What are the responsibilities and job description for the System Operator position at Tucson Electric Power?
About Us
UNS Energy Corporation , headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. , the largest investor-owned electric and gas distribution utility in Canada. Our public utility subsidiaries, Tucson Electric Power Company, UNS Electric, Inc. and UNS Gas, Inc., power our economy by providing electric and gas service to nearly 700,000 customers in Arizona.
We embrace a spirit of giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities we have served for generations, and in TEP’s case, since the 1890s. We’re building a cleaner, greener grid, with more wind and solar power than ever before, while maintaining safe, reliable, and affordable service.
Your Employer of Choice
Our culture is rooted in shared core values that define how we work and who we are. Our team of innovative professionals bring their authentic selves to work each day to power our vision and make a difference.
We Create Opportunities For Employees To Thrive Through
Job Description - System Operator
NOTICE OF VACANCY - INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
CLOSING DATE: December 4, 2025
Position Title
System Operator
Business Reporting Unit
UNSE AZ Electric Dispatch
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Level
Non-Manager
EEOC Category
Technicians
EEOC Job Group
IT Technician – Classified
Does this position involve transmission and/or marketing functions? - TRM, MKT, or N/A
N/A
CIP status - Cyber, Physical, Both or Neither (Select one)
Neither
Job Code
KG036
Safety Sensitive
Yes
Last Business Unit Review
7/18/17
Position Description
Monitor and control the Unisource Electric distribution system in Mohave County via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System.
The Electric System Operators position has the responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the regional electric distribution and sub transmission system. Performing journey-level electric distribution system control operations work. Augment line work safety through recloser de-activation, outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions through line crew, substation and/or metering staff coordination. The position acts upon electric trouble calls from the public as well as monitors and operates a SCADA system, which controls all of the power flow in the Unisource' Mohave County service territory power distribution system. Using this system the employee monitors and operates circuit breakers, switches and other vital service equipment in thirty-one electric power substations operating at voltages up to 69,000 volts. Upon detection of an abnormal condition the employee must use judgment to make a determination as to the appropriate course of action to be taken which could include a control command with the SCADA system or dispatching appropriate personnel. System Operators also prepare complex electric distribution system switching orders with safety being a paramount consideration, as needed. This position also programs and tests the Emergency Management System (EMS) databases and SCADA system by following Engineering department programming guides and testing parameters. System Operators must work rotating 12 hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, in addition to overtime as required.
This position may provide services to affiliates of the Company subject to the UNS Energy Code of Conduct and the related Policies and Procedures.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, and two years of full-time employment in an electric distribution system, electric control room environment, or closely related field.
Must have reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching procedures, engineering drawings and schematics, equipment instruction manuals, and standards and procedures. Must be able to determine the nature and urgency of a problem, prioritize trouble-call responses, determine which Unisource district should handle it, and call out standby personnel, if warranted, under established call-out policies and procedures. Must be able to prepare complex switching orders for both routine and emergency situations. Must be able to comprehend and make inferences from written material to follow written instructions, procedures, and operational guidelines. Must have ability to analyze load data to make recommendations and reports regarding electric distribution system operation. Must be able to multi-task.
Excellent computer skills required with ability to learn software applications necessary to perform work. Must be able to type at least 30-40 words per minute.
Must have a knowledge of SCADA systems; electric theory and electric devices within a distribution system; dispatch center operating policies and procedures; a good knowledge of electric distribution practices and procedures; and a good knowledge of electrical theory.
An understanding of call-out and emergency notification procedures; normal operating parameters of Unisource’s electric distribution system; and 2-way radio base station operating procedures all desirable.
Ability to
generate, transcribe and tabulate technical data; work without direct supervision; monitor, operate, and respond to a 2-way radio station; dispatch the appropriate crew(s) and department personnel in response to complaints, requests for service, calls for assistance, and emergencies; answer a wide variety of questions about the procedures and practices of most Unisource departments; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, subordinates, representatives from other Unisource departments, and the general public.
The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
All employees are expected and required to adhere to the Company Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct.
Starting pay: $42.63/hr
Pay Rate: $42.63
All job offers are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
California Job Applicants - click here to see our Job Applicant Privacy Notice.
UNS Energy Corporation , headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. , the largest investor-owned electric and gas distribution utility in Canada. Our public utility subsidiaries, Tucson Electric Power Company, UNS Electric, Inc. and UNS Gas, Inc., power our economy by providing electric and gas service to nearly 700,000 customers in Arizona.
