Distribution Operator

Pay Grade

15

Position Summary

The Distribution Operator position is a crucial part of the System Operations team. They are responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the CPS Energy Distribution assets. Additionally, the Distribution Operator is responsible for crew management for an effective emergency response to CPS Energy customers and stakeholders. Duties shall include dispatching, monitoring system conditions, regulation of system parameters, issuing clearances and procedures, issuing work orders, outage coordination, system logging, and operation of CPS Energy’s SCADA systems. A Distribution Operator is required to work outside of their regularly scheduled rotating shift as needed, to include but not limited to storm restoration, major events and to maintain adquint staffing requirements . It is an expectation to the position that the employee will achieve a NERC certification. A positive attitude, leadership skills, and willingness to self-motivate are critical to System Operations and the reliable customer service that drives CPS Energy’s success. 

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the CPS Energy distribution system.
• Record outage restoration events during both normal and emergency conditions.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the real-time condition of energy delivery systems continuously, anticipating potential operating and loading problems, and implementing approved strategies to mitigate adverse system conditions.
• Anticipate potential operating and loading problems and implement approved strategies to mitigate adverse system conditions.
• Operate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management System (EMS), Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Mobile Data (MDS), and radio systems.
• Evaluate and take actions to operate the energy delivery system safely, efficiently, and reliable.
• Manage and dispatch emergency gas orders, addressing issues like gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and structure fires.
• Recommend operational improvements and communicate system events to relevant personnel.
• Manages the work to appropriate field personnel to safely expedite the restoration of service, minimizing the scope of any system disturbance and/or service interruption and limiting potential damage to utility infrastructure and or public property. Enter and reflect outage information in Outage Management Systems and provide support to personnel and customers with timely and accurate restoration information.
• Utilize ARCOS to request distribution personnel for real-time/emergency system conditions.
• Analyze and promptly act in case of system disturbances, ensuring timely restoration.
• Provide technical analysis, monitor system conditions, and authorize distribution equipment outages and load transfers.
• Prepare, coordinate, execute, and release switching procedures and clearances, including 35kV and 13.8kV circuit breakers.
• Assign and direct switching activities and work assignments to trouble crews and switching personnel.
• Monitor crew locations for safety, enable Hot-Line tagging, and coordinate staffing requirements based on weather conditions.
• Utilize various software, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Utilize L3 Harris two-way radio equipment.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend Distribution Operations Training Program, completing Distribution Task cards.
• Attend other training, including ERCOT Black Start Training, Voltage Control, and 3-Part Communication.
• Answer emergency calls requesting EMS or Police and immediately notify relevant departments.
• Create and dispatch Emergency Trouble Orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate strong computer literacy.
• Responsible for monitoring, managing, coordinating, and optimizing DERs, including 3rd party Aggregators.

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a craft or technical related field such as transmission, substation or distribution
• Thorogh understanding electric power concepts & fundamentals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Package, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Technical Associates or bachelors degree

Competencies

Minimum Education

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Physical Demands