Distribution System Operator, Senior

Position Summary

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing switching and tagging; writing, checking and issuing clearances to field personnel; monitoring of loads, emergency restoration and associated reporting for the electric distribution system. Coordinates the above activities with LCRA and/or the PEC Transmission Control Center and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with training and leading staff that supports 24/7 real-time control system integrity to ensure the highest operational reliability and system availability.
• May serve in the status of "Chief Operator" whereas the individual will assist the Shift Supervisor in ensuring the workload of the shift and all applicable system configuration and risk are discussed and understood in the area of responsibility. Staffing levels, weather conditions will also be discussed for preparation purposes, as well as, proper notification if daily workload cannot be accomplished on the assigned shift
• Serves as switching authority as assigned by Distribution Operations Center Manager
• Provide efficient direction of restoration activities during assigned shift
• Responsible for proper adherence to cooperative policies, operating instructions and procedures
• Responsible for accurate, safe and current switching and tagging instruction for assigned operations
• Timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations
• Continuous monitoring and control of the cooperative grid and initiate restoration of service during assigned shift
• Respond to system operation failures or abnormalities and recommend corrective action
• Dispatch field personnel
• Communicate with dispatchers, engineers and field crews
• Perform trouble shooting, problem analysis and resolution
• Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and perform restoration
• Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports
• Use SCADA, ADMS software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid          

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• Utilize one lines for the issuance of switching procedures
• Monitor conditions which could negatively impact reliability
• Respond to emergencies
• Utilize Outage Management System (OMS) for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters
• Monitor two- way radio communication for all districts, read one lines and maintain system displays and graphics
• Prepare and approve switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to switching one lines of power systems
• Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations
• Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatches personnel as necessary     
• Maintain outage, substation and system records and provides to other departments as needed
• Coordinate and perform switching as required for authorized personnel
• Monitor and operate the SCADA System
• Notify and assist district personnel on outages and emergency conditions
• Calculate necessary power equations    
• Adhere to applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) policies and procedures
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance