SCADA Operator 1 (Distribution System Operator)

Position Summary

This position is responsible for analyzing trouble calls, 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

• Support 24/7 real-time control system integrity and ensure the highest operational reliability and system availability
• Performs in accordance with the Distribution System Operator Time Merit and Progression (DSO TMP) training program, and under the jurisdiction of a qualified operator and/or Shift Supervisor
• Serve as switching authority as assigned by the Distribution Operations Center Manager
• Assist with providing 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 operators          
• Assist with the daily operation and maintenance of the SCADA System
• Assist in point checkout, database administration, graphical display work and related control design
• Assist with responding to system operations, failures or abnormalities and diagnose the cause and take 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
• Develop, analyze and generate daily reports
• Utilize SCADA software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid under direct supervision
• 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

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• Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to switching one line of power systems          
• Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations, such as changes in the weather.      
• Maintain communication with remote terminal units and line devices     
• Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatch personnel as necessary
• Maintain outage, substation and system records and provide information to other departments
• 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
• Analyzes trouble calls (events) and initiates corrective action with the appropriate Area Work Center function including call-out of personnel in accordance with established procedures.
• Handles corrective action as required by timing or circumstances and informs appropriate Distribution Operations Center personnel of problems on the assigned electric distribution system and associated restoration progress.
• Monitors load and voltages on circuits and substation equipment during switching and peak periods to assure loading parameters are not exceeded.  
• Assists with implementing the assigned emergency response plan as required, and assists at satellites and other regional districts during emergency storm restoration as assigned.

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• Maintains the electric model in the outage management system to reflect real-time system status.           
• Individual must be able to quickly recognize emergency situations and take prompt, appropriate actions with limited or no supervision. Individual will also be required to efficiently coordinate emergency actions with other vested parties such as Federal, State, and Municipal partners along with other utilities.
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned

Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities

None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing information          
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service    
• Knowledge of the SCADA host system    
• Knowledge of basic electricity    
• Knowledge of electrical switching requirements
• Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code and electrical utility operational procedures
• Knowledge of radio use etiquette
• Skilled in time management       
• Skilled in managing changing priorities   
• Skilled in mathematical abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing
• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems

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Minimum Qualifications - (Education, Experience)

• Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology or a related technical field               
• One year related job experience              
• Directly related work experience may substitute for education
• Valid Texas Driver’s License

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.         

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel    
• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 25 pounds
• The employee may be required to travel
• This position requires shift work including nights, weekends, holidays, and 10-12 hour work days
• This position requires after hours and on-call hours
• This position is in a secure control room environment and intermittently in the field
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions
• The employee may be required to work from ladders in confined spaces and occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; risk of electrical shock; toxic or caustic chemicals
• Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period
• This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the Cooperative.