System Operator I, II, III & Senior

Rhode Island Energy; Lincoln (RI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Energy in Lincoln, RI is seeking a System Operator to monitor, switch, and restore high voltage electric systems across the state. The role requires strong communication, the ability to analyze trouble under stress, and commitment to safe, reliable service.

Candidates at System Operator I–III levels will review EMS/DMS data, coordinate with field crews, and follow procedures during outages. Rotating 12-hour shifts and overtime may be required; leadership duties may be assigned as

Qualifications

• Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience requirements vary by System Operator level (I–Senior).
• Familiarity with dispatcher and operator standards; ability to work under stress.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, switch and restore substation, sub-transmission and distribution high voltage systems.
• Direct sectionalizing of faulted equipment and return customers to service.
• Analyze normal and abnormal operating conditions and reconfigure the power system as needed.
• Communicate outage status to operations, management, customers and regulatory staff.
• Work rotating 12-hour shifts and occasional planned/unplanned overtime.
• Assist in training and development of new System Operators.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent on a year-for-year basis

4 years or higher technical degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology)

2+ years of operator experience with a distribution utility company

3+ years of operator experience with a distribution utility company (Senior)

Tools

EMS/DMS systems

Outage Management System

Job description

Company Summary Statement

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity or natural gas. Our team is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

This position requires a high level of personal commitment to deliver excellent performance in monitoring, switching and restoring the substation, sub‑transmission and distribution high voltage electric systems in Rhode Island. Professional communication and the ability to analyze trouble while under stress is expected.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate information from a variety of sources such as Energy Management Systems alarms, switching orders, field reports and Outage Management System to accurately validate, analyze and report outage duration, number of customers impacted, cause and circumstances
• Direct the sectionalizing of faulted equipment and return customers to service.
• Analyze normal / abnormal operating conditions.
• Reconfigure the power system so that equipment operates within its rating.
• Initiate emergency procedures when the system is in distress.
• Be proactive in communicating outage status to various stakeholders such as operations and executive management, corporate communication, customers, engineering, municipal and regulatory staff.
• Analyze trouble orders, establish restoration priorities. and dispatch personnel as required.
• Receive and respond to police, fire, customer calls as needed.
• Complete control center logs and reports
• Demonstrate proficiency in applicable Clearance and Control procedures
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of outage data in Outage Management System.
• Ability to work rotating a rotating 12 hour shift schedule.
• Work reasonable amounts of planned and unplanned overtime
• Assist in training and development of new System Operators
• Take a leadership role in the response to and restoration of faulted equipment and customer outages.
• Demonstrate leadership and assist management in decision making when the system is in distress.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Please note: the successful candidate will be placed at the appropriate career level based on their qualifications and experience.

System Operator I

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience on a year-for-year basis.

Required experience

• Must successfully pass an aptitude assessment and a required background check.
• Basic Computer software skills.
• Able to adapt to rotating shifts and changing work schedules during emergencies.

Preferred qualifications

• 4 years or higher technical degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology)
• Electrical or Gas Utility Experience.
• Understanding of electric network.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

System Operator II

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent on a year-to-year basis.

Required experience

• 2+ years of operator experience with a distribution utility company.
• Working knowledge of all dispatcher and operator standards specific to the position.

Preferred qualifications

• 4 years or higher technical degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology)
• Ability to assimilate data from a variety of sources and quickly formulate and execute action plans during periods of high stress.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with current EMS/DMS systems.
• Excellent written communication, oral communication, and inquiry resolution skills.

System Operator III

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience on a year for year basis.

Required experience

• 3+ years of operator experience with a distribution utility company.
• Working knowledge of all dispatcher and operator standards specific to the position including emergency actions.
• Can work independently with minimum supervision.

Preferred qualifications

• 4 years or higher technical degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• Minimum of 3.5 years’ experience working with current EMS/DMS systems.
• Ability to display leadership during emergency situations.
• Experience in switching and tagging under high stress situations and ability to explain basic load flow principles.

Senior System Operator

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience on a year for year basis.

Required experience

• 5+ years of operator experience within a distribution utility company.
• Working knowledge of all dispatcher and operator standards specific to the position including emergency actions.
• Can work independently and provide supervision for operators.
• Can step-up to perform Shift Supervisor duties as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• 4 years or higher technical degree (i.e. Engineering or Engineering Technology)
• Minimum of 3.5 years’ experience working with current EMS/DMS systems.
• Ability to display leadership during emergency situations.
• Experience in switching and tagging under high stress situations and ability to explain basic load flow principles.