District Operator in Training

Union Local

IBEW 1049

Summary

Under the general supervision of the NERC certified Principal and Lead System Operator, the District Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable and effective operation of the electric transmission system of Long Island. District Operator in Training will assist in performing the following duties:

Become familiar with the transmission system and substations, including the operation and capacities of all transmission and substation equipment.  Acquire a thorough knowledge of Company rules applying to the operation of electric equipment and lines.  Learn to issue orders in connection with substation and transmission switching and issuing clearances on substation and transmission equipment.  Analyzing system problems and issuing orders necessary to maintain · continuity of service at all times.  Prepare necessary operating reports and keeping operating log.

Be able to make accurate decisions quickly.  Learn to report all abnormal conditions effecting continuity of service.  Operate supervisory control equipment.  Perform similar or less skilled work as may be assigned.

This is a rotating shift position on-site in Hicksville, NY. 40 hours/week. Shifts are 12 and 8 hours in length and rotate between day and night shifts including weekends and holidays.

The candidate selected on the basis of the qualifications below will undergo two separate phases of training:

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Phase A:  Six to sixteen months as required. Varying periods, from one week to three months, will be spent in various departments of the company, the Training Academy, and on shift completing on the job training with a Qualified District Operator, after which written and oral examinations will be given for acceptance to Phase B.

Phase B:  Up to twenty-four months as required. After satisfactorily passing the above examinations, the candidate will enter a B phase training period in the Transmission Control Center and may be required to relieve the District Operators during vacations and other absences. Periodic written and oral tests may be given any time during Phase B.

*After a twenty-four month training period in the Phase B classification employee will be promoted to District Operator First Step.

In the event there is a vacancy in the District Operator shift rotation, a B phase District Operator in Training can be promoted to District Operator First Step before the twenty-four month period is completed.  

The District Operator position offers the successful candidate future opportunities within PSEG Long Island.

District Operator First Step Through Full Step:

Under the general supervision of the Senior System Operator and System Operator performs the following duties:

Responsible for operating all equipment on the transmission system. For BES elements the DO operates equipment with the approval and at the direction of the NERC certified Senior System Operator or System Operator. For transmission elements not related to the BES (operated below 100 kV), the District Operator is authorized to operate equipment without prior approval of the SSO or SO. Under normal operating conditions the DO is primarily responsible to:

• Perform switching and tagging activities associated with planned, forced, and emergency outages
• Perform system restoration activities
• Monitor the transmission system in real-time using the EMS (SCADA) system
• Direct multi station operators to respond to system alarms
• Re-configure the transmission system to implement proposed transmission system/equipment outages 
• Review work requests, ensuring clearance limits are correctly identified
• Review clearances as to its effects on serving load, and coordination with other outages
• Follow clearance and control procedures, perform switching and issue work permits to field crews
• Take back clearances for work on transmission equipment
• Direct and control transmission switching operations
• Coordinate switching with other affected systems
• Review and accept system configuration changes (System Releases)
• Direct the energizing of new facilities
• Prepares any necessary operating reports and keeps operating log
• Analyzes system problems and issues orders necessary to maintain continuity of service at all times
• Reports all abnormal conditions affecting continuity of service to the System Operator
• Reports all abnormal conditions to appropriate repair organizations
• Handles the curtailment of loads or voltage reduction according to established emergency procedures
• Operates supervisory control equipment.
• Is familiar with the transmission system and substations, including the operation and capacities of all transmission and substation equipment.
• Has a thorough knowledge of Company rules applying to the operation of electric equipment and lines
• Performs similar or less skilled work as may be required
• Expected to support on the job training of new District Operators in training to support maintaining a competent and qualified work force 

Years of Experience

Job Qualifications

Four years of engineering course work or equivalent which shall include the successful completion of a minimum of formal courses in electrical theory, DC and AC power  equipment, physics and mathematics.

Two years of experience in electric operations, engineering or related work.

NOTE:

As part of the interview process, applicants will be required to take written examinations in which knowledge of basic math concepts, electric theory including AC/DC circuits and power systems should be demonstrated. Applicants will also be required to take an approved work aptitude test by an outside consultant in order to be accepted for the position.

The successful candidate will also be required to attend a four-week course at the New York Independent System Operator in Albany, NY within one to two years of taking the position.

Employees selected for this position will be required to participate in federally mandated drug and alcohol testing programs.

Pre-employment testing will be conducted at the offer stage of employment. Alcohol testing will be performed after an accident and for reasonable cause.

Successful applicants will be required to join and maintain membership in the local union 1049 of the IBEW

Flexibility to work multiple shifts; ability to work overtime in accordance with departmental requirements.

Successful candidate must demonstrate and value differences in others' strengths, perspectives, approaches, and personal choices.

 Desired Skills:

• Leadership and good interpersonal skills are required.  The successful candidate will be expected to work with other professionals in a team-oriented and sometimes stressful environment.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time, and be able to prioritize work and provide leadership during critical system events.
• Must be comfortable with making decisions often with limited input and extreme time constraints.
• Must have good problem solving skills.
• Must have comprehensive computer skills (including Excel and Word) in order to utilize numerous computer applications.
• Excellent written and clear oral communication skills.

Education

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid NYS driver's license

Training and Courses

• PCT 

• Electric Test,

• Math Test,

• PSP.