Distribution System Operator, Senior

Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 88,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedernales Electric Cooperative in Texas seeks an experienced Distribution Operations Operator to plan, coordinate, and direct switching and tagging for the electric distribution grid. You will write, check and issue clearances to field personnel, monitor loads and restoration activities, and coordinate with LCRA/PEC Transmission Control Center as conditions cross jurisdictional lines.

The role requires knowledge of OSI SCADA, ADMS, OMS, and a track record of safe, reliable system operation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology or related field.
• Five years of directly related experience; exceptions may substitute for education.
• Knowledge of OSI SCADA, ADMS and OMS platforms.
• Knowledge of electrical switching, tagging principles and NERC procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and direct switching and tagging; issue clearances to field personnel.
• Monitor loads, emergency restoration, and reporting for the distribution system.
• Coordinate with LCRA and PEC Transmission Control Center when conditions cross jurisdictions.
• Dispatch field personnel and communicate with dispatchers, engineers, and crews.
• Develop daily reports; maintain system records and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Time management

Effective communication

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology

Tools

OSI SCADA

ADMS

OMS

Job description

$42.50Minimum Starting Base Pay* + KPI Bonuses + Competitive Benefits

*Qualifications may warrant greater starting base pay within the full pay range. Individual base pay is determined by experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training.

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing switching and tagging; writing, checking and issuing clearances to field personnel; monitoring of loads, emergency restoration and associated reporting for the electric distribution system. Coordinates the above activities with LCRA and/or the PEC Transmission Control Center and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines.

• Assist with training and leading staff that supports 24/7 real-time control system integrity to ensure the highest operational reliability and system availability.
• May serve in the status of "Chief Operator" whereas the individual will assist the Shift Supervisor in ensuring the workload of the shift and all applicable system configuration and risk are discussed and understood in the area of responsibility. Staffing levels, weather conditions will also be discussed for preparation purposes, as well as, proper notification if daily workload cannot be accomplished on the assigned shift
• Serves as switching authority as assigned by Distribution Operations Center Manager
• Provide efficient direction of restoration activities during assigned shift
• Responsible for proper adherence to cooperative policies, operating instructions and procedures
• Responsible for accurate, safe and current switching and tagging instruction for assigned operations
• Timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations
• Continuous monitoring and control of the cooperative grid and initiate restoration of service during assigned shift
• Respond to system operation failures or abnormalities and recommend corrective action
• Dispatch field personnel
• Communicate with dispatchers, engineers and field crews
• Perform trouble shooting, problem analysis and resolution
• Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and perform restoration
• Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports
• Use SCADA, ADMS software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid

• Utilize one lines for the issuance of switching procedures
• Monitor conditions which could negatively impact reliability
• Respond to emergencies
• Utilize Outage Management System (OMS) for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters
• Monitor two- way radio communication for all districts, read one lines and maintain system displays and graphics
• Prepare and approve switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to switching one lines of power systems
• Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations
• Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatches personnel as necessary
• Maintain outage, substation and system records and provides to other departments as needed
• Coordinate and perform switching as required for authorized personnel
• Monitor and operate the SCADA System
• Notify and assist district personnel on outages and emergency conditions
• Calculate necessary power equations
• Adhere to applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) policies and procedures
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned

Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities

Develop, mentor and provide technical direction and instruction to team members.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the OSI SCADA, ADMS and OMS platforms
• Knowledge of basic electricity and electrical theory
• Knowledge of electrical switching and tagging principals and requirements
• Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code and electrical utility operational procedures
• Skilled in time management and managing changing priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing
• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems
• Work effectively with various levels of the organization and outsiders involved with electric distribution operations.
• Ability to act as customer advocate by assuring accurate and timely information is communicated on ETRs and restoration remarks

Minimum Qualifications - (Education, Experience)

• Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology or related technical field
• Five years of directly related experience
• Directly related work experience may substitute for education
• Valid Texas Driver’s License

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel
• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 25 pounds
• The employee may be required to travel
• This position requires shift work including nights, weekends, holidays and 10-12 hours workdays
• This position requires after hours on-call
• This position is in a secured control room environment and intermittently in the field
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions.
• The employee may be required to work from ladders in confined spaces and occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; risk of electrical shock; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period
• This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week
• Ability to function under stress of emergency situations for extended periods of time.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.