Power Plant Operator​/System Dispatcher

The primary purpose of this position is to operate and monitor hydroelectric and diesel generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems both within the community and remote locations. This position is responsible to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum costs by consideration of lake elevations, weather conditions, and load expectations to control the use of water resources and diesel fuel to provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective power to all consumers.

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, the employee works independently on the assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Monitors, operates, and dispatch of electric generation, transmission, substation, and distribution systems to ensure adequate power delivery capacity and resources to its customers and safe reliable operations
• Conducts constant surveillance of all instruments which indicate machine and system load conditions and makes required adjustments to maintain a balanced system and avoid overloading of equipment to ensure adequate electrical capacity and resources is delivered to customers
• Operates and oversees the electrical system either manually or with the aid of a computerized Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
• Dispatches and performs switching procedures for the entire electrical system to ensure safe and coordinated operation of the system via radio or other designated method
• Maintains technology and physical protection to ensure electrical system security for isolated, non-grid connected power system by responding to SCADA system and camera alarms at all electrical utility facilities
• Following partial or total power system collapse, directs and controls system restoration activities, including command and control of available generation resources and transmission facilities, to ensure a safe and expeditious return to normal operation
• Implement Emergency Procedures, at the direction of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, such as load shedding when conditions deteriorate for the purpose of maintaining system integrity
• Receives trouble calls, prepares work orders. and dispatches the proper personnel to respond
• Issues safety clearances and gives switching instructions during outages and restores system after clearances
• Performs mechanical adjustments when necessary to assure generating machines are maintained in optimum operating condition; troubleshoots minor SCADA problems or contacts appropriate personnel to resolve the more complex problems
• Prepares a variety of reports, logs, and records by using various resources and data such as SCADA control and personal computers for such documents as special reports or historical records
• Maintains a log of all operations during assigned shift
• Performs routine maintenance and housekeeping duties in and around assigned work areas
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Principles, practices, and theory of hydro and diesel electrical generation, transmission, substations,and distribution, and ancillary mechanical equipment operation
• Safety procedures and precautions due to occupational hazards of others working with or around high and low voltage electrical equipment
• Switching procedures for an isolated, islanded, non-grid connected electric utility system
• Computer spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications used in the electric utility operations

• Operating a personal computer using standard software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and any other customized software
• Operating and maintaining electrical mechanical equipment
• Operating a radio, or other communication devices
• Multi-tasking with strong attention to detail

• Hear and analyze the proper mechanical and electrical functioning of equipment
• Work under stressful situations which result from responding to emergency situations, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties
• Make decisions as to the best course of action for responding to emergency situations
• Accurately read multiple screens and record SCADA, gauge, and other system data
• Read and interpret blueprints and single-line electrical diagrams related to electric generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems
• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written…