Distribution System Operator

The Distribution System Operator is responsible for the safe and reliable operation and control of the Cooperative's electrical distribution system including all aspects of switching, system configuration, and system monitoring. This role will transmit and receive information efficiently and courteously to and from our members and other personnel within the organization. This position must work closely with all departments to manage and direct all activities involving outage restoration, switching, and other reliability issues.

Operational Support

• Receive, respond, and resolve member inquiries related to account management.
• Assist in the coordination of planned outages with appropriate personnel.
• Provide relevant information to appropriate personnel and departments regarding upcoming planned outages, current outages, and other information.

Distribution System Monitoring

• Monitor distribution system using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Outage Management System (OMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
• Respond to distribution system alarms and issues by contacting the appropriate personnel to resolve issues.
• Issue Distribution Operations Center (DOC) hold tags, hot line hold, and clearance to field personnel.
• Enable and disable reclosing and energize and de-energize electronic devices using SCADA.
• Assist with assigning and directing personnel during outage restorations and other reliability issues.
• Prepare, review, and direct switching orders during outage restorations and daily operations.
• Initiate and/or restore system emergencies including load shed and/or curtailment.
• Assist with troubleshooting, diagnosing, and initiating repairs of the distribution system and smart grid communications plant.

Recordkeeping and Documentation

• Prepare and maintain outage records within OMS.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records of all dispatch activities.
• Assign and prioritize incoming trouble calls to appropriate personnel to ensure optimum results.
• Provide proper personnel with PSC and reliability reports.
• Create reports of property damage.
• Coordinate with Engineering team members regarding system issues.

Other Related Duties

• Attend safety meetings.
• Recommend improvements that can be made in practices, methods, processes, and procedures within the area of this job responsibility.
• Will properly use and keep in good condition all tools and equipment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned or directed.
  

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Desired

• Two (2) years of experience in an Operations related role in an electric utility environment.
  

• Knowledge of the construction, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of Distribution and Transmission lines and Substations.
• Knowledge of restoration procedures for outages.
• Skill and proficiency in the use of computers, copiers, calculators, and Microsoft Office Platforms (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Skill in analytical and critical thinking for analyzing complex problems, evaluating options, and developing resolutions.
• Skill in mathematical calculations.
• Ability to prioritize the completion of multiple, time-sensitive tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to exhibit a professional and courteous demeanor.
• Ability to manage and direct minor and major outage restorations.
• Ability to learn and proficiently read work orders, system maps, and voltage recorders.
• Ability to learn and proficiently operate a variety of internal systems and devices related to the position and job duties.
• Ability to understand the Cooperative's distribution and transmission systems components.
• Ability to communicate in both oral and written form with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and observe Craighead Electric policies, procedures, programs, and safety rules and regulations to effectively carry out job duties.
  

• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Will be subject to 24-hour call out.
• Must be able to work a 24-hour rotating shift schedule including nights and weekends.
• Must be able to work long shifts during emergencies and outage restoration events.
  

Work is generally performed in the office. Work position is generally varied. Position requires limited physical exertion. Must be able to lift between 5-25 pounds. There are opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

Job Description Acknowledgement

Must be able to perform the essential elements of Distribution System Operator competently, following a training period not to exceed six (6) months. Must possess personal characteristics that will make employee a productive work team member, including high integrity, good personal habits, and regular attendance at work. Should be friendly and able to meet people easily and adjust to different personalities. Should be able to gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside of the organization. Must be reliable and dependable and to help create, foster, and maintain a good work environment with all co-workers.

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities.