DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR-ASSOCIATE - SENIOR

GRADE LEVEL: 52 - 54

DEPARTMENT: Distribution Dispatch

STARTING SALARY: $70,100 – $124,942

JOB FAMILY SUMMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Distribution Operations, the employee is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable DMS/OMS (Distribution Management System) operation of EPE’s distribution system (120v to 24kV). Responsible for operating, tracking/documenting field personnel to safely restore customer load, isolate equipment for maintenance, and perform daily work. Review, track/monitor distribution switching procedures. Responsible for the oversight and operation of feeder taps/laterals of the Distribution System. Document all outage and trouble information accordingly. Utilize DMS/EMS (Energy Management System) to monitor current system conditions and feeder loadings. Document all temporary and permanent field changes accordingly in the DMS. Assist field crews and System Operations with restoration/troubleshooting efforts of the Distribution System. Report all permanent field changes to the GIS (Geographic Information System) department. Will be required to perform Dispatcher roles, including initial evaluation of incoming outage information, dispatching outages, dispatching trouble calls, verifying customer account status for reconnects, interacting directly with customers, calling out resources, and answering phone calls.

Successful candidates will be required to remain in the Distribution Dispatch Operator position for two (2) years prior to applying for or being considered for any other positions within El Paso Electric.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience, and be able to explain and demonstrate with or without a reasonable accommodation that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience in Utility Operations, with Distribution Operations preferred.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

- Knowledge of electrical principles and components, including but not limited to alternating current circuits and electrical safety.

- Knowledge of power system operations, including power distribution operations, preferred.

- Experience in utility outage management preferred.

- Ability to utilize SCADA for situational awareness (monitoring) of the Distribution System.

- Ability to review, document, and write distribution operations switching procedures.

- Ability to monitor, interpret, and apply control system and power system principles rationally to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

- Ability to make decisions with time constraints.

- Working knowledge of the use of personal computers, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), Google Maps, and the ability to learn specialized software applications, such as customer information systems.

- Ability to understand current distribution circuit loading conditions and respond accordingly to loss of distribution circuits and substation transformers.

- Ability to work twelve-hour rotating shifts (including holidays, nights, irregular hours, overtime) and respond to emergencies after hours as required.

- Ability to adapt to changing department procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and software

- Ability to work alone/un-guided as needed.

- Ability to travel for training, seminars, and to represent EPE at industry-related meetings.

- Ability to complete a week of field cross-training annually.

- Effective verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with officers, managers, fellow employees, and the general public.

Ability to maintain a strong sense of propriety concerning confidential matters.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Utilize/operate the DMS/EMS, telephone, radio, and other system software.

- Monitor Energy Management System (EMS) for distribution feeder configuration, status, and loadings.

- Provide technical support for field crews, Distribution Operators, Distribution Engineers, and System Operators during outage and trouble situations.

- Determine/calculate equipment loadings based on field measurements and nameplate ratings.

- Follow all safety protocols and assist crews in maintaining a safe work environment, including, but not limited to, monitoring line/equipment holds/tags.

- Read and interpret distribution system and substation one-line diagrams.

- Provide lead role to other Distribution Operators, including orienting, training, assigning, and checking the work of less senior team members.

- Give direction to field personnel utilizing radio and phone communications.

- Directly interact with System Operations during feeder and transformer lockouts.

- Review and document complex distribution issues and outages. Provide detailed breakdowns of feeder lockouts, update the DMS schematic, and email management with outage information.

- Participate in rotational training assignments with Distribution Engineering, Distribution Crews, and System Operations. This includes loading and unloading tools and materials, using personal protective equipment, and job shadowing with field personnel.

- Utilize the Capacitor bank system to safely and reliably operate Distribution Capacitor banks.

- Update information of any significant system events to appropriate recipients using EPE’s paging system.

- Upon successful completion of the introductory development program, the incumbent will be expected to have the skills to work alone.

- Track Distribution System capital projects using Work Manager software and review construction design maps to ensure proper mapping and model updates for the DMS Distribution System.

- Assist with the troubleshooting of the DMS Distribution System Model (including GIS).

- Regularly perform Dispatcher roles, including initial evaluation of incoming outage information, dispatching outages, dispatching trouble calls, verifying customer account status for reconnects, interacting directly with customers, calling out resources, answering phone calls, creating referrals for follow-up work, and serving as the single point of contact for Distribution Operations.

- Valid driver’s license and be in compliance with the Company’s Driving Program policy.

- Complies with all applicable Company policies, procedures, and code of ethics as well as all applicable governmental laws and regulations, including employment, safety, and environmental standards and regulations.

- Perform other related tasks that are not included, but are within the context of the duties defined.

About Us

El Paso Electric (EPE) is a regional energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission, and distribution service to power approximately 460,000 customers in a 10,000-square mile area of the Rio Grande Valley in west Texas and southern New Mexico. We invite you to visit epelectric.com to learn more about EPE and our strategic initiatives. Join our EPE Team, and TOGETHER, we will transform the energy landscape.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).