Utility Systems Operator (Trainee, Tech, Senior)

City of Georgetown, TX; Georgetown (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Georgetown, TX is seeking an Electric Distribution Operator to monitor and control the distribution system, coordinate outages, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance. The role requires on-call duties during emergencies and an ability to work rotating shifts.

You'll operate capacitor banks, monitor SCADA, maintain records, and prepare data for ERCOT and other authorities. A2-year degree in electrical engineering technology and hands-on utility experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree with electrical engineering tech.
• 2 years of full-time utility operations experience.
• Knowledge of SCADA and electric distribution.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to work on-call and 24/7 as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate distribution capacitor banks and switching devices.
• Answer calls and prioritize emergency requests.
• Monitor mobile radio system and SCADA alarms.
• Prepare reports for ERCOT, TXU, LCRA, TPPA, APPA.
• Coordinate outages and implement contingency plans.
• Work 24/7 including overtime and holidays.

Skills

SCADA operation

Electric distribution

Emergency operations

Two-way radios

Typing 40 wpm

Education

Associate's degree in electrical engineering technology

Tools

Outage Management System

ESRI suite

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. Monitors the operation of the Georgetown Utilities distribution system. Ensures that all operations prioritize public and personnel safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Incumbents in this classification are subject to on-call duties during emergency events. Anticipated Start Date: On or after October 5, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Recommends on/off times for distribution capacitor banks
• operates direct control capacitor banks for system requirements.
• Answers incoming telephone calls to the System Operations Center; prioritizes calls to determine if they are emergency or non-emergency and the extent and type of assistance needed; follows up with customers to ensure that work completed was satisfactory, noting any problems and/or issues.
• Monitors and coordinates the operation of the mobile radio system.
• Collects and maintains daily system operational records; collects information and completes required reports.
• Prepares and submits operational data for Ercot, TXU, LCRA, TPPA and APPA.
• Reviews and coordinates scheduled outages on the distribution system.
• Utilizes the Outage Management System to identify, locate and analyze customer outages on the distribution system.
• Prepares, authorizes and directs the operation of switching devices for all utilities.
• Coordinates confined space entries, issuing confined space permits, and radioing during confined space events.
• Prepares and implements contingency plans for emergency situations, up to and including total system restoration.
• Provides utility meter change-out information to the utility billing office.
• Monitors police and fire radio communication for calls that may involve the Utility System and utilizes this information when prioritizing work orders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS:

• With minimal supervision, the electric system operator is responsible for the safe operation of the distribution system.
• Identifies and initiates corrective action as needed in a timely manner to optimize operating conditions, including service restoration procedures.
• Monitors the operation of the utility distribution system to ensure that the system operates in the most efficient and safe manner possible during routine and emergency conditions, monitors security cameras at utility locations for security purposes.
• Monitors the distribution system telemetered data for the utility; analyzes data related to system conditions and takes appropriate action to maintain or restore normal system conditions on the distribution (12.5, 25 kV) system.
• Reviews and coordinates scheduled outages on the distribution system.
• Recognize and react to all SCADA alarms.
• Formulates, writes, and administers safety clearances, general switching, and hot line orders, for both internal and external work.
• This position requires being available 24/7 for shift coverage and emergency situations.

Work Expectations and Measures of Success:

The position is in a diverse work group operating 24 hours a day through rotating shifts, regular scheduled Holidays, weekends and overtime. The position requires overtime both on call-out and holdover during emergency conditions and shift coverage. Work a regular full-time schedule. Be flexible and adaptable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in electrical engineering technology.
• Two (2) years of full-time experience in utility system operations.
• OR Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• One (1) additional year of full-time experience may be substituted for one (1) year (30 semester hours) of the required education, with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
• Knowledge of: SCADA operation.
• Electric distribution.
• Water distribution and wastewater collection system operations.
• Emergency operations.
• Skill in: Operating a multi-line phone system, computers, and two-way radios.
• Typing 40 words per minute.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Reading technical instructions, procedures manuals, and charts to solve practical problems.
• Writing instructions, logs, and recording messages.
• Using basic and advanced mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions or measurements, algebraic solutions of equations and inequalities, and mathematical classifications or schemes.
• Preferred skills: Reading and understanding electrical system schematics and one-line diagrams.
• Guiding others and making frequent decisions affecting the individual, coworkers, and others who depend on the safe and efficient operation and restoration of the energy delivery system.
• The holder of this position will be trained in the use of the ESRI suite of products.
• Familiarity with Outage Management and SCADA systems is preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Class "C" Texas driver’s license required.
• Out-of-state license holders must have a valid license and provide a three-year driving history.
• NERC System Operator Certification preferred.
• Must be able to acquire any mandated special skills or equipment certification as related to ERCOT and NERC within agreed-upon timeframes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.

Hiring Range:

• Trainee: $31.42 - $39.36, hourly.
• Operator: $36.35 - $45.53, hourly.
• Senior Operator: $40.09 - $50.22, hourly.

The City of Georgetown, Texas is a municipality of 106,000 (census estimate for 2024) located 30 miles north of Austin along I-35. The City can be best characterized by its educated, engaged citizens, its award-winning parks and trails, and its ability to maintain a cohesive, smaller-town feel despite its amazing growth. Our organization's culture is driven by its 5 core values of: Trust, Communication, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Work-Life Balance.

The City of Georgetown is an equal opportunity employer.

Offers of employment with the City of Georgetown is contingent upon:

• Proof of education, certification(s) and experience as listed on the employment application based on the job posting requirements.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment drug screening, criminal history background and driving record check.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• The City of Georgetown confirms verification of employment using E-Verify. E-Verify checks the information against records held by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm whether the employee is legally eligible to work in the U.S.

For more information about the City of Georgetown, visit our website at https://www.georgetowntexas.gov