Utility Control System Operator (00589)

City of New Bern; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 22,041 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

City of New Bern is seeking a mid-level Utility Operator to monitor and control city utility systems, including SCADA and water assets. You will respond to alarms, dispatch crews, and maintain critical infrastructure under supervision.

The role requires rotating shifts to cover 24/7 operations, strong problem-solving, and the ability to communicate with the public in stressful situations. A valid NC driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of utility system control procedures and equipment.
• Ability to analyze problems and identify reasonable solutions.
• Ability to operate a variety of controls manually.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts and respond to inquiries from the public.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the SCADA System, OMS, alarm system, and utility security systems.
• Switch control modes to required positions to maintain operations.
• Check telemetry and alarms; dispatch crews to restore alarms.
• Ensure adequate water tank levels are maintained.
• Answer trouble calls and dispatch crews; open and close service orders.
• Record all emergency and non-emergency trouble calls.
• Respond to inquiries from the public.
• Place locates and cut lines as required.
• Perform load management and enter time data during operations.
• Monitor substations.
• Work rotating shifts to cover 24/7 coverage.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Alarm systems

Public interaction

Two-way radio

Load management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Telemetry systems

Automation controls

Computer-operated systems

Job description

Performs intermediate semi-skilled work monitoring the operation of the City’s utility systems; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and observes the SCADA System, OMS, alarm system, utility security systems; wastewater system, advanced metering infrastructure, load management and water system.
• Switches control modes to required position.
• Checks telemetry and mechanical alarms; dispatches crews to restore alarms back to normal.
• Ensures adequate water tank levels are maintained.
• Answers incoming trouble calls and dispatches crews to restore utilities; opens and closes service orders.
• Records all emergency and non-emergency trouble calls on appropriate forms.
• Responds to inquiries from public.
• Calls in emergency and non‑emergency locates and cut lines.
• Executes load management and enters time data during performance of load management.
• Monitors substations.
• Works rotating shifts to cover 24 hour/7 day week assignments.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

General knowledge of utility system control procedures and related equipment, gauges, and computer-operated systems; general knowledge of the activities and responsibilities of all City departments; ability to analyze problems and identify reasonable solutions; ability to operate a variety of controls manually; work rotating shifts; ability to deal tactfully with the general public under stressful conditions; ability to speak distinctly over a two-way radio; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and some experience dealing with the general public.

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.

*The City of New Bern is an Equal Opportunity Employer.*