
• Maintain operating log, interruption reports and associated records to accurately record system status and sequence of events.

Job Scope

• Functional control over various operating, construction, testing, customer and contractor groups in the performance of electrical switching, repair, testing and related work activities involving lines, transformers, and other equipment under the jurisdiction of the Distribution System Operator. The different groups include Distribution System Operations Field Operations, Aerial and Underground Construction and Maintenance, Transmission and Substation,
• The consequences of operating errors or improper system operation could cost the company millions of dollars in direct, indirect and intangible costs such as the loss of customer good will, damaged company equipment, damaged customer equipment and damage to the company's public image.
• Independent judgment is essential in making the real time decisions necessary to maintain the integrity, reliability and security of the Exelon Utilities distribution system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet job requirements of Distributed System Operator 1 job requirements AND have at last 6 months Distributor System Operator 1 equivalent experience
• Ability and willingness to progress to higher Distribution System Operator job classifications.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Must have the ability to differentiate between and recognize specific colors on computer schematics that relay important system configuration information.
• Thorough understanding of the Exelon Utilities distribution system, the ability to recognize system configuration and loading issues, ability to formulate contingency plans and thorough knowledge and understanding of proper operating procedures obtained through successful completion of formal OCC training
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical skills and judgment
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies and manage stressful situations
• Ability to work shift work
• Candidate must receive a "Recommended" result on the System Operator / Power Dispatch (SOPD) test to be eligible for consideration

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, technology, math, or business, with a heavy technology curriculum.

Benefits

• Annual salary will vary based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $84,000.00/Yr. – $115,500.00/Yr.
• Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 10%
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
• Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonus program
• And much more

Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.