What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power - Lead Distribution Dispatcher position at City of Idaho Falls?
The City of Idaho Falls Power Department is accepting application for a Lead Distribution Dispatcher. In this position you will be responsible for overseeing the 24/7 dispatch operations including safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Idaho Falls Power's electric distribution and transmission system.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Power Supply Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Provide operational oversight to the Distribution Dispatchers.
Grid Operations Management; 24/7 real-time electric system operations including 161 kV transmission, 46 kV transmission loop, 12.5 kV distribution, and 11 substations monitor and control electric system through ADMS system, coordinate real-time dispatch of 4 hydroelectric and one gas peaking plant, make real-time operational decisions to maintain system reliability, voltage, and frequency, coordinate with Balancing Authority and neighboring utilities on system operations, respond to and manage system emergencies, outages, and disturbances
Switching & Clearance Management; review and approve all switching orders for transmission and distribution systems, issue and track Hotline Permits and clearance numbers for field personnel, verify proper safety procedures including equipment tagging, ground placement, and isolation, coordinate planned outages with engineering, T&D, and generation departments, maintain switching log and documentation of all system operations, ensure switching procedures comply with all safety regulations and internal policies.
Outage Management & Emergency Response; direct outage restoration efforts and prioritize crew dispatch, coordinate with Outage Management System (OMS) for troubleshooting and customer communications, dispatch and coordinate line crews, substation crews, and generation personnel, serve as incident commander during major system events or storms, coordinate mutual aid with neighboring utilities when needed, participate in after-action reviews for significant outages or system disturbances.
SCADA & Technology Management; participate in the operation and maintenance of ADMS system (Survalent) for the ADMS database creation, updates, and implementation, coordinate with IT and vendors on ADMS system upgrades and troubleshooting, maintain grid modeling and system data accuracy, implement new monitoring and control capabilities, ensure cybersecurity compliance for SCADA and control systems (NERC CIP),
Regulatory Compliance & Safety; ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards including GOP, IRO, VAR, and CIP standards, maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements, contribute to NERC compliance reporting and audits
Personnel Supervision & Training; develop and implement training programs for system operators, ensure dispatcher certification and continuing education requirements are met, manage dispatcher schedules and on-call rotation, assist as needed in performance evaluations and provide feedback to the supervisor of dispatch, assist in the recruitment , interviewing, and selection of new dispatcher personnel, conduct safety training and ensure dispatcher adherence to safety procedures, maintain emergency response plans and conduct drills, investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Procedure Development & Documentation; develop and maintain system operating procedures and switching protocols, create and update emergency response procedures, document best practices and standard operating procedures, review and update procedures based on system changes or lessons learned, maintain operations manuals and training materials, coordinate with engineering on as-built documentation and system updates
Distribution System Operator Certification through Bismarck National Energy Center of Excellence, NERC certification, or approval equal program.
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with periodic field work subjected to variable weather and in vicinity of energized power systems. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain over 10 lb. such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Must be able and willing to work evening, weekend, and holiday shift work and rotation in the schedule. Position requires management of 24/7 operations and availability for on-call emergencies. Work 12-hour shifts which require extended time sitting at a workstation while maintaining focus and concentration in a high stress and dynamic environment. Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard and software system operations. Common eye, hand, finger, dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking. May be exposed to seasonal weather extremes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the Power Supply Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Provide operational oversight to the Distribution Dispatchers.
Grid Operations Management; 24/7 real-time electric system operations including 161 kV transmission, 46 kV transmission loop, 12.5 kV distribution, and 11 substations monitor and control electric system through ADMS system, coordinate real-time dispatch of 4 hydroelectric and one gas peaking plant, make real-time operational decisions to maintain system reliability, voltage, and frequency, coordinate with Balancing Authority and neighboring utilities on system operations, respond to and manage system emergencies, outages, and disturbances
Switching & Clearance Management; review and approve all switching orders for transmission and distribution systems, issue and track Hotline Permits and clearance numbers for field personnel, verify proper safety procedures including equipment tagging, ground placement, and isolation, coordinate planned outages with engineering, T&D, and generation departments, maintain switching log and documentation of all system operations, ensure switching procedures comply with all safety regulations and internal policies.
Outage Management & Emergency Response; direct outage restoration efforts and prioritize crew dispatch, coordinate with Outage Management System (OMS) for troubleshooting and customer communications, dispatch and coordinate line crews, substation crews, and generation personnel, serve as incident commander during major system events or storms, coordinate mutual aid with neighboring utilities when needed, participate in after-action reviews for significant outages or system disturbances.
SCADA & Technology Management; participate in the operation and maintenance of ADMS system (Survalent) for the ADMS database creation, updates, and implementation, coordinate with IT and vendors on ADMS system upgrades and troubleshooting, maintain grid modeling and system data accuracy, implement new monitoring and control capabilities, ensure cybersecurity compliance for SCADA and control systems (NERC CIP),
Regulatory Compliance & Safety; ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards including GOP, IRO, VAR, and CIP standards, maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements, contribute to NERC compliance reporting and audits
Personnel Supervision & Training; develop and implement training programs for system operators, ensure dispatcher certification and continuing education requirements are met, manage dispatcher schedules and on-call rotation, assist as needed in performance evaluations and provide feedback to the supervisor of dispatch, assist in the recruitment , interviewing, and selection of new dispatcher personnel, conduct safety training and ensure dispatcher adherence to safety procedures, maintain emergency response plans and conduct drills, investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Procedure Development & Documentation; develop and maintain system operating procedures and switching protocols, create and update emergency response procedures, document best practices and standard operating procedures, review and update procedures based on system changes or lessons learned, maintain operations manuals and training materials, coordinate with engineering on as-built documentation and system updates
- Education and Experience:
- High School diploma, or equivalent; plus, two (2) years of training related to electrical/mechanical applications, computer operations, electronics or related field with preference for completion of an electrical or mechanical applications program from a technical school or college,
- One (5) five years of experience performing above and related duties;
- NERC Certified Operator; plus one (5) five years of experience performing above and related duties;
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of electric power system operations including transmission, distribution, and generation
- Thorough understanding of NERC reliability standards and utility industry regulations
- Strong understanding of electrical theory, protective relaying, and system protection
- Excellent decision-making skills with ability to respond quickly in emergency situations
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to coordinate multiple activities and prioritize competing demands
- Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and technical documentation software
- Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, relay settings, and technical drawings
- Demonstrated experience with SCADA systems and real-time grid operations
- Experience with transmission and distribution switching operations
- Experience with hydroelectric generation operations preferred
- Special Qualifications:
- Desired Qualifications:
Distribution System Operator Certification through Bismarck National Energy Center of Excellence, NERC certification, or approval equal program.
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with periodic field work subjected to variable weather and in vicinity of energized power systems. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain over 10 lb. such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Must be able and willing to work evening, weekend, and holiday shift work and rotation in the schedule. Position requires management of 24/7 operations and availability for on-call emergencies. Work 12-hour shifts which require extended time sitting at a workstation while maintaining focus and concentration in a high stress and dynamic environment. Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard and software system operations. Common eye, hand, finger, dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking. May be exposed to seasonal weather extremes.