Position Summary

Responsible for the safe and reliable operation and control of the electric distribution system, including all aspects of outage management, system configuration, and system monitoring. Aid in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and initiating repairs of electrical distribution system problems, including providing troubleshooting support for linemen, stakers, and engineers.

Essential Job Functions

• Works with field personnel to correct system disturbances and unplanned outages, locate the source of trouble, and take corrective action as necessary.
• Assign incoming trouble work to appropriate personnel and prioritize outages to optimize available resources.
• Monitor SCADA systems and respond appropriately to alarms, including contacting the correct personnel to inform, log and carry out alarm corrections.
• Enter and reflect outage information in the OMS and provide TCEC support personnel and customers with timely and accurate restoration information.
• Analyze and act promptly in system disturbance cases so the system can be restored to a normal configuration.
• Enabling /disabling hotline tags via SCADA and issuing them to field personnel so they can perform work on primary lines; Directing field personnel to upstream reclosing devices using OMS to put them in the non-reclosing/reclosing position.
• Ability to learn basic switching and isolation practices to restore the distribution system safely and promptly.
• Makes use of the AMI system as well as Catalyst to assist in troubleshooting distribution faults.
• Runs callout scenarios using ARCOS for distribution personnel to investigate and resolve outages.
• Operates equipment, such as switches, reclosers, and circuit breakers, via SCADA.
• Prepares outage notifications and load transfer reports and sends GIS model updates as required.
• Communicates and coordinates with Brazos operators of inter-connected power systems/generation stations to solve mutual problems.
• Monitor/use all-weather tools and alert affected personnel regarding the potential for severe conditions.
• Maintains automated logs of all distribution system activities.
• Operates computers utilizing spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software and uses telephones, faxes, voice, radio, and telecommunication equipment.
• Working rotating shifts covering the control room 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Shifts may vary between 8-12 hours. Occasional overtime is required for storm events and major outages.
• Performs various building security functions, such as monitoring multiple areas of the building via closed-circuit cameras.
• Interact with all departments of the Cooperative as well as with members, the public, other utility personnel, governmental agencies, and equipment vendors in a kind and courteous manner.
• Work according to the safety rules and company policies adopted by TCEC, and is responsible for own safety and reports all accidents by TCEC policies.
• Support the strategic goals of the organization through the Cooperative's Strategic Plan.
• Knowledge of NERC CIP/Reliability Standards and remaining current on regulatory changes.
• Assist in the emergency restoration of facilities during storms or general outages.
• Perform other duties within their capabilities as directed by her supervisors.

Position Requirements

Education Requirements

• • High School Diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

• • Demonstrates understanding of computer functionality and experience utilizing software applications within a business setting. (preferred)
  • Working knowledge of electrical distribution system

Job Training

• • Must learn new procedures and equipment and demonstrate flexibility in all areas.

Communication Skills

• • Inquiries with field personnel on outages, SCADA events, and trouble calls. Event coordination with other departments and external vendors and interaction with CO-OP members during significant events and field situations.

Computer Skills

• • Skilled in working with Microsoft Windows operation environments and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to troubleshoot using OMS/SCADA programs.

Analytical Skills

• • Building and historical reporting outages and SCADA events and calculating and analyzing joint-use attachments for accounting records.
  • Must be able to pass standard vision and color tests with reasonable accommodations.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to learn terminology unique to electrical system operation.
  • Must be able to understand the basic operations of the electrical system.

Influencing Skills

• • Collaborate effectively and successfully with fellow employees to achieve department and company-wide goals and build a team-focused environment.
  • Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.

Relationships

• Reports to System Operations Manager
• Work with Engineering, Operations, and other Cooperative staff.
• Work with Brazos Electric, Schneider Electric, ARCOS, Meridian, ABB, Futura, and Survalent.

Physical Demands

(Scale: Rarely = Less than 5%, Occasionally = 5% - 25%, Frequently = More than 25%)

• Heavy lifting or moving of materials: Rarely - Up to 5 pounds.
• Operates Equipment: N/A
• Operates Office Machines: Frequently
• Standing: Occasionally
• Walking: Occasionally
• Awkward Position (stooping, bending, etc.): Occasionally
• Climbing Maximum: Rarely
• Eye-hand Coordination: Rarely
• Location: Indoor 90% of the time, Outdoor 10%
• Work Conditions: Working rotating shifts covering the control room 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Shifts may vary between 8-12 hours. Occasional overtime is required for storm events and major outages.

About Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc

At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, we actively work with our mission, vision and values in mind. Mission: The mission of our Cooperative family is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse communities by providing safe, reliable, and competitive electric and customer service to our member-owners as good stewards of the environment. Vision: Taking care of our member-owners Values: Reliable, Responsible, Integrity, Accountability, Respectful and Committed.

Connections working at Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc