Dist Operator-Assoc

El Paso Electric•El Paso, TX

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Distribution Operations, the Distribution Operator-Associate is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of EPE’s distribution system, from 120v to 24kv, using DMS/OMS and related systems. The role supports restoration of customer load, equipment isolation for maintenance and daily work, distribution switching, feeder taps and laterals, outage documentation, system monitoring, and coordination with field personnel and System Operations. The position also performs Dispatcher duties, including evaluating outage information, dispatching outages and trouble calls, checking customer account status for reconnects, interacting directly with customers, calling out resources, answering phones, and creating referrals. Following the introductory development program, the incumbent is expected to be able to work independently. The role includes rotational training with Distribution Engineering, Distribution Crews, and System Operations, including a week of field cross-training annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience in Utility Operations.
0–3 years of relevant experience; level will be determined based on total years of experience.
Knowledge of electrical principles and components, including alternating-current circuits and electrical safety.
Ability to use SCADA for situational awareness and monitoring of the Distribution System.
Ability to review, document, and write distribution operations switching procedures.
Ability to monitor, interpret, and apply control-system and power-system principles to solve practical problems and handle situations with limited standardization.
Ability to make decisions under time constraints.
Working knowledge of personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word; ability to learn specialized software such as customer information systems.
Ability to understand distribution circuit loading conditions and respond to loss of distribution circuits and substation transformers.
Ability to work twelve-hour rotating shifts, including holidays, nights, irregular hours, and overtime, and to respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
Ability to adapt to changing department procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and software.
Ability to work alone and without guidance as needed.
Ability to travel for training and seminars and to represent EPE at industry-related meetings.
Ability to complete one week of field cross-training annually.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with officers, managers, fellow employees, and the general public.
Ability to maintain discretion regarding confidential matters.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Distribution Operations experience or training is preferred as part of the equivalent-qualification pathway.
Knowledge of power system operations, particularly power distribution operations.
Experience in utility outage management.
Experience with Google Mapping.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor DMS/OMS and EMS to support safe and reliable distribution system operations, including feeder configuration, status, and loadings.
Review and monitor distribution switching procedures and oversee the operation of feeder taps and laterals.
Track and document field personnel and support safe restoration of customer load and equipment isolation for maintenance and daily work.
Document outage and trouble information, temporary and permanent field changes, and report permanent field changes to the GIS department.
Assist field crews and System Operations with distribution system restoration and troubleshooting.
Perform Dispatcher duties, including evaluating incoming outage information, dispatching outages and trouble calls, verifying customer account status for reconnects, interacting with customers, calling out resources, answering calls, and creating referrals for follow-up work.
Provide technical support to field crews, Distribution Operators, Distribution Engineers, and System Operators during outage and trouble situations.
Determine or calculate equipment loadings using field measurements and nameplate ratings.
Follow safety protocols and help crews maintain a safe work environment, including monitoring line and equipment holds and tags.
Read and interpret distribution system and substation one-lines.
Provide a lead role to less-senior Distribution Operators by orienting, training, assigning, and checking their work.
Direct field personnel through radio and telephone communications and coordinate directly with System Operations during feeder and transformer lockouts.
Review, document, and manage complex distribution trouble and outage situations, including preparing feeder-lockout breakdowns, updating DMS schematics, and emailing management outage information.
Participate in rotational training with Distribution Engineering, Distribution Crews, and System Operations, including field-personnel job shadowing and loading and unloading tools and materials while using personal protective equipment.
Operate the capacitor bank system to safely and reliably operate Distribution Capacitor banks.
Use EPE’s paging system to communicate significant system events to appropriate recipients.
Track distribution system capital projects using Work Manager software and construction design maps to support proper DMS model mapping and updates.
Assist with troubleshooting the DMS distribution system model, including GIS.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the Company’s Driving Program policy.
Comply with applicable company policies, procedures, code of ethics, and governmental employment, safety, and environmental requirements.
Perform other related tasks within the context of the defined duties.