Switch Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing switching and tagging; writing, checking and issuing clearances to field personnel; monitoring of loads, emergency restoration and associated reporting for the electric distribution system. Coordinates the above activities with LCRA and/or the PEC Transmission Control Center and other regions when system conditions cross jurisdictional lines.

• Assist with training and leading staff that supports 24/7 real-time control system integrity to ensure the highest operational reliability and system availability.
• May serve in the status of "Chief Operator" whereas the individual will assist the Shift Supervisor in ensuring the workload of the shift and all applicable system configuration and risk are discussed and understood in the area of responsibility. Staffing levels, weather conditions will also be discussed for preparation purposes, as well as, proper notification if daily workload cannot be accomplished on the assigned shift
• Serves as switching authority as assigned by Distribution Operations Center Manager
• Provide efficient direction of restoration activities during assigned shift
• Responsible for proper adherence to cooperative policies, operating instructions and procedures
• Responsible for accurate, safe and current switching and tagging instruction for assigned operations
• Timely and accurate reporting on assigned operations
• Continuous monitoring and control of the cooperative grid and initiate restoration of service during assigned shift
• Respond to system operation failures or abnormalities and recommend corrective action
• Dispatch field personnel
• Communicate with dispatchers, engineers and field crews
• Perform trouble shooting, problem analysis and resolution
• Analyze and validate data to maintain system integrity and perform restoration
• Develop, approve, analyze, and generate daily reports
• Use SCADA, ADMS software and hardware to control and monitor the cooperative distribution grid          

• Utilize one lines for the issuance of switching procedures
• Monitor conditions which could negatively impact reliability
• Respond to emergencies
• Utilize Outage Management System (OMS) for outage dispatch and district updates, including pinging meters
• Monitor two- way radio communication for all districts, read one lines and maintain system displays and graphics
• Prepare and approve switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to switching one lines of power systems
• Anticipate and track conditions that could affect operations
• Receive power outage telephone calls and dispatches personnel as necessary     
• Maintain outage, substation and system records and provides to other departments as needed
• Coordinate and perform switching as required for authorized personnel
• Monitor and operate the SCADA System
• Notify and assist district personnel on outages and emergency conditions
• Calculate necessary power equations    
• Adhere to applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) policies and procedures
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned

Develop, mentor and provide technical direction and instruction to team members.

• Knowledge of the OSI SCADA, ADMS and OMS platforms
• Knowledge of basic electricity and electrical theory
• Knowledge of electrical switching and tagging principals and requirements
• Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code and electrical utility operational procedures
• Knowledge of radio use etiquette
• Skilled in time management and managing changing priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing
• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems
• Work effectively with various levels of the organization and outsiders involved with electric distribution operations.
• Ability to act as customer advocate by assuring accurate and timely information is communicated on ETRs and restoration remarks

• Associate's Degree in Engineering Technology or related technical field
• Five years of directly related experience
• Directly related work experience may substitute for education
• Valid Texas Driver's License

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.         

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel
• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time    
• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 25 pounds
• The employee may be required to travel
• This position requires shift work including nights, weekends, holidays and 10-12 hours workdays
• This position requires after hours on-call
• This position is in a secured control room environment and intermittently in the field      
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions.            
• The employee may be required to work from ladders in confined spaces and occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; risk of electrical shock; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period
• This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week
• Ability to function under stress of emergency situations for extended periods of time.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the Cooperative.