Operator entry level

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Title : Distribution System Operator Entry Level

Department : Distribution System Operations

Location :

Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824

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Category : Engineering / Technical

Minimum Pay Rate : $69.68 hr

Maximum Pay Rate : $85.31 hr

Apply by Date : 06 / 21 / 2024

Posting Type : Open

NOTE : The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to one (1) year.

A Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for operating the SMUD Distribution System on a 24-7 365 schedule. A SMUD DSO is responsible for all SMUD's distribution electrical equipment from the customer's meter to the 230KV disconnect on a bulk station transformer.

A DSO actively manages outage events, assigns troubleshooters, coordinates switching activities, and monitors and responds to alarms.

DSOs are also responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of SMUD's Distribution System while operating within current policies and procedures during normal and emergency situations.

DSOs prepare, check, and execute switching orders using a variety of communication methods, along with monitoring and maintaining equipment loading levels to protect the Distribution System equipment.

DSOs in training will become familiar with and use Distribution System technologies including ADMS, OMS, and DERMS to assist in the control of a continually changing bidirectional grid.

We are looking for someone with an understanding of an electrical Distribution System, a solid background in the electrical industry, excellent communication skills and willingness to work a rotating shift schedule.

Purpose

Under general supervision, operates, controls, and monitors the Districts subtransmission and distribution systems during routine and emergency conditions.

Nature and Scope

This is the entry and beginning level within Distribution System Operator class series. Supervision is generally close, but the more routine assignments may demand little immediate supervision.

Incumbent learns and assists in performing the work as determined by the DSO Manager. The capable entry-level employee will learn increasingly complex and difficult assignments, which will eventually lead to performing at the Level II.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work may include, but is not limited to, the following : (NOTE : While in general all the functions and requirements listed are essential, individual positions and / or locations may not require all duties be performed.)

• Maintain 24-hour coverage in the Dispatch Center by working rotating shifts.
• Responsible for all routine and emergency activities associated with the overall operation and control of SMUD's sub transmission and distribution systems which includes 69KV, 21KV, 12KV, 4KV and Secondary Network underground system.
• Provide necessary assistance to SMUD personnel, outside agencies or customers to maintain system integrity and allow needed work to be accomplished.
• Research, write, schedule and issue switching orders, clearances, special switching and non tests.
• Direct Troubleshooters and various crews in all switching operations and during service Restoration.
• Operate computerized Distribution Management System and Outage Management System for monitoring and operational control of SMUD's sub transmission and distribution systems.
• Take immediate action to relieve overloaded lines and equipment to maintain reliability during times of peak loading.
• React immediately to restore service or maintain public safety during emergency situations, such as storms, vehicle accidents to SMUD equipment, fires and sabotage or vandalism.
• Maintain communications with Troubleshooters, crews and other departments during routine and emergency conditions by using two radio frequencies.
• Operate computerized systems to maintain timely and accurate information, prepare reports and maintain records necessary for the safe, efficient operation of the sub transmission and distribution system.
• Function as a clearing house to receive and process routine and emergency phone calls covering subjects such as reports of outages, reports of accidents, and requests for clearances;

responding to each call quickly and professionally.

• Maintain a computerized log in chronological order containing all daily activities and any other pertinent information regarding the operation and control of the District's sub transmission and distribution systems.
• Other related duties as needed.

Required Education

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the necessary knowledge and skills will be considered qualifying.

Required Experience Qualifications

Line and substation construction techniques and materials, and electrical distribution systems and their loading and operating characteristics.

Required Licenses / Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California State Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

• Electrical theory; switching and clearance procedures; city, county and state inspection requirements; hazardous spill and toxic material notification procedures;
• overhead, underground and substation operation; mapping schematics and symbols; SMUD service policy; G.O. 95 and G.0. 128;

safety rules and regulations; SMUD geographical area and state responsibility areas.

Skills To

• Communicate effectively on a radio system, telephone, and in person with both technical and non-technical persons to receive, process and disseminate routine, emergency and out-of-the-ordinary information;
• analyze routine conditions and take appropriate actions; interpret technical information and take necessary actions; write clear concise memos and reports;
• maintain a computerized chronological log; utilize personal computers for daily routine; operate a computerized Distribution Management System, Outage Management System, and other operating tools;
• make accurate decisions while working long hours and under emergency conditions; recognize unsafe conditions and act accordingly;

assign reasonable priorities to workload; apply public relations skills when handling calls from customers.

Desirable Education

• AS / BS in an applicable engineering or technical field.
• Completion of an IBEW recognized High Voltage apprenticeship program in Line, Substations, Cable Splicer or Metering.

Desirable Licenses / Certificates

NERC Transmission Operator Certification

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento.

Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.

Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities.

By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020.

This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification.

As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges.

The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region.

Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries.

Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away.

Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

On-site Work

This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.

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SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Req ID : 1468

Apply now

Last updated : 2024-06-18

Salary : $70 - $85