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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Electrical System Controller Senior


FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (70) Skill Craft
Class Code: 13155 Salary Grade: ZH9
Approved: August 01, 1991 Last Revised: March 02, 2018


Purpose:
 

Under general supervision, lead personnel and perform tasks in electric system control and switching by monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching, and resolving customer outages.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Monitors interconnects with other electric utilities and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to determine correct generation needs, monitor electric system voltage, and make adjustments as needed. 
  2. Bears responsibility for monitoring instrumentation control panels, operating substation switching equipment by remote control, operating the computerized electric control system, monitoring weather conditions for system operation needs, and operating radio and pager system for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
  3. Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid, and troubleshooting and providing solutions to problems in the electric transmission and distribution system.
  4. Bears responsibility for review and assignment of switching operations for real-time field crew work assignments.
  5. Coordinates division and/or section activities with other divisions and utilities by reviewing systems-scheduled outages and dispatch of personnel. Discusses division and/or section operations with on-coming shift personnel. 
  6. Bears responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting systems disturbances; and determining methods to restore electric power and/or correct system disturbances. 
  7. Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports. 
  8. Researches and evaluates information as needs of customers. Answers citizen questions and provides assistance.
  9. Bears responsibility for carrying out any real-time verbal instructions requested by ERCOT to maintain system security in the absence of supervision.
  10. Assists in the design and implementation of new work processes and procedures.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of Emergency Action plans, including the Blackstart and load shed plans.
  • Knowledge of electric utility system restoration procedures. 
  • Knowledge of procedures and methods used in energy control center operations. 
  • Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures, and regulations applicable to work being performed. 
  • Knowledge of advanced electronic principles and circuits. 
  • Knowledge of equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric utility transmission and distribution systems. 
  • Knowledge of City overhead and underground power transmission and distribution systems, inter-ties, and critical areas. 
  • Knowledge of switching equipment procedures and regulations governing its operation.
  • Knowledge of meters, relays, transformers, and other equipment used in receiving and delivering electrical power. 
  • Knowledge of modern electronic equipment for controls on boilers, turbines and generating systems. 
  • Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings.
  • Skill in the use of equipment required to control generation levels. 
  • Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
  • Skill in operating various control systems to affect necessary switching and routing of electricity. 
  • Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports and maintaining records.
  • Skill in interpreting and analyzing applicable data. 
  • Skill in solving generation transmission and distribution problems.
  • Skill in reading drawings, plans, and simple blueprints. 
  • Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings. 
  • Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public. 
  • Skill in directing others in procedures designed to correct outages or safely reroute power.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
  • Ability of conflict resolution.
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation, or construction tasks, including two (2) years of experience as an operator responsible for transmission and distribution in an electric system control center.
  • Graduation with an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university focused on Geographic Information System (GIS), Power, and Computer Technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Operator Certification.


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 duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.