System Control Technician

North Georgia EMC•Dalton, GA

About The Position

Purpose: To receive training for the purpose of troubleshooting, testing, operating, and maintaining the integrity of North Georgia EMC’s Electrical Distribution System following prescribed procedures. To maintain awareness regarding the location of field operations personnel. To provide consistent, timely, and accurate communication with field personnel as well as NGEMC’s management staff and public relations personnel. To monitor automated devices through SCADA and dispatch crews to ensure safe and efficient power outage restoration. To respond to various types of trouble in a timely manner. To achieve the level of System Operator within a 3-year period.

Requirements

Associate degree in a relative field of study (or completion of equivalent coursework) or two years of experience in technical field.
Strong computer, reporting and analytical skills; working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office.
Ability to work in a stressful environment with moderate noise.
Ability to retain information and plan, organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must have a valid Class D driver’s license for state of residency.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of electrical theory and electric power system operations.

Responsibilities

Complete all requirements to transition to System Operator within 36 months: satisfy the Minimum Qualifications of a System Operator and demonstrate proficiency in the job functions as defined in the System Operator position description, which may be modified as needed. Satisfactory progress toward the goal is required throughout the 36-month training period.
Complete job-related coursework and skills exercises.
Assist System Operators in basic operation of the distribution system through SCADA.
Monitor and learn to control the electrical distribution system through the knowledge and proficient use of NGEMC systems such as Outage Management System (OMS), Command Center and SCADA.
Assist and learn how to utilize independent judgement to evaluate the efficient actions necessary to direct, monitor, advise and operate the distribution system in a safe and reliable manner, maintaining safe conditions for employees and public and safeguarding cooperative property and equipment.
Assist and learn to monitor SCADA equipment and report abnormal system events to appropriate personnel.
Learn to write switching orders as needed to ensure reliability of service.
Assist and learn to direct switching orders in consultation with NGEMC Electrical Engineers, Operations Supervisors, and field personnel, to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work.
Assist in reporting alarms received on the Fiber Optic and cellular network monitoring system to appropriate personnel.
Assist with AMI Command Center monitoring to include System Alerts, Collector Alerts, Network Device Alerts and Meter Alerts.
Respond to and analyze emergency situations.
Assist with issuing, releasing and recording “hold” tags as required by operating personnel and contractors.
Assist and learn to update OMS as required for alternate feeds, switching and cause codes.
Assist and learn to monitor and respond to radio transmissions.
Initiate callouts of field personnel for prompt restoration of power. Maintain accurate information on crew responses.
Provide field personnel with information required including nature of problem, OMS prediction, address, and meter or location numbers.
Learn how to communicate with TVA’s Transmission Organization to include loss of service to NGEMC’s Substations, scheduling of system outages where maintenance is required, and all other communications associated with the keeping the electrical system operating.
Assist and learn to coordinate and support NGEMC’s Voltage Control Program by monitoring system voltage and adjusting the levels accordingly in order to maintain the defined levels set forth by IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers).
Assist and learn to analyze fault current information received from station and line relays using NGEMC’s Engineering Analysis Software to assist field personnel in locating system disturbances.
Assist with Emergency Load Curtailment Program (ELCP) notifications; notify appropriate NGEMC officials of initiation and cancellation of various steps.
Monitor security cameras located in cooperative buildings and substations.
Monitor outage calls to determine existence of “dig-ins”, oil spills, or accidents and notify appropriate safety personnel or Power Delivery.
Perform root-cause analysis of major outages and prepare formal reports as required that include timeline of events, cause, conclusions, and corrective actions.
Maintain confident and professional demeanor during emergency situations.
Learn to read and understand NGEMC maps, symbols and feeds and give directions using such maps.
Attend required on-site and off-site training as it relates to the system operator position. Must successfully pass all required trainings and tests.
Continually advance toward the role of System Operator and demonstrate progressive knowledge related to controlling the electric system. Complete skills exercises, as required.
Complete an associate degree or equivalent level of coursework in a related field within 36 months.
Other tasks and duties as assigned.