Power Distribution System Operator - EXAM

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for monitoring detection systems, such as the Outage Management System (OMS), and documenting the day-to-day operations of the power distribution and transmission control system; performs related duties as required (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Monitors and operates the Outage Management System (OMS) to detect and respond to power distribution outages;
• Troubleshoots and promptly acts on OMS incidents to locate the trouble; assists the field crews in troubleshooting outages by providing available information; calls in emergency utility locating tickets; assists in determining if possible damage/problem should be repaired on an emergency basis or during regular work hours;
• Enters trouble tickets and outage information into computerized work management system(s); monitors progress on trouble tickets and provides accurate restoration information, as needed;
• Answers questions and collects and relays information via phone and two-way radio to others;
• Responds, orally and in writing, to a high volume of communications from the public sector, general public, and emergency entities during normal and emergency situations;
• Dispatches field crews to identify, diagnose, and repair problems on the transmission and distribution system;
• Records and maintains up-to-date real-time reported power outages, problems in distribution of power supply, and crew locations;
• Prepares and maintains daily operations and crew logs; assists in the preparation of major outage reports for system reliability history and statistics;
• Performs call-outs for field crews, system operators, and/or supervisors during off-hours emergencies;
• Monitors the transmission and distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and notifies supervisor or management of unusual conditions and alarm statuses; learns to operate SCADA;
• Actively tracks locations of field personnel to serve as central control for the Division's lock-out/tag-out system and to secure safety for crews and others working on or near energized circuits;
• Follows prescribed safety rules at all times;
• Monitors and responds to concerns in ancillary systems such as the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), telephone, radio, fire alarm, and security systems;
• Assists the GIS section in updating power system record maps;
• Manually takes readings in the field for controls of the distribution/transmission system in order to facilitate emergency operations and when SCADA is unavailable; may manually operate controls in the field.

One (1) year of experience in electrical work.

• Substitution(s):
  Significant college coursework (twelve (12) semester or fifteen (15) quarter hours) in power distribution, electrical systems, electrical engineering, or a closely related field may substitute for the experience.
• Proof of completion of the classroom curriculum for a vocational educational program in power distribution or electrical theory may substitute for the required experience.
• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification may substitute for the required experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer