Distribution System Operator

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TX

26d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for coordinating, directing switching and tagging; writing, checking and issuing clearances to field personnel; monitoring of loads, emergency restoration and associated reporting for the electric distribution system. Coordinates the above activities with LCRA and/or the PEC Transmission Control Center and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology or related technical field.
Three years of directly related experience.
Directly related work experience may substitute for education.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing information.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.
Knowledge of the SCADA host system.
Knowledge of basic electricity.
Knowledge of electrical switching requirements.
Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code and electrical utility operational procedures.
Knowledge of radio use etiquette.
Skilled in time management.
Skilled in managing changing priorities.
Skilled in mathematical abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen to and understand information verbally and in writing.
Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems.

Responsibilities

Assist with training staff that supports 24/7 real-time control system integrity to ensure the highest operational reliability and system availability.
Provide efficient direction of restoration activities during assigned shift.
Serves as switching authority as assigned by Distribution Operations Center Manager.
Responsible for proper adherence to cooperative policies, operating instructions and procedures.
Responsible for accurate, safe and current switching and tagging instruction for assigned operations.
Timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations.
Respond to system operation failures or abnormalities and recommend corrective action.
Communicate with dispatchers, engineers and field crews.
Perform trouble shooting, problem analysis and resolution.
Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and power restoration.
Develop, approve, analyze and generates daily reports.
Utilize SCADA software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid under general supervision.
Utilize one lines for the issuance of switching procedures.
Monitor conditions which could negatively impact reliability.
Respond to emergencies.
Utilize Outage Management System (OMS) for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters.
Monitor two-way radio communication for all districts, read one lines and maintain system displays and graphics.
Prepare and approve switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to switching on lines of power systems.
Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations.
Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatch personnel as necessary.
Maintains outage, substation and system records and provides to other departments as needed.
Coordinate and perform switching as required for authorized personnel.
Monitor and operate the SCADA System.
Notify and assist district personnel on outages and emergency conditions.
Calculate power equations.
Adhere to applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) policies and procedures.
Maintain the security of confidential information.
Stay abreast of advances in technology.
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned.
May provide technical direction to others.