Powerhouse Dispatcher

MWRD; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seeks an Electrical Operator II to work rotating shifts and operate the remote control switchboard, regulating power generation and the Waterway flow under dispatcher directions.

The role supervises staff, performs plant switching, and ensures system reliability, safety, and adherence to procedures. Graduation from high school and seven years' electrical operating experience are required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and seven years of experience in electrical operating work.
• Substitution: Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Promotional Requirement: One year of service with the District as an Electrical Operator II.
• Civil service status as an Electrical Operator II.

Responsibilities

• Operate remote control switchboard and regulate the flow of the Chicago Waterway system.
• Start, synchronize, transferring, switching and controlling generators, turbines and exciters.
• Direct personnel to operate high voltage circuit breaker and equipment; post hold cards.
• Read indications on meters and record data; perform calculations for flow rates and generator output.
• Direct staff to regulate electrical power equipment; advise System Dispatcher of conditions.
• Assign, supervise and review work; ensure policy compliance; address complaints/grievances.
• Handle incoming calls and route to appropriate personnel.
• May perform housekeeping in high voltage rooms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Electrical power operations

Synchronous motors knowledge

Safety practices

Reading circuit diagrams

Reading electrical meters

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Seven years of electrical operating experience

Tools

Electrical meters

Single-line diagrams

Job description

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under general supervision, during an assigned rotating shift, operates the remote control switchboard. Performs plant switching and isolation functions as required. Supervises and evaluates other employees in subordinate class on shift.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Regulates the production and transmission of electric power by starting, synchronizing, transferring, switching and controlling generators, turbines and exciters.

Directs personnel to operate high voltage circuit breaker and equipment associated with the production (if at Lockport Power House) and/or use of electric power.

Executes and guarantees clearances on lines and equipment and the posting of hold cards.

Directs personnel to regulate the flow of the Chicago Waterway system according to directions of the Systems Dispatcher by operating sluice gates.

Gives instructions to subordinate electrical operating personnel pertaining to the operation and regulation of electrical power equipment.

In case of emergency, takes necessary action to remove lines and equipment from service or to return them to service.

Reads and records indications on meters and other operating data at regular intervals. Performs some calculations pertaining to flow rates and generator output.

Operates computer terminal for control and monitoring of electrical equipment.

Advises System Dispatcher of power house conditions; notifies proper personnel of faulty equipment, both electrical and mechanical, and any changes in operating conditions.

Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances.

Other Job Functions

Handles all incoming calls and routes them to appropriate personnel.

May perform or direct personnel to perform general housekeeping in the high voltage rooms.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors. May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the functions of components in electrical circuits.
• Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics of synchronous motors.
• Some knowledge of motor driven and solid state exciters.
• Considerable knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to read moderately complex circuit and single line diagrams.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical meters such as indicator, graphic, kilowatt and integrator types.
• Ability to understand and interpret data in chart and graph format.
• Ability to read and understand technical electrical material.

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and seven years of experience in electrical operating work.

Substitution

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Promotional Requirement

One year of service with the District as an Electrical Operator II.

Civil service status as an Electrical Operator II.