Sr. Distribution System Operator, OR Distribution Control Center

Overview

On a rotating shift basis, the Sr. Distribution System Operator has complete operating authority and jurisdiction over the electric distribution system with responsibility for its day-to-day operation including oversight and guidance of field personnel when switching, performing system repairs, or installing and removing electric distribution equipment. The Sr. Distribution System Operator must have a developed proficiency in the principles of operating an electric power system with emphasis placed on the operation and understanding of distribution equipment.

Responsibilities

• Accurately develops required planned and emergency distribution switch orders within NMS or initiates other actions to ensure the safe, secure and reliable operation of the electric distribution system while avoiding unnecessary customer outages, unsafe conditions and operating errors in accordance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Ensures response to emergencies in a timely manner commensurate with current corporate guidance and communicates that response to proper company personnel. Manages field forces, supervisory and weekly, to ensure that emergency work is progressing by managing and facilitating resources necessary to complete the job.
• Supervises the Service Operators including managing their performance, accurate time reporting, and workload to ensure efficient use of company resources and reduce inconsistencies. This includes oversight in the areas of company callouts, dispatch and effective management of crews, ETR accuracy, comprehensive and timely updates in OMS and other applications, and timely updates to the management staff on duty. Directs and enforces the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, corporate and departmental policies. Participates in the disciplinary process if/when necessary.
• Coordinates the operation of substation distribution equipment with the System Operator, including planned and emergency switching, clearance requests and equipment repairs in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensures timely internal & external notifications are prepared and distributed as per departmental guidance documents including accidents, environmental and safety incidents, outages, system maintenance requirements, as well as day-to-day activities.
• Provides quality assurance by actively assessing the department's compliance to specifications, procedures, rules and regulations, identifying deficiencies and their root causes and correcting deficiencies for overall improvement to avoid errors, enhance productivity, improve electric service reliability and ensure compliance.
• Understands the NYISO DER market and communicates the effects of local Distributed Generation to the Energy Control Center and other departments as needed. Including monitoring, controlling, and leveraging local Distributed Generation for distribution system security and crew safety.
• Participates in internal procedural and operational improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, soliciting recommendations and best practices from peers, drafting new Operating Instructions and/or revising existing Operating Instructions.
• Provides accurate and timely mapping updates and manages the update process with the Mapping Department, to include, but not limited to, as-built changes communicated by field forces, mapping inaccuracies found during operations and new additions to the distribution system. The Sr. Distribution System Operator is required to follow-up on their own identified mapping feedback.
• Performs other related assignments, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relatable Electric Control Center or Electric Operations or Engineering experience or
• Associate's Degree and 4 years of relatable Electric Control Center or Electric Operations or Engineering experience or
• High School Diploma/GED and 5 years of relatable Electric Control Center or Electric Operations or Engineering experience

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in Electrical Engineering and 3 years of relatable Electric Control Center or Electric Operations or Engineering experience

• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or project management experience, required.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, including the capacity to communicate effectively with union personnel, executives and other levels of management, the public, as well as with other departments, required.
• Good organizational and leadership skills, required.
• Must be flexible to handle multiple assignments with changing priorities and deadlines, required.
• Must have a high regard for personal accountability, and understands the critical importance of Commitment to Excellence, required.
• Must demonstrate a high energy level and promote a positive work ethic in support of our Corporate Values and Vision, and a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, required.
• Must have the willingness and ability to acquire and maintain additional licenses, training credentials and/or certifications as required for this position, required.
• Must be available 24/7, and available to be on call and/or participate in off-hour emergency response activities as required.
• Within 6 months of date of hire, must progress to Qualified Distribution System Operator status by achieving a thorough working knowledge of the electric distribution system, Company and Departmental policy, procedures, legal & ethical requirements, safety and environmental practices and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), WMS, OMS, NRG, EMS, DSCADA, ADMS, and other operational or Windows based software utilized in the Corporation, required.

• Driver's License Required

• Sit or stand to answer a phone for the duration of the workday
• Sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer for the duration of the workday
• Possess manual dexterity and the ability to use hands for the duration of the workday
• Stand to use/operate office equipment for the duration of the workday
• Ability to read small print and symbols
• Work rotating shifts, including nights, midnights, weekends and holidays

• The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment (i.e., an emergency response role) and will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment which includes a 7-year background North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) check, and training associated with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards (CIPS).
• Must pass drug/alcohol testing as required by departmental policy.
• Must pass a behavioral assessment and a aptitude assessment prior to offer being extended.
• Psychological Test Required.
• Due to the extensive training associated with this position, the department expects a two year commitment that starts once the candidate completes the training program and qualifies as a Sr. Distribution System Operator.
• Must be able to work a rotating shift, including overnight, weekend and holiday shifts as the schedule requires.
• This is a fixed post position and requires the ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able and willing to travel, as needed.