United Cooperative Services has an open position for a System Operator I in our Cleburne Cooperative Planning Department.   

Candidate should have a stable, verifiable work history, with an acceptable MVR.  A pre-employment drug and alcohol screen is required. This is a career job with progressive pay and an outstanding benefit package. This non-exempt position starts at $31.89 per hour. Positions are open until filled. United Cooperative Services is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

After the initial training schedule, the shift for this position is as follows:   

• Friday: 9P – 12A
• Saturday: 12A – 7A, 9P – 12A
• Sunday: 12A – 7A, 9P – 12A
• Monday: 12A – 7A, 9P – 12A
• Tuesday: 12A – 7A

This position operates and monitors the cooperatives electrical distribution system using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to assist field crews with remote operations. This position also utilizes the cooperatives Field Mapping System (Partner), Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, and Outage Management System (OMS) to dispatch field crews as necessary.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate two-way radio, receive and report trouble calls, & assists in coordinating corrective action with field personnel for entire cooperative electrical distribution system. Takes all prudent action to restore electrical service in a timely manner.

Have knowledge of cooperative districts, Partner Mapping System, OMS, & follow dispatching procedures and protocols. Keep accurate records and documentation. Have knowledge of SCADA operating system including alarms and irregularities outside normal status.

Verify communications, SCADA, OMS, & IVR systems are operating normally on assigned shift.

Continuously monitor and operate remote electrical devices via the SCADA system to verify that all are operating normally on assigned shift. Make competent and concise observations of conditions of electrical distribution system and equipment during all outage and emergency situations.

Follow direction of field crews for de-energizing lines and equipment for the issuance of clearances and holds tags. Maintain communication with field crews when performing switching operations at substations and on distribution lines during normal and emergency conditions.

Monitor power quality (voltage, current, etc.) via the SCADA system and advises proper personnel of alarms or abnormalities on electrical circuits. Implements all switching procedures per plan or as directed from Engineering or qualified field personnel to ensure the safety of the public & cooperative crews and to maintain system integrity.

Utilize OMS map system to simulate current operations in the field. Monitor and report any changes or inconsistencies in mapping and/or operating information necessary for future events. Communicate with field personnel to maintain action logs for clearances and hold tags.

Answer phone calls during shift. Have knowledge of member service applications. Recognize status of member’s account, type of service and type of meter to accurately address member’s concerns and needs on Member Service-related calls.

Know and follow all collection procedures and policies in coordinating field personnel for reconnection.

Report and follow up on all electrical transmission and distribution outages to proper management and Key Accounts Supervisors as needed. Communicate outage details to appropriate personnel including key staff and communications department using Outage Report emails.

Monitor and recognize impending weather for entire cooperative coverage area and prepare to manage an increase in phone calls, additional line crews, & additional personnel in the System Operations Control Room. Send regular updates to all required personnel.

Recognize and follow up on incoming locate requests from Texas811, keep accurate records of each request, & enter pertinent information into the locate database. Be able to research historical information in the database.

Know and comply with safety rules, procedures and requirements applicable to position, & offer recommendations to enhance the cooperative’s safety culture. Initiate appropriate emergency procedures based on need and emergency situations as directed by Engineering and Operations. Assist other cooperative departments with projects as time allows.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The System Operator I shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Members: Resolve payment issues, power quality issues, and extensive outages through information provided by member in a professional and courteous manner, upholding the standards of United Cooperative Services.

Members: Contact members in outage related situations to relay pertinent information regarding their account and service.

Members:  Courteously answers member inquiries and, if unable to do so, direct them to the appropriate personnel, making every effort to increase their understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative's plans, policies and programs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job Knowledge, Training and Experience: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent; or one three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent of education and experience.
Equipment Operated: Utilizes SCADA system, OMS, IVR system, Partner Map Systems, office equipment including equipment including multi-line phone system, computers and applications such as Microsoft Office, & radio communications using personal listening devices (earphones, headphones, etc.). Must have a current Texas driver’s license without violations that would prohibit insurability.
Abilities and Skills:   Must be detail oriented, able to multitask and be a team player yet able to work with little or no supervision.  Must be able to accurately, effectively, & safely operate SCADA system. Required to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Must be able to communicate information effectively to members and employees of the organization. Must have a solid foundation in mathematics and problem resolution.

Physical Effort: Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions: This position requires working in an office environment. Irregular hours including rotating shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.  Some overtime may be required.