Distribution System Operator, Senior

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Distribution System Operator plans, coordinates, and directs switching and tagging; writes, checks, and issues clearances to field personnel; monitors electric distribution system loads; and supports emergency restoration and related reporting. The operator coordinates activities with LCRA, the PEC Transmission Control Center, and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines. The position supports real-time control system integrity and operational reliability, and may serve as Chief Operator to assist the Shift Supervisor with shift workload, system configuration, risk, staffing, weather, and workload notifications. The role uses SCADA, ADMS, and OMS systems to monitor and control the cooperative distribution grid and dispatch outage and restoration work. The position is based at PEC Headquarters in Johnson City, Texas, in a secured control room environment with intermittent field work. It requires shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, and 10–12-hour workdays, as well as after-hours on-call availability. The employee may work more than 40 hours per week and must be able to function under the stress of emergency situations for extended periods. The stated minimum starting base pay is $37.08, with a pay-range midpoint of $46.35; starting pay may be higher depending on experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. KPI bonuses and competitive benefits are also mentioned. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology or a related technical field, or directly related work experience in substitution for education.
Five years of directly related experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of OSI SCADA, ADMS, and OMS platforms.
Knowledge of basic electricity and electrical theory.
Knowledge of electrical switching and tagging principles and requirements.
Knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and electrical utility operating procedures.
Knowledge of radio-use etiquette.
Skill in time management and managing changing priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to understand information communicated verbally and in writing.
Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze, and resolve conflict and problems.
Ability to work effectively with various organizational levels and external parties involved in electric distribution operations.
Ability to function under the stress of emergency situations for extended periods.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including standing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, sitting or standing for long periods, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel as required.
Ability to work shifts that include nights, weekends, holidays, and 10–12-hour workdays, and to provide after-hours on-call coverage.
Ability to work in a secured control room and intermittently in the field, with exposure to moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather, and other stated workplace hazards.
May be required to work more than 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Assist with training and leading staff who support 24/7 real-time control system integrity, operational reliability, and system availability.
May serve as Chief Operator and assist the Shift Supervisor in reviewing shift workload, system configuration, operational risk, staffing, weather, and notifications when workload cannot be completed.
Serve as switching authority when assigned by the Distribution Operations Center Manager.
Direct restoration activities during the assigned shift.
Ensure adherence to cooperative policies, operating instructions, procedures, and safe switching and tagging requirements.
Provide timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations.
Continuously monitor and control the cooperative grid and initiate service restoration during the assigned shift.
Respond to system operation failures or abnormalities and recommend corrective action.
Dispatch field personnel and communicate with dispatchers, engineers, and field crews.
Troubleshoot, analyze problems, and resolve operational issues.
Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and support restoration.
Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports.
Use SCADA and ADMS software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid.
Use one-line diagrams to issue switching procedures and prepare and approve switching orders that isolate work areas without causing power outages.
Monitor conditions that could negatively affect reliability and respond to emergencies.
Use the Outage Management System for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters.
Monitor two-way radio communications for all districts, read one-line diagrams, and maintain system displays and graphics.
Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations.
Receive power outage calls and dispatch personnel as necessary.
Maintain outage, substation, and system records and provide them 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 regarding outages and emergency conditions.
Calculate necessary power equations.
Adhere to applicable NERC policies and procedures and maintain the security of confidential information.
Stay informed about technology advances and demonstrate regular, prompt attendance.
Develop, mentor, and provide technical direction and instruction to team members.
Act as a customer advocate by ensuring accurate and timely communication of estimated restoration times and restoration remarks.
Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.