Distribution Operator

Iberdrola•Vestal, NY

1d•$51 - $58

About The Position

The Distribution Operator coordinates and creates switching for outages of distribution lines and equipment for testing. Under directive supervision, the role coordinates and operates electric distribution facilities and dispatches electric and gas outage and trouble notifications. The operator supports continuity of service by coordinating typical maintenance and repairs with Section Operators and Division operating personnel. The role issues switching orders to de-energize, ground, tag, and re-energize distribution facilities; ensures compliance with electric switching and tagging procedures and standard gas-operation procedures; and analyzes distribution circuits for real-time and contingency operation. The operator initially analyzes electric outages and trouble, takes action to minimize interruptions, operates and monitors supervisory-controlled electric distribution devices, maintains logs and records, and updates system diagrams and programs to reflect field conditions. The operator also receives electric and gas trouble and outage calls, dispatches crews through the Outage Management System, recognizes unusual conditions, and notifies responsible Corporate or Division operating personnel. When assigned, the operator leads overall distribution switching operations and performs other related or less skilled work as required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Electrical Engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, or a passing score on a test designed by the Company or a Company-approved provider.
Successfully complete a Company-administered aptitude test.
Absorb Company training in Distribution Operating work, as measured by appropriate job-knowledge tests. Training includes general knowledge of generating-station operations; transmission and distribution lines; substations; gas distribution systems; Company territory geography; Company Safety Rules; Switching and Tagging Procedures; protection systems; and standard gas-operation procedures.
Pass the required physical examination given by a Company physician, including color-perception assessment; requires normal health, physique, and use of senses as indicated by the examination.
Pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in the random drug-testing program.
Possess analytical ability and emotional stability.
Be neat and orderly in work and record preparation.
Be willing to work extra or irregular hours, work a shift schedule, and respond to emergencies.
Be able to receive and transmit orders and instructions in a manner that inspires respect and confidence.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and create switching for distribution-line and equipment outages for testing.
Under directive supervision, coordinate and operate electric distribution facilities and dispatch electric and gas outage and trouble notifications.
Coordinate typical maintenance and repairs with Section Operators and Division operating personnel to help assure continuity of service.
Issue switching orders for de-energizing, grounding, tagging, and re-energizing distribution facilities.
Ensure strict observance of Electric Switching and Tagging Procedures and standard gas-operation procedures.
Analyze distribution circuits to ensure proper real-time operation and assess contingency conditions.
Make initial analyses of electric outages and trouble and initiate actions to minimize interruptions.
Oversee distribution switching operations in a lead role when assigned.
Operate and monitor supervisory-controlled electric distribution devices.
Log data and keep records up to date.
Update system diagrams and programs to conform to current field conditions.
Receive electric and gas trouble and outage calls and dispatch crews through the Outage Management System.
Recognize unusual conditions and inform responsible Corporate or Division operating personnel.
Perform other related or less skilled work as required.