Distribution System Operator

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution System Operator coordinates and directs switching and tagging, prepares and issues clearances to field personnel, monitors electric distribution system loads, and supports emergency restoration and related reporting. The role coordinates these activities with LCRA, the PEC Transmission Control Center, and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines. It supports real-time control system integrity and operational reliability, directs restoration activities during assigned shifts, and serves as switching authority when assigned. The position uses SCADA and outage management systems to monitor and control the distribution grid, dispatch outages, communicate with field personnel, and maintain system records. It is primarily based in a secure control room, with intermittent field work, and requires shift work, after-hours on-call availability, and potentially more than 40 hours per week. The position is located at PEC Headquarters, 201 S Ave F, Johnson City, Texas 78636. Starting base pay is listed as $37.08, with a midpoint of $46.35 and KPI bonuses; starting pay within the full range may vary based 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 use, data entry, and information processing.
Knowledge of customer service principles and processes.
Knowledge of the SCADA host system and basic electricity.
Knowledge of electrical switching requirements, the National Electrical Safety Code, and electrical utility operating procedures.
Knowledge of radio-use etiquette.
Time management skills and ability to manage changing priorities.
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.
Ability to work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, work 10–12-hour days, and participate in after-hours on-call coverage.
Ability to meet the physical and environmental demands described for the position, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

Responsibilities

Assist with training staff who support 24/7 real-time control system integrity.
Direct restoration activities during assigned shifts.
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 and maintain accurate, safe, and current switching and tagging instructions for assigned operations.
Provide timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations.
Respond to system failures, abnormalities, and emergencies, and recommend corrective action.
Communicate with dispatchers, engineers, and field crews; notify and assist district personnel during outages and emergencies.
Troubleshoot, analyze problems, and support resolution.
Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and support power restoration.
Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports.
Use SCADA software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid.
Use one-line diagrams to issue switching procedures and maintain system displays and graphics.
Monitor conditions that could negatively affect reliability and anticipate and track conditions affecting operations.
Use the Outage Management System for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters.
Monitor two-way radio communications for all districts.
Prepare and approve switching orders that isolate work areas without causing power outages.
Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatch personnel as needed.
Maintain outage, substation, and system records and provide them to other departments as needed.
Coordinate and perform switching as required for authorized personnel.
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.
May provide technical direction to others.