Distribution System Operator I

Great Lakes Energy•Boyne City, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Great Lakes Energy is looking for a focused and technically skilled Distribution System Operator I to help monitor and operate the electric distribution system that powers the communities we serve. In this role, you'll utilize advanced technologies to support system reliability, coordinate outage restoration efforts, communicate with field personnel, and help ensure the safe and efficient operation of our electric system. Your work will play a critical role in maintaining reliable service for our members while supporting emergency response and system operations activities. This position will be located in our Boyne City office, and the schedule is a mix of weekdays from 2pm-10pm and 10am-6pm. This position for weekends would be 8am-8pm, following the current 2-week rotation.

Requirements

Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electrical Power Technology, or a related utility operations discipline.
Minimum of two years of related experience.
Experience working with SCADA, Outage Management Systems (OMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies.
Proficiency in keyboarding, operational software systems, and Microsoft Office/365 applications.
Ability to analyze operational data and adapt to emerging workplace technologies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively coordinate with field crews, contractors, engineers, emergency responders, and members.
Comfortable managing radio communications and relaying critical operational information.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions during outage and emergency situations.
Commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Completion of a qualified electrical apprenticeship program or system operator certification program preferred.
Knowledge of electric utility operations, outage management processes, and distribution system practices.
Understanding of electrical switching requirements, one-line diagrams, fault location, and basic electrical principles.

Responsibilities

Monitor and operate the electric distribution system.
Utilize advanced technologies to support system reliability.
Coordinate outage restoration efforts.
Communicate with field personnel.
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of the electric system.
Maintain situational awareness of system performance while tracking outages, alarms, and operational activities.
Coordinate with line crews, contractors, dispatch personnel, engineers, and other operations staff to support switching activities, outage restoration, and routine system operations.
Prepare switching orders.
Assist with system back-feed operations.
Ensure operational processes are followed safely and accurately.
Dispatch field resources during outages or emergencies.
Support fault location and restoration efforts.
Process emergency notifications.
Communicate critical information to internal and external stakeholders.
Review outage records.
Analyze operational data.
Update system documentation.
Assist with maintaining operational procedures.
Respond to member inquiries regarding outages or service concerns.