Utility Systems Operator (Trainee, Tech, Senior)

Gfoat; Georgetown (TX); Hybrid; USD 4,328,000 - 6,918,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgetown Utilities is seeking an Electric Distribution Operator to monitor and control the distribution system, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The role requires on-call duties during emergencies and rotation across 24/7 coverage.

You'll use SCADA and Outage Management systems, coordinate outages, and prepare data and reports for ERCOT and other agencies, while maintaining records and communicating effectively with teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in electrical engineering technology.
• Two years of full-time utility system operations experience or equivalent.
• One additional year may substitute for 30 semester hours; max substitution is two years.
• Knowledge of SCADA, electric distribution, water/wastewater operations, and emergency operations.
• Skills: operating multi-line phones, typing 40 wpm, effective written and spoken communication, reading manuals, and basic math.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the distribution system safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate outages and utilize outage management systems.
• Operate switching devices and coordinate permits for work.
• Respond to emergency calls and on-call duties as required.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with teams.
• 24/7 availability for shift coverage and emergencies.

Skills

SCADA operation

Electric distribution

Emergency operations

Phone system

Typing 40 wpm

Communication

Technical reading

Education

Associate degree in electrical engineering technology

Tools

ESRI software

Job description

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.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume.

Anticipated Start Date: On or after October 5, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

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.

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