Distribution Operator I-Sr

Entergy Corporation; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Entergy in the United States seeks a Distribution Operator to ensure safe, reliable operation of the electric distribution system. You will direct switching teams, monitor system status, and coordinate with field crews, substation staff, contractors, and control centers to anticipate and mitigate reliability issues.

Roles involve after-hours on-call duties, extensive use of SCADA, OMS data entry, and real-time decisions to restore service during outages and disturbances.

Qualifications

• Tier 0–2 qualifications must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
• Distribution Operator I: no prior work experience required, depending on education.
• Distribution Operator II: 18 months of experience as Operator I or equivalent work experience.
• Distribution Operator Sr: 18 months of experience as Operator II or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct switching personnel and allocate suitable crews for trouble work to outages for resource optimization.
• Input outage data into OMS and provide restoration updates to Entergy staff and customers.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose distribution system issues and coordinate with field responders and Operations Centers.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric distribution system, this role encompasses directing switching personnel, system configuration, and system monitoring. Effective communication with field crews, substation personnel, contractors, industrial accounts, transmission control centers, and management is essential, particularly when monitoring system conditions to anticipate and mitigate potential reliability issues. Distribution Operators undergo continual training to enhance their system knowledge and utilize simulations to practice new scenarios, broadening their expertise. They are tasked with responding to and restoring the electric distribution system to safe operating conditions before, during, and after major disturbances. This position relies heavily on extensive experience and judgment to plan and achieve objectives.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of general operating instructions, the Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and the Switching, Tagging & Clearance policy. Utilize independent judgment to allocate and direct suitable personnel for incoming trouble work; prioritize outages to maximize the utilization of available resources. Identify and help resolve technical, operational, and organizational challenges. Oversee the after-hours call-out process, accurately input outage data into the OMS, and furnish Entergy support personnel and customers with timely and precise restoration updates. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and initiate repairs of electrical distribution system issues, including providing troubleshooting support for field responders. Analyze and respond promptly in cases of system disturbances to restore the system to its normal configuration. Oversee Entergy’s switching, tagging, and clearance processes to ensure safety standards. Manage field personnel and/or control devices via SCADA. Develop, review, and approve planned switching procedures. Implement contingency switching plans to address customer outages within the distribution substation and line system. Coordinate and manage large switching projects involving substation and distribution line resources. Interacts with Operations Center personnel and maintains effective working relationships with other operations centers and service center staff. Demonstrates exemplary internal and/or external customer service in the process of restoring outages. Identifies and informs others when additional operations center or local office resources are required to manage outage response. Monitors and utilize all-weather tools and alerts affected personnel regarding potential severe conditions. Continuously monitor Distribution System parameters, including voltage, line flows, equipment loading, and alarm conditions, in real time, and implement appropriate corrective actions as necessary. Responsible for initiating and completing work orders, providing information in response to field inquiries, and updating the OMS for outage-related scenarios; answer and address calls on the emergency line. Provide information to Data Maintenance Support personnel about updates, missing devices, incorrect predictions, and other issues in OMS. Initiate and restore system emergencies, including load shedding (automatic or manual) and blackstart operations. Execute actions and assume accountability as necessary for areas involving Cyber Security Assets. Able to work a 24-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights and weekends.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Distribution Operator I: Tier 0 – 2 Qualifications must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment. Failure to obtain the required qualifications within the specified time frame will result in termination of employment for this position. No prior work experience is required, depending on the level of education. This is an entry-level position with assignments and learning activities designed to develop operator skill sets for applied competencies and tasks.

Distribution Operator II: Preferred: 18 months of experience as a Distribution Operator I or equivalent work experience and/or Tier 2 Qualification. Qualifications: Capable of handling all day-to-day tasks as well as more complex operator tasks with minimal oversight. Expected to analyze available data, draw conclusions, and act accordingly to operate Entergy’s Distribution System.

Distribution Operator, Sr: Preferred: 18 months of experience as a Distribution Operator II or equivalent work experience and/or Tier 3 Qualification. Qualifications: Possesses substantial technical expertise in specialized areas regarding distribution operations. Capable of completing the most complex tasks with minimal to no oversight. Demonstrates strong customer service skills when completing tasks.