Details
Posted: 08-Dec-21
Location: Tasley, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Required Education: High School
Salary: $50,000 - $61,500 DOE
Salary Details:
Pension, 401k, insurance, KPI program bonus
Summary:
This is an intermediate-level position designed to train the incumbent to achieve the level of System Operator II within a three (3) year period. To receive training for the purpose of troubleshooting, testing, operating and maintaining the integrity of A&N Electric Cooperative’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 A&N Electric Cooperative’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. Addresses member complaints and concerns and assists in coordinating workers for normal maintenance or emergency repairs to provide economical, reliable and efficient service following Cooperative guidelines.
Objectives:
- Assists with dispatch and monitoring services for A&N Electric Cooperative while adhering to all safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines. Maintain logs of occurrences of events that occur during the work shift.
- To assist with the daily activities of the Operations Center and promote, whenever possible, goodwill and harmony within the Operations Department.
- Provide maximum service to our members by rendering prompt, efficient and courteous service that will promote goodwill between the Cooperative and its members.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to: Supervisor of System Control & Dispatch
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Complete all requirements to transition to System Operator II within thirty-six (36) months: satisfy the minimum qualifications of a System Operator II and demonstrate proficiency in the job functions as defined in the System Operator II position description, which may be modified as needed. Satisfactory progress toward the goal is required throughout the thirty-six (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 electric distribution system through the knowledge and proficient use of Cooperative 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 Cooperative Electrical Engineers, Operations Supervisors, and field personnel, to remove lines and equipment from service for routine and/or emergency work.
- Assist in reporting alarms received on network monitoring systems 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 ODEC’s/PJM’s Transmission Organization.
- Assist and learn to coordinate and support the Cooperative’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 the Cooperative’s Engineering Analysis Software to assist field personnel in locating system disturbances.
- Assist with Load Management Program notifications; notify appropriate Cooperative’s 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 Cooperative 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 II and demonstrate progressive knowledge related to controlling the electric system. Complete skills exercises as required.
- Towards the end of the three (3) year training period, the incumbent will be rotated into the duty supervisor rotation.
- Other tasks and duties as assigned.
Relationships:
Establishes and maintains the following contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication:
Internal
- Supervisor of System Control: Assists with daily operations as needed.
- Construction Superintendent: Provides information, assistance and reports as needed.
- Duty Supervisors: Communicate whenever necessary to keep them aware of any problems, weather occurrences, continuity of system, or other changes in the system.
- Accounting Department: Communicate with on a regular basis, as needed.
- Engineering Department: Communicate with on a regular basis information concerning system abnormalities such as, loading, coordination, voltage levels, power factor, communication, etc.
- Public Relations Department: Communicate information concerning larger outages and storms in the service area.
External
- County sheriff’s departments, fire and rescue departments, emergency services personnel and coordinators: Relay and receive information concerning emergency conditions during routine as well as during storms.
- Power Suppliers: Assist with communicating with the appropriate personnel during outages affecting A & N substation and delivery points.
Education:
High school diploma or GED required. A minimum of a two (2) year degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Upon hire, this person must participate in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) training and other training related to operational functions, as well as taking courses to enhance operational knowledge, including the System Operations Certification course. If, at any point during the program, the employee does not or cannot meet the requirements and specifications for advancement, the employee will be discharged if no other suitable job vacancies are available.
Experience:
A minimum of one (1) year of electric utility operations is required. Experience in a similar environment will be considered. System Operator experience is preferred.
Job Knowledge:
General knowledge of electric distribution operations. Must have basic skills required in dispatching of crews and communicating with the public, and basic knowledge of general office procedures, record keeping, and the use of business machines.
Abilities and Skills:
- Must be able to maintain composure while handling multiple tasks in a stressful environment during emergency situations and adapt to changing conditions quickly. Must have considerable skills in effectively dealing with a variety of people under difficult circumstances.
- Possess ability to read system maps and diagrams and communicate information to field personnel via phone and two-way radio while performing routine, as well as emergency, service work.
- Must be able to differentiate importance of alarms as well as take action based on these alarms.
- Ability to work in a stressful environment with moderate noise.
- Ability to retain information and plan, organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Must possess basic computer skills, to include a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required by job responsibilities.
- Must possess the ability to handle a variety of clerical tasks that require attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of electrical theory and electric power system operations and/or experience working in a dispatch or call center environment preferred.
Working Conditions:
Most of the work is performed in the Cooperative office, with occasional field trips required. Attendance of seminars, conferences and training sessions several times a year may be required. Overnight travel required on occasion. Must work beyond normal hours on a regular basis as required for completion of duties. Subject to call at any time for emergencies.
This position requires shift work. Shifts include ‘off’ hours, after hours, weekends, nights and holidays.
The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds unassisted and assist in moving objects in excess of 25 pounds.
