Distribution System Operator

Alabama Power Company; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Alabama Power Company in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Distribution System Operator to support Distribution Operations, Customer Service Centers and Business Offices on a 365/24/7 basis. The role is based in Birmingham, AL and requires working a rotating schedule within a callout environment.

The position focuses on monitoring and operating the distribution system, writing and executing switching, directing restoration efforts, coordinating with Distribution, Transmission and Substation teams, and

Qualifications

• Experience as an operator in a control room environment or closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in ABET-accredited engineering.
• Electric utility experience in power delivery/distribution and/or substation is a plus.
• Military experience in electrical systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the electric distribution system.
• Write and execute switching procedures.
• Direct emergency power restoration efforts.
• Coordinate switching with Distribution, Transmission and Substation teams.
• Monitor SCADA and distribution automation systems.
• Interpret data and take decisive action.

Skills

Control room experience

ABET engineering degree

Power delivery operations

Military electrical experience

Education

ABET Engineering BS

Tools

SCADA

ADMS

ARMS

DARTS

Arcos

Job description

Distribution System Operator (Birmingham, AL)

The Distribution System Operator (DSO) provides support to Distribution Operations, Customer Service Centers and Business Offices across Alabama Power Company's service territory on a 365/24/7 basis. This position is based in Birmingham, AL.

This position is responsible for the effective monitoring and operation of the company's electric distribution system. The successful candidate will be responsible for: writing and executing switching; directing emergency power restoration efforts; coordinating switching and operations with Distribution, Transmission and Substation groups as necessary; monitoring and operating the distribution automation system (SCADA); and interpreting data and information to take necessary action as needed. Various system applications are used such as ADMS, ARMS, DARTS and Arcos.

Please see video for an overview of how the Distribution Control Center (DCC) is as the center of Alabama Power.

https://vimeo.com/795397007/1f3678602e

Job Experience

• Experience as an Operator in a control room environment or closely related experience (i.e., utility, railroad, pipeline, oil/gas operations, etc.) strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s in engineering (ABET accredited) and/or the following job experience preferred
• Electric Utility Experience in Power Delivery Distribution / Transmission / Substation, Generation, and/or Operations a plus
• Military experience in Electrical Systems, Air Traffic Control, Navy Nuclear, Combat Control, Command Post, Tactical Air Control Party, Command & Control BM Ops, Space Systems, Electrician’s Mate, and/or Operations Specialist is a plus

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to learn, navigate, and effectively utilize complex computer systems and applications to execute job duties
• Ability to effectively coordinate and direct the work of others
• Ability to effectively establish work priorities and to plan work to meet established time frames
• Exceptional problem-solving, situational awareness and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information available, to form a judgement and take decided action
• Exceptional attention to detail while following established policies and procedures
• Excellent ability to work effectively under pressure and stress
• Positive influence on others and display a positive attitude
• Effectively interact with others as a part of a team effort and gain cooperation
• Ability to communicate well through spoken and written words
• Ability to monitor and control the activities and operation of multiple events simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to effectively navigate through change

Other Requirements

• Must pass EEI SO/PD II (System Operator/Power Dispatcher) test
• Must pass Southern Company Distribution Operating Procedure assessment.
• Ability to work a combination of 8-,10-, and 12-hour rotating shifts (combination of day, evening, night, and weekend shifts)
• Will be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and be available for callout and holdover extra time
• This position requires participation and progression in an extensive Training Program (approx. 12 months) consisting of classroom training, field training, and On-the-Job training (OJT). DSOs are required to pass multiple assessments/tests administered throughout the training program. A maximum of three (3) attempts is permitted for each test. If the student fails their third attempt, they will be removed from the training program and cannot remain as a DSO.
• Due to the significant investment in your training, the time it takes to become proficient, and the critical nature of this role, we request your commitment to work in the Distribution Control Center for a minimum of 24 months.
• Distribution System Operators are subject to call out and must live within 50 miles of the Birmingham, AL work location.

Additional Testing Information

Candidates who meet the preferred hiring criteria will be invited to complete the SO/PD II Test . If selected, you will receive an invitation via email with further instructions. Please monitor your inbox (and spam/junk folder) for this communication.

Test Preparation Materials

To prepare for the SO/PD II Test, practice materials are available online. Please follow the steps below to access them:

Access the Practice Test

• Visit the EEI practice test website:http://www.eei.org/practicetests/
• Log in using the following credentials:
• Username: southern
• Password: testing
• Follow the on-screen instructions to locate and complete the SO/PD II practice test

Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama.

For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/AlabamaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/AlabamaPower), LinkedIn (Linkedin.com/company/alabama-power), and Instagram (Instagram.com/alabamapower).

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 22010

Job Category: Power Line Operations & Maintenance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Alabama Power