Distribution System Operator

PPL Corporation•Allentown, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country’s best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing. Overview Under general direction, responsible for the more complex directed single and three-phase switching and customer restoration efforts. Works independently with minimal guidance using knowledge of the PPL Permit and Tag process, T&D Operating Instructions, and departmental guidelines. May provide guidance and direction to other PPL employees to support production of high quality, timely and cost-effective restoration of electrical service. Must be willing to work rotating shifts! #INDPPL

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent GED
Experience in the theory and application of basic electrical principles
Must be willing to do shift work and work overtime
Pre-employment testing is required: PSP psychological testing
Successful completion of the formal System Operator Training School and "on-the-job" Training programs is required
Basic Computer Skills

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three years in a skilled field electrical or line crew position
Experience in the application and use of an energy control process
Demonstrated ability to organize and analyze data and apply sound reasoning and judgment in developing appropriate solutions to operation of the system under normal and emergency conditions
Ability and initiative to organize and direct a number of concurrent activities, under extreme pressure
A high degree of personal discipline and respect for preparing accurate data, permits, switching orders, and other reports
Ability to work independently, without supervision, and as a member of a group
Effective written and oral communication skills
Effective interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

Evaluates and controls the status of all PPL Electric Utilities (PPLEU) transmission, distribution, and substation equipment. Properly documents maintenance and emergent work activities, as well as system problems. Reports any major system problems or customer interruptions as appropriate.
Prepares more complex directed single and three-phase switching and tagging activities in support of maintenance or restorative services. Ensure familiarity with all jobs currently in progress to ensure safe work conditions for field crews and the public.
Prepares and analyzes load transfers on both the distribution and the transmission systems to prevent overload damage to PPL EU facilities and to restore customer load in the minimum time possible.
Enhances the accuracy of operational tools through the on-going revision of primary operating maps, static map boards, computer models, and Operating Instructions.
Execute Emergency Load Control Procedures to maintain system integrity under emergency conditions up to and including the shedding of firm load, independent of management direction.
Directs certain activities of Distribution Operations, Relay Test, and other departments, utilizing via 3-part communications to effectively and clearly communicate planned work steps and ensure full understanding of orders issued.
Provides functional advice or training to less-experienced System Operators or System Dispatchers. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. May direct the work of other staff members.
Increases and applies knowledge of the PPL Permit and Tag process to plan work activities to minimize customer and equipment outage time and maximize employee safety.
Required to do shift work and to work overtime.
Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.