Comanche, Oklahoma
Posted: 12-Jan-23
Location: Tipton, Oklahoma
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Southwest Rural Electric Association, Inc. is seeking a Dispatcher to join our growing electric cooperative headquartered in Tipton, Oklahoma. We are searching for a highly motivated individual with top-notch critical thinking and member service skills. The dispatcher is responsible for processing radio and telephone communications related to power outages and maintenance requests, then communicating these requests with employees. The dispatcher assists employees with providing great service to our members and assists members with questions related to power outages, power quality issues and safety. This position processes location requests, load management inquiries and similar business-related inquiries. The dispatcher will work regular business hours, but may be assigned overtime on nights, holidays and weekends as determined by the Manager of Member Services.
Major Job Duties and Responsibilities
Within the limits of established policies, assumes responsibilities as delegated by the General Manager and/or Manager of Member Services for the following activities:
- Monitors all radio and phone communications, responding to calls which could include routine, urgent and emergency-type transmissions; Receives and manages outage tickets, trouble calls, emergency calls from members, county and state emergency response personnel and other utilities using the Outage Management System
- Analyzes voltage complaints, high bill complaints, tree-trimming calls, and requests for security light repairs, creates service orders accordingly and dispatches crews as needed
- Utilizes SWRE’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure to perform remote connects, disconnects, voltage monitoring and outage restoration verification; Occasionally may be required to assist the billing department with taking payments during periods of heavy phone traffic
- Works with Operations Manager to determine if additional line crews are needed during extension outages
- Maintains constant monitoring of all communications in the field to know where line personnel are located
- Informs and receives acknowledgement of comprehension from night dispatch personnel of crew status, system status, operating conditions, pending activities and other pertinent information before leaving duty
- Communicates daily work to be performed with the appropriate departments (construction, right-of-way, and contractors) for informational purposes
- Must be proficient in map reading, knowing location numbers, symbols, power line feed points, etc. for SWRE; Reports map discrepancies to appropriate GIS personnel to assist in maintaining accurate maps
- Contacts OKIE811/Texas811 to set up locating jobs for crews and processes incoming locating calls
- Completes daily call logs, updates the Safety Accreditation Book and maintains the Safety Data Sheet Book
- Coordinates with Manager of Member Services to notify large power accounts of planned power outages
- Coordinates with Manager of Member Services and Operations Manager to ensure members receive timely outage notifications and updates via SWRE’s website, social media pages, mobile app, etc.
- Keeps informed of cooperative policies, procedures and programs.
- Participates in educational training and conferences as needed to improve knowledge in job related areas. Travels as necessary to receive job enhancement training.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Intermediate-level computer skills for work processing, spreadsheets and database use required
- Previous cooperative or utility experience is a bonus
Job Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Must be able to work regular business hours and holidays, after hours, and weekends as assigned by supervisor in any type of weather; Overtime may be required on short notice
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
- Must live within 30 minutes of the Tipton office or be willing to relocate upon hiring
- Must have good verbal/written communication skills and a pleasant telephone presence
- Must possess intermediate skill levels in computer technology, MS Office Suite, and typing
- Must be able to distinguish colors in order to read the cooperative mapping system
- Maintains a general knowledge of electrical equipment including, but not limited to, meters, transformers, capacitors, reclosers, etc.
- Must be able to work independently and with a team
- Must be able to work well under pressure and possess good conflict resolution skills
- Gathers all pertinent information; coordinates with supervisor for assistance when needed
- Able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
To Apply
Please email your resume, a cover letter, and 3 letters of reference (at least one professional reference is preferred but not required) to: JOBS@SWRE.COM. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All job offers are contingent on the candidate successfully passing a background check, post-offer physical and drug screen. SWRE is an equal opportunity employer.
Southwest Rural Electric is an electric cooperative headquartered in Tipton, Oklahoma. SWRE's service area includes 3,103 miles of power line and 7,610 active meters in 6,000 square miles across southwest Oklahoma and north central Texas. Loyal and experienced employees are the key to SWRE’s growth. Today's SWRE board and management, like those who founded the co-op in 1937, realize that success is measured not in miles of line or kilowatt hours sold, but in members' satisfaction with their cooperative and the service that it provides! After all, SWRE is owned by the people it serves. SWRE is committed to providing safe, reliable affordable electricity… one member at a time. Learn more about the cooperative at SWRE.com.
