System Control Technician

Title:                    System Control Technician (Level 1 – Level 3)

Department:       System Control

Reports to:         System Control Supervisor

Purpose: To receive training for the purpose of troubleshooting, testing, operating, and maintaining the integrity of North Georgia EMC’s Electrical Distribution System following prescribed procedures. To maintain awareness regarding the location of field operations personnel. To provide consistent, timely, and accurate communication with field personnel as well as NGEMC’s management staff and public relations personnel. To monitor automated devices through SCADA and dispatch crews to ensure safe and efficient power outage restoration. To respond to various types of trouble in a timely manner. To achieve the level of System Operator within a 3-year period.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a relative field of study (or completion of equivalent coursework) or two years of experience in technical field.
• Strong computer, reporting and analytical skills; working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment with moderate noise.
• Ability to retain information and plan, organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a valid Class D driver’s license for state of residency.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of electrical theory and electric power system operations.

Job Functions:

• Complete all requirements to transition to System Operator within 36 months: satisfy the Minimum
  Qualifications of a System Operator and demonstrate proficiency in the job functions as defined in
     the System Operator position description, which may be modified as needed.  Satisfactory progress
     toward the goal is required throughout the 36-month training period. 
• Complete job-related coursework and skills exercises.
• Assist System Operators in basic operation of the distribution system through SCADA.
• Monitor and learn to control the electrical distribution system through the knowledge and proficient use of NGEMC systems such as Outage Management System (OMS), Command Center and SCADA.
• Assist and learn how to utilize independent judgement to evaluate the efficient actions necessary to direct, monitor, advise and operate the distribution system in a safe and reliable manner, maintaining safe conditions for employees and public and safeguarding cooperative property and equipment.
• Assist and learn to monitor SCADA equipment and report abnormal system events to appropriate personnel.
• Learn to write switching orders as needed to ensure reliability of service.
• Assist and learn to direct switching orders in consultation with NGEMC Electrical Engineers, Operations Supervisors, and field personnel, to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work.
• Assist in reporting alarms received on the Fiber Optic and cellular network monitoring system to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with AMI Command Center monitoring to include System Alerts, Collector Alerts, Network Device Alerts and Meter Alerts.
• Respond to and analyze emergency situations.
• Assist with issuing, releasing and recording “hold” tags as required by operating personnel and contractors.
  Assist and learn to update OMS as required for alternate feeds, switching and cause codes.
• Assist and learn to monitor and respond to radio transmissions.
• Initiate callouts of field personnel for prompt restoration of power. Maintain accurate information on crew responses.
• Provide field personnel with information required including nature of problem, OMS prediction, address, and meter or location numbers.
• Learn how to communicate with TVA’s Transmission Organization to include loss of service to NGEMC’s Substations, scheduling of system outages where maintenance is required, and all other communications associated with the keeping the electrical system operating.
• Assist and learn to coordinate and support NGEMC’s Voltage Control Program by monitoring system voltage and adjusting the levels accordingly in order to maintain the defined levels set forth by IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers).
• Assist and learn to analyze fault current information received from station and line relays using NGEMC’s Engineering Analysis Software to assist field personnel in locating system disturbances.
• Assist with Emergency Load Curtailment Program (ELCP) notifications; notify appropriate NGEMC officials of initiation and cancellation of various steps.
• Monitor security cameras located in cooperative buildings and substations.
• Monitor outage calls to determine existence of “dig-ins”, oil spills, or accidents and notify appropriate safety personnel or Power Delivery.
• Perform root-cause analysis of major outages and prepare formal reports as required that include timeline of events, cause, conclusions, and corrective actions.
• Maintain confident and professional demeanor during emergency situations.
• Learn to read and understand NGEMC maps, symbols and feeds and give directions using such maps.
• Attend required on-site and off-site training as it relates to the system operator position. Must successfully pass all required trainings and tests.
• Continually advance toward the role of System Operator and demonstrate progressive knowledge related to controlling the electric system. Complete skills exercises, as required.
• Complete an associate degree or equivalent level of coursework in a related field within 36 months.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to gain an understanding of NGEMC service territory and boundaries, hold tag procedures, SCADA, OMS and certain intranet pages.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize events, and be calm during challenging circumstances.
• Ability to effectively and safely operate the power system to promote consistent power quality and reliability.
• Excellent computer skills including a working knowledge of the current Windows operating system, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to effectively perform under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Ability to learn CIS, GIS, OMS and other software programs specific to NGEMC.
• Ability to learn to operate North Georgia EMC’s Electrical Distribution System including troubleshooting and testing substation equipment and automated field device equipment via the SCADA system.
• Ability to gain knowledge of power system operations and power restoration.

Core Values:

• Safety: Continually adheres to regulations and ongoing training to maintain a safe work environment for all.
• Operational Excellence: Works smart and efficiently to provide exceptional reliability and is a sound financial and economic steward. Collaborates to develop the best solutions.
• Engagement and Growth: Takes responsibility for own actions, success and growth. Expresses commitment to work hard, with a positive attitude. Demonstrates good judgement and embraces constructive criticism and challenges. Seeks opportunities to learn and share knowledge.
• Integrity: Honest, respectful, kind and trustworthy. Brings a positive influence and values diversity. Eager to own, apologize and fix mistakes promptly and follow through timely on commitments. Maintains confidentiality.
• Teamwork: Provides assistance, information or other support for the team to build or maintain relationships.
• Customer Commitment: Puts the convenience of the members and internal customers first; asks for and values opinions of those whom they serve. Provides solutions with a sense of urgency and concern while being present, open and empathetic.
• Community Minded: Desires to make a difference in the communities served by NGEMC.
• Change: Constantly seeks opportunities to develop better services and more efficient processes.

Physical Demands:

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities (some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees).  Requires physical ability in reaching, stooping, standing, walking, lifting, must be able to lift small objects with the fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive operations, sitting for long periods of time and is defined light work.  Visual acuity required with administrative machine operation.

Working Conditions:

Shift work covering 24/7/365, requiring day, night, and weekend work schedules as well as holiday shifts. General office environment. Requires one to make proper arrangements during severe weather events to report to work timely and for extended periods as needed. Requires the flexibility to work irregular hours; requires the flexibility to be on-call, as needed.  Travel to other NGEMC offices as needed.