We embrace a spirit of giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities we have served for generations, and in TEP’s case, since the 1890s. We’re building a cleaner, greener grid, with more wind and solar power than ever before, while maintaining safe, reliable, and affordable service.
Your Employer of Choice
Our culture is rooted in shared core values that define how we work and who we are. Our team of innovative professionals bring their authentic selves to work each day to power our vision and make a difference.
We Create Opportunities For Employees To Thrive Through
- Continual growth: In an industry changing faster than ever before, our commitment to professional growth and leadership development means we never stop challenging ourselves to explore new possibilities.
- Active Engagement: We support a collaborative environment, with peer-to-peer learning and employee-driven groups that foster an inclusive culture.
- Total compensation: UNS Energy Corporation also offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes a 401k plan with a generous company match and additional non-discretionary employer contribution for eligible employees, affordable individual and family health insurance plans, tuition assistance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and much more.
Job Description - System Operator
NOTICE OF VACANCY - INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
CLOSING DATE: December 4, 2025
Position Title
System Operator
Business Reporting Unit
UNSE AZ Electric Dispatch
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Level
Non-Manager
EEOC Category
Technicians
EEOC Job Group
IT Technician – Classified
Does this position involve transmission and/or marketing functions? - TRM, MKT, or N/A
N/A
CIP status - Cyber, Physical, Both or Neither (Select one)
Neither
Job Code
KG036
Safety Sensitive
Yes
Last Business Unit Review
7/18/17
Position Description
Monitor and control the Unisource Electric distribution system in Mohave County via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System.
The Electric System Operators position has the responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the regional electric distribution and sub transmission system. Performing journey-level electric distribution system control operations work. Augment line work safety through recloser de-activation, outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions through line crew, substation and/or metering staff coordination. The position acts upon electric trouble calls from the public as well as monitors and operates a SCADA system, which controls all of the power flow in the Unisource' Mohave County service territory power distribution system. Using this system the employee monitors and operates circuit breakers, switches and other vital service equipment in thirty-one electric power substations operating at voltages up to 69,000 volts. Upon detection of an abnormal condition the employee must use judgment to make a determination as to the appropriate course of action to be taken which could include a control command with the SCADA system or dispatching appropriate personnel. System Operators also prepare complex electric distribution system switching orders with safety being a paramount consideration, as needed. This position also programs and tests the Emergency Management System (EMS) databases and SCADA system by following Engineering department programming guides and testing parameters. System Operators must work rotating 12 hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, in addition to overtime as required.
This position may provide services to affiliates of the Company subject to the UNS Energy Code of Conduct and the related Policies and Procedures.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, and two years of full-time employment in an electric distribution system, electric control room environment, or closely related field.
Must have reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching procedures, engineering drawings and schematics, equipment instruction manuals, and standards and procedures. Must be able to determine the nature and urgency of a problem, prioritize trouble-call responses, determine which Unisource district should handle it, and call out standby personnel, if warranted, under established call-out policies and procedures. Must be able to prepare complex switching orders for both routine and emergency situations. Must be able to comprehend and make inferences from written material to follow written instructions, procedures, and operational guidelines. Must have ability to analyze load data to make recommendations and reports regarding electric distribution system operation. Must be able to multi-task.
Excellent computer skills required with ability to learn software applications necessary to perform work. Must be able to type at least 30-40 words per minute.
Must have a knowledge of SCADA systems; electric theory and electric devices within a distribution system; dispatch center operating policies and procedures; a good knowledge of electric distribution practices and procedures; and a good knowledge of electrical theory.
An understanding of call-out and emergency notification procedures; normal operating parameters of Unisource’s electric distribution system; and 2-way radio base station operating procedures all desirable.
Ability to
generate, transcribe and tabulate technical data; work without direct supervision; monitor, operate, and respond to a 2-way radio station; dispatch the appropriate crew(s) and department personnel in response to complaints, requests for service, calls for assistance, and emergencies; answer a wide variety of questions about the procedures and practices of most Unisource departments; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, subordinates, representatives from other Unisource departments, and the general public.
The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
All employees are expected and required to adhere to the Company Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct.
Starting pay: $42.63/hr
Pay Rate: $42.63
All job offers are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
California Job Applicants - click here to see our Job Applicant Privacy Notice.
Salary : $43
