Distribution System Operator

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TX

4d•$77,126 - $96,408•Onsite

About The Position

This position coordinates and directs switching and tagging, writes, checks, and issues clearances to field personnel, monitors loads, and supports emergency restoration and reporting for the electric distribution system. It coordinates these activities with LCRA, the PEC Transmission Control Center, and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines. The position uses SCADA and the Outage Management System to control and monitor the distribution grid, dispatch outages, maintain system displays and records, and support safe, reliable operations. It is primarily based in a secure control room, with intermittent field work. The role includes shift work, after-hours on-call duties, and may require working more than 40 hours per week. The role may provide technical direction to others and assists with training staff who support 24/7 real-time control system integrity. Starting base pay is listed as $37.08, with KPI bonuses and competitive benefits; the midpoint of the pay range is $46.35. Starting base pay may be higher depending on experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology or a related technical field; directly related work experience may substitute for education.
Three years of directly related experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of computer systems, including hardware and software programs, data entry, or information processing.
Knowledge of customer service principles and processes.
Knowledge of the SCADA host system, basic electricity, electrical switching requirements, the National Electrical Safety Code, and electrical utility operating procedures.
Knowledge of radio-use etiquette.
Time-management, changing-priority management, and mathematical skills.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to understand information presented verbally and in writing.
Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze, and resolve conflicts and problems.
Able to meet the physical and work-environment demands described, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Responsibilities

Assist with training staff supporting 24/7 real-time control system integrity and operational reliability.
Direct restoration activities during the assigned shift.
Serve as switching authority when assigned by the Distribution Operations Center Manager.
Follow cooperative policies, operating instructions, procedures, and applicable NERC policies and procedures.
Prepare accurate, safe, and current switching and tagging instructions and switching orders; coordinate and perform switching for authorized personnel.
Write, check, and issue clearances to field personnel.
Monitor loads, system conditions, and factors that could negatively affect reliability or operations; anticipate and track conditions affecting operations.
Operate and monitor SCADA software and hardware and use one-line diagrams to issue switching procedures.
Use the Outage Management System for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters.
Monitor two-way radio communications for all districts and maintain system displays and graphics.
Coordinate with LCRA, the PEC Transmission Control Center, other regions, dispatchers, engineers, and field crews as needed.
Respond to system failures, abnormalities, emergencies, and outages; troubleshoot, analyze problems, recommend corrective action, and support power restoration.
Receive outage calls and dispatch personnel as necessary; notify and assist district personnel during outages and emergency conditions.
Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and support restoration.
Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports; provide timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations.
Maintain outage, substation, and system records and provide them to other departments as needed.
Calculate power equations.
Maintain the security of confidential information and stay current with technological advances.
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance and perform other related duties as assigned.