Electrical System Controller

City of Austin

1d • $41 - $52 • Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Electrical System Controller Purpose: Under general supervision, this position performs tasks in electric system control and switching by monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching and resolving customer outages.

Requirements

• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric utility transmission and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
• Knowledge of modern electronic equipment for controls on boilers, turbines and generating systems.
• Knowledge of meters relays transformers and other equipment used in receiving and delivering electrical power.
• Knowledge of switching equipment procedures and regulations governing its operation.
• Knowledge of electric utility system restoration procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures and methods used in energy control center operations.
• Knowledge of City overhead and underground power transmission and distribution systems, inter-ties and critical areas.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in the use of equipment required to control generation levels.
• Skill in reading instruments, charts and schematic drawings.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in directing others in procedures designed to correct outages or safely reroute power.
• Skill in operating various control systems to affect necessary switching and routing of electricity.
• Skill in maintaining and analyzing records.
• Skill in solving generation transmission and distribution problems.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
• Ability of conflict resolution
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years' experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation, construction tasks.
• Associate's degree focused on GIS, Power, and Computer Technology or other related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Must obtain NERC Operator’s certification within two years.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Electric Utility Transmission and Distribution system.
• Knowledge of NERC reliability standards
• NERC transmission operator's or reliability coordinators certification or the ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
• Distribution, Transmission, Reliability coordinator or general control room experience
• Proficiency with basic computer skills and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Responsibilities

• Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid; troubleshoots and provides solutions to problems in electric transmission and distribution system.
• Analyzes data to discover patterns and or discrepancies and determines appropriate action
• Monitors instrumentation control panels; operates substation switching equipment by remote control, computerized electric control system, and radio and pager systems for communication with work crew to resolve outages; and monitors weather conditions for system operation needs, operates radio and pager systems for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
• Responds to customer complaints of a moderate nature by troubleshooting outages and determining if dispatch of crew is required. Answers citizen questions about electrical service
• Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports.
• Discusses simple division and section operations with others.
• Reads maps and schematics to determine minor system problems.
• Resolves routine problems in generation dispatch.
• Coordinates routine division and section activities with other divisions, sections, and utilities.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED