DIST OPERATOR-ASSOC
About The Position
Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Distribution Operations, the Distribution Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of EPE’s distribution system (120v to 24kv) using DMS/OMS. The role operates, tracks, and documents field personnel as they safely restore customer load and isolate equipment for maintenance and daily work. It reviews and monitors distribution switching procedures and oversees feeder taps and laterals. The position documents outage and trouble information, uses DMS/EMS to monitor system conditions and feeder loadings, records temporary and permanent field changes, and reports permanent field changes to GIS. It supports field crews and System Operations with distribution-system restoration and troubleshooting. Regular dispatcher duties include evaluating and dispatching outage and trouble reports, verifying customer account status for reconnects, interacting with customers, calling out resources, and answering phones. After completing the introductory development program, the incumbent is expected to be able to work independently.
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 distribution-system situational awareness and monitoring.
- 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 involving limited standardization.
- Ability to make decisions under time constraints.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word), Google Mapping, and ability to learn specialized software such as customer information systems.
- Ability to understand current distribution circuit loading conditions and respond appropriately to losses 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 or 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 confidentiality and propriety concerning confidential matters.
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with the Company’s Driving Program policy.
Nice To Haves
- Distribution Operations experience or training is preferred.
- Knowledge of power system operations, including power distribution operations, is preferred.
- Experience in utility outage management is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Operate DMS/EMS, telephone, radio, and other system software.
- Monitor EMS for distribution feeder configuration, status, and loadings.
- Provide technical support to field crews, Distribution Operators, Distribution Engineers, and System Operators during outages and trouble situations.
- Determine and calculate equipment loadings based on 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.
- Orient, train, assign, and check the work of less-senior Distribution Operators.
- Direct field personnel using radio and phone communications.
- Coordinate directly with System Operations during feeder and transformer lockouts.
- Review, document, and manage complicated distribution trouble and outage situations, including preparing feeder-lockout breakdowns, updating the DMS schematic, and emailing management outage information.
- Participate in rotational training with Distribution Engineering, Distribution Crews, and System Operations, including loading and unloading tools and materials, using personal protective equipment, and shadowing field personnel.
- Operate Distribution Capacitor banks using the capacitor bank system.
- Communicate significant system-event information to appropriate recipients through EPE’s paging system.
- Track Distribution System capital projects using Work Manager software and construction design maps to support accurate DMS model mapping and updates.
- Assist with troubleshooting the DMS Distribution System Model, including GIS.
- 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 phones, creating referrals for follow-up work, and serving as the single point of contact for Distribution Operations.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the Company’s Driving Program policy.
- Comply with Company policies, procedures, and code of ethics, as well as applicable laws and regulations, including employment, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Perform other related tasks within the context of the defined duties.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
