Electric System Operator

City of Lakeland, Civil Service•Employment Services, FL

About The Position

This highly specialized position operates the City of Lakeland’s electric power system on rotating shifts. The system includes transmission, distribution, generation, and interconnections with other utilities. The operator is responsible for electric system security, analyzing transmission and distribution outage requests using Energy Management System tools, and reviewing generation scheduling for system reliability. The position operates the electric system in compliance with North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC) standards; issues and executes switching orders; operates supervisory control equipment; and maintains records of related activities. The operator works under established policies and procedures while exercising independent judgment and initiative. The position has the authority and responsibility to take real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable Bulk Power System operations. Emergency situations must be handled safely and promptly without supervision. Work is reviewed for technical competence and compliance with established operating procedures. The position is designated Mission Critical.

Requirements

High school diploma from an accredited school or GED.
Five years of experience in electric utility transmission/distribution system operations, including extensive experience with normal and emergency restoration procedures and transmission and distribution switching and clearance procedures; alternatively, qualifying experience may be in engineering work related to the design or analysis of electric transmission and distribution systems, or in construction and maintenance of electric substations or associated protective devices.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
Obtain NERC System Operator Transmission Operator (TO) Certification within one year of hire.
Submit to a seven-year background check at the time of application.
Knowledge of department switching and clearance procedures, system standard operating procedures and contingency operating practices, and electrical theory, techniques, methods, materials, and tools used in the industry.
Knowledge of the names and locations of streets and principal buildings in the electric service territory.
Ability to read electrical diagrams of substations, transmission lines, and distribution lines for switching and general operations.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely, remain composed under normal and stressful conditions, communicate professionally and succinctly, and understand field personnel.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, reports, and materials.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, customers, and the public.
Ability to respond to customers with special needs and commercial customers requiring quick answers or service restoration.
Pass pre-employment drug testing; the position is subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug testing and reasonable-suspicion testing.

Responsibilities

Accept responsibility for electric system operation during the assigned shift.
Continuously monitor and evaluate energy delivery systems, anticipate potential operating and loading problems, and implement approved strategies to address adverse conditions.
Monitor and control the electric system using the Energy Management System and ensure compliance with NERC and FRCC standards.
Operate the energy delivery system safely, reliably, stably, and efficiently in accordance with routine and emergency procedures.
Restore service to customers promptly while minimizing system disruptions, interruptions, and potential infrastructure damage.
Review planned and emergency electric equipment outage requests, analyze reliability impacts, prepare switching orders, and execute switching procedures.
Maintain circuit diagrams and records of switch and equipment status, work in progress, and other information needed for safe system operation.
Coordinate with Power Pool operators on generation scheduling and transmission outages affecting Pool operations.
Maintain a clear, detailed log of electric system activities.
Respond to customer outages, direct field crews to inspect and report problems, maintain outage records, and analyze outage impacts on system reliability.
Participate in training at out-of-town locations, which may require overnight stays.
Keep work areas clean and organized and work with teams on inter-divisional tasks.
Communicate courteously with the public, coworkers, and public safety agencies.
Respond to emergency call-outs.
Participate in or facilitate training supporting departmental or City initiatives and requirements, as required.
Work overtime or alternate hours as needed for efficient departmental operation.