Distribution System Operator & Dispatcher

Bartholomew REMC; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Retirement pension plan and 401(k)

Generous paid time off and holidays

Life insurance and disability benefits

Employee assistance program

Professional development and training

Stable community-focused employer

Job summary

Bartholomew County REMC seeks a Distribution System Operator & Dispatcher to monitor SCADA, coordinate line crews, and manage outages. You will handle service and work orders, maintain data accuracy, and support engineering and field operations in a community-focused cooperative.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent, GIS/dispatch experience, and strong communication in a fast-paced environment. Office-based with potential for OT during outages.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or high school diploma and two years dispatching, GIS experience, or related training.
• Basic computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Power Point.
• Ability to learn NISC mapping software and SCADA operations.

Responsibilities

• Distribute system operations and real-time dispatch for crews via radio, phone or electronic systems.
• Monitor outages, coordinate field activities and maintain accurate service/work orders.
• Support engineering and operations, assist in data integrity across platforms.

Skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

High school diploma + 2 years dispatching/GIS experience

Tools

NISC mapping software

SCADA operations

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHY JOIN US?

We are a local cooperative working hard for our friends and family right here in Bartholomew County. Our work is critical to this community and even though we take it seriously, we have a good time doing it. At Bartholomew County REMC, you'll be part of a team dedicated to serving our members and communities while enjoying a strong culture, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package.

WHY JOIN US?

We are a local cooperative working hard for our friends and family right here in Bartholomew County. Our work is critical to this community and even though we take it seriously, we have a good time doing it. At Bartholomew County REMC, you'll be part of a team dedicated to serving our members and communities while enjoying a strong culture, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Bartholomew County REMC is seeking a Distribution System Operator & Dispatcher to serve as a central hub for our electric distribution operations. This role combines system monitoring, technical coordination, outage response, real‑time dispatching, and communication support to help keep power flowing safely and reliably to our members.

Don't Have Utility Experience?

That's okay.

We recognize that many of the skills needed for success in this role are developed outside the electric utility industry. Candidates with experience in logistics, emergency management, public safety communications, military operations, dispatching, supply chain operations, incident command, or other mission‑critical coordination environments are encouraged to apply.

If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, enjoy solving problems under pressure, and can effectively coordinate people, information, and technology, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

This position performs distribution system operations and real‑time dispatch, including coordinating line crews, monitoring outages and restoration activities, and managing service and work orders to ensure accurate labor, material, time, and mapping records. The role operates and monitors SCADA, OMS, GIS, AMI, and MDM systems. The role serves as a central technical and communication resource between engineering, field operations, and members.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Distribution System Operation

• Monitor and operate SCADA; respond to alarms and perform authorized operational functions from the office.
• Monitor GIS system (mapping) and update mapping based on red‑lined work orders as required. Correct mapping errors, including power flow.
• Monitor and operate AMI headend system and MDM. Create service orders or report to Engineering when system indicates issues.
• Coordinate and process distribution system updates in NISC as required, to maintain accurate system records.
• Maintain accuracy of system data, including poles, transformers, meters, security lights, services, and equipment records and run/ maintain reporting.
• Coordinate with E&O Coordinators to ensure distribution system updates within SPANS and code violation submissions are completed accurately and in a timely manner to ensure data integrity across the NISC and SPANS platforms.
• Assist with maintaining outage records and compiling operational reports as requested.
• Assist with system data to ensure integrity and accuracy across platforms

Dispatch & Operational Coordination

• Perform dispatch duties for line crews via radio, phone, or electronic systems throughout the day.
• Monitor crews, worksites, outages, and contract crews while coordinating field activities when necessary.
• Assist in outage restoration and support crews with line switching and load transfers in the office.
• Submit emergency locate tickets.
• Create service orders and work orders as required.
• Review completed work orders to ensure labor, materials, and time are accurately recorded and mapping is updated accordingly.

Engineering & Operations Support

• Serve as backup for incoming telephone inquiries from members, determine needs, provide assistance, or forward calls to appropriate departments in support of service excellence.
• Serve as backup for E&O Coordinators.
• Train E&O Coordinators to provide backup support for critical functions of this role.
• Occasional overtime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be necessary during outages, storm restoration, or emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and attain the position objective. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or high school diploma and two years dispatching, GIS experience, or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and Power Point.
• Ability to learn and use specific software such as NISC mapping software and SCADA operations.
• Ability to read and understand maps.
• A positive attitude and pleasant demeanor to both members and coworkers.
• Ability to listen, understand problems and communicate solutions in person, electronically and over the phone with members, customers and employees to explain Operations‑related issues.
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations in a controlled manner.
• Ability to understand and carry out written or oral instructions.
• Ability to multi‑task and work well with others in a fast‑paced environment
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts related to system analysis.
• A proficiency in the English language and its proper usage.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively in small group situations to members, customers and other employees of the organization.
• Must adhere to Company Safety Rules.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Required

This position requires that the individual spend most of the day at a desk, in front of a computer, answering phones, and utilizing radio communication. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Frequently – see (read small print on maps and computer screens), talk, hear, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, type, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally – stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, crawl, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is a climate‑controlled office environment with low noise levels.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus an employer sponsored Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Exceptional retirement pension plan and 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays. New employees receive credit for prior work experience.
• Company-provided basic life insurance, AD&D, business travel insurance, and short/long-term disability benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Stable career with a community‑focused electric cooperative

Bartholomew County REMC is an equal opportunity employer for all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.