Distribution System Operator I, II or Sr (2 Openings)

About the role

This position is posted until filled. The schedule is weekly rotating shifts with 24/7 coverage, holidays, and weekends.

Salary

Distribution Systems Operations Level I: $61,035 – $80,872 – $100,709

Distribution Systems Operations Level II: $69,581 – $92,194 – $114,808

Distribution Systems Operations Level Sr: $78,537 – $106,024 – $133,511

About the role

Under direct or general supervision, coordinates and controls Company distribution assets on a minute-by-minute basis in a safe, reliable, and economic manner, while achieving and maintaining operating standards in compliance with all regulatory, industry, and applicable Company standards concerning standard operations, outage recovery, voltage levels, etc.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the controlling authority for operating Company distribution systems
• Responds to distribution disturbances within established areas and standards to assure a continuous supply of electricity to customers
• Documents and communicates all system situations that could impact (positively or negatively) the reliability and safety of Company power distribution systems
• Develops and maintains an intimate working knowledge of Company distribution systems and the guidelines and procedures associated with their operation and control
• Coordinates distribution system outage restoration
• Performs special projects and responds to special requests from other Company departments as assigned
• Notifies public affairs, service managers, dispatchers, and phone center personnel of major system outages and provides them with information to deal with internal personnel and external customers
• Maintains reports to analyze system performance and uses this information to provide input to various departments
• Helps set priorities for maintenance work

Level II additional responsibilities

• Acts as a control authority for Company distribution systems (25 kV and below for TNMP, or 12 kV and below for PNM) by coordinating and directing switching, operation and maintenance of the distribution system
• Serves as liaison and distribution control agent between other Company divisions
• Prepares or directs others in preparing all distribution switching procedures, ensuring that all safety and systems reliability concerns are addressed
• For PNM Distribution System Operations, provides competent shift relief in the Automated Distribution Business Center (ADBC)

Senior Level additional responsibilities

• Develops and maintains operating guidelines and procedures associated with controlling and acting as the Control Authority for Company distribution systems
• Assists in maintenance and administration of distribution system operator training programs
• Acts as the Distribution Operations Manager in the Manager’s absence

Competencies

• Ability to distinguish and identify different colors on a computer display (each color designates a different system status)
• Knowledge of electrical theory and technical terminology of the electric power industry
• Intimate knowledge of Company distribution system configuration and operation
• Basic knowledge of Company Sub transmission and/or transmission systems
• Ability to tolerate the mental and physical rigors of constantly changing system conditions
• Capable of quickly gathering and analyzing many complex variables and making accurate decisions under severe time constraints (i.e., 5 minutes or less)
• Knowledge of line reclosers, sectionalizers, fusing, and how they are utilized on overhead and underground systems

Level II additional competencies

• Ability to keep abreast of continuously changing guidelines and procedures, as well as occasionally developing procedures when new situations demand it
• Ability to utilize computer systems to monitor the electrical distribution systems and effectively manage outages
• In-depth knowledge of line reclosers, sectionalizers, fusing and how they are utilized on overhead and underground systems
• In-depth knowledge of relative network and double radial systems

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with five to seven years of experience (Level I), seven to eight years of experience (Level II), or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline

Communication skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

Mathematical skills

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

Computer skills

• Working knowledge of database, spreadsheet, and word processing software
• For PNM Distribution Operations: ability to utilize PNM’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Customer Service System (BANNER), ArcFM mapping system, RCCS (Radio Control Capacitor System), and Trouble Management System (TMS) after being trained on these systems
• For TNMP Distribution Operations: ability to utilize TNMP’s Distribution Management System (DMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and Interactive Voice Recorder (IVR) after being trained on these systems

Level II additional computer skills

• For PNM Distribution System Operations: working knowledge of PNM’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Customer Service System (BANNER), ArcFM mapping system, RCCS (Radio Control Capacitor System), and Trouble Management System (TMS)
• For TNMP Distribution System Operations: working knowledge of TNMP’s Distribution Management System (DMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and Interactive Voice Recorder (IVR)

Analysis and problem-solving ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

Physical demands

• Regularly required to sit up to two-thirds of the time
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Work environment

Secure area control room environment

Security and training

Personnel in these job titles are covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.