Energy Control Operator

City of Albany, Georgia•Georgia 31701, GA

About The Position

The Energy Control Operator performs specialized work using computerized systems to monitor the City’s water, gas, and light utility systems, identify service disruptions and emergencies, and dispatch crews to support uninterrupted utility service. The position monitors and controls utility infrastructure through SCADA and other remote-control systems, responds to alarms, executes switching orders, and uses independent judgment to help operate the distribution system safely and reliably. The role also handles utility locate requests, work orders, operational records, reports, and administrative data. It communicates with customers, utility personnel, other city departments, emergency responders, contractors, and outside agencies by telephone and radio. The position may dispatch crews during emergencies or after regular working hours and coordinate routine utility work during regular working hours. The City of Albany is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Vocational/technical degree in computer operations, electrical distribution/transmission systems, or public utility operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Two years of related experience, unless an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and analyze data and relate analysis to established standards.
Ability to provide guidance and interpret procedures and standards for specific situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate decimals and percentages, use fractions, and interpret graphs.
Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when evaluating information.
Some tasks require perception and discrimination of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals, and the ability to communicate orally.
Essential functions may involve exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, or toxic agents.

Responsibilities

Operate the SCADA system to monitor city water, gas, and light utility operations and identify disruptions and emergencies.
Report abnormal system events to appropriate personnel.
Remotely monitor, control, and regulate electric substations, natural gas plants, water wells, and telecommunications fiber huts; respond to alarms and execute switching orders.
Monitor and regulate water well levels, water usage, chlorine and fluoride levels, and system pressures, including adjusting water pumping during peak usage periods.
Use independent judgment to direct, monitor, advise, and operate the distribution system safely and reliably, protecting employees, the public, city property, and equipment.
Monitor remote video surveillance cameras and electronically operate access gates on department property.
Create, manage, edit, and research normal and emergency Utilities Protection Center locate requests; maintain late-locate notification files and dispatch locate technicians.
Receive reports of utility tampering, water restriction violations, and property damage, and create investigation work orders.
Use computer databases and office software to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; operate general office equipment as needed.
Compile and monitor operational and statistical data, conduct research and calculations, analyze trends and daily logs, prepare reports, and maintain records.
Prepare and process forms and documents, including correspondence, reports, work orders, overtime reports, road-closing records, delivery orders, after-hours activity records, service files, and logs.
Receive, review, complete, process, forward, or retain forms, reports, work orders, maps, manuals, and related documentation.
Use telephone and radio equipment to respond to customer and staff inquiries, requests, and complaints; prioritize situations and determine appropriate actions.
Dispatch crews during emergencies or after regular working hours to restore service and coordinate standard utility work during regular working hours.
Communicate and coordinate with city departments, utility companies, emergency services, outside agencies, customers, and the public regarding emergencies and work activities.
Monitor radio frequencies, National Weather Service communications, and computerized weather radar.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, professional developments, and trends; participate in professional affiliations, literature review, workshops, and training as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as required.