Distribution System Operator - Oahu

We recognize our competitive advantage — our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company. Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

About the role

The PRD Operating Dispatch Department of the P System Operation Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 2 bargaining unit vacancies available (non-exempt role). This position is responsible for the timely response and restoration communications of power outages and system activity to affected stakeholders. It involves maintaining the electrical distribution strategy and operations to ensure continuity of service, stability, and power delivery according to tariff requirements, while ensuring reliable power distribution follows appropriate standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• System Operations:
  • Issues, receives, and acts upon routine or scheduled limited holdoff requests on distribution circuits and/or equipment.
  • Operates and troubleshoots in real-time the distribution system in accordance with company policies and protocols.
  • Requests and prioritizes resources to match work volume during routine and emergency conditions while considering local agreements.
• System Monitoring:
  • Uses Operational Technology (“OT”) systems and field reports to monitor and control the distribution and sub-transmission systems.
  • Monitors, acknowledges, responds, and clears alarms from OT systems providing telemetry and control of the distribution and sub-transmission system.
  • Monitors and controls remotely controlled field devices to respond to outages, isolate faults, keep voltages and equipment loading within limits.
  • Maintains daily records and logs of system conditions and status, including manual updates of OT systems.
• Authority:
  • Directs field personnel to take actions ensuring reliability of the grid and the safety of personnel.
• Outage Management:
  • Responds promptly to trouble and service calls from customers, identifying and contacting appropriate parties to expedite solutions.
  • Updates customer outage notification systems and provides real-time outage information to internal stakeholders during pre- and post-disturbance events.
  • Issues status updates on Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR), crew status, and traffic issues based on real-time data.
  • Acts as the clearinghouse for outage status updates, delays, and other critical information from supervisors or crew leaders.
  • Updates the ETR accordingly and provides system status reports at the conclusion of each shift.
  • Communicates critical information with safety personnel.
  • Creates, tracks, manages, and closes trouble tickets and work orders using OT systems.
  • Notifies key personnel of persistent trouble or repairs needed.
  • Models routine and emergency switching, temporary elements, and places appropriate tags using OT, drawings, and other tools.
  • Coordinates switching procedures with personnel and maintains internal communications during routine and emergency conditions.
  • Creates and updates Interruption Reports (IR) as needed.
• Emergency Response:
  • Monitors and addresses calls from emergency agencies (e.g., police & fire hotline) relating to system events and customer outages.
  • Performs critical functions of emergency management response and specific assignments during emergencies.
  • Participates in emergency response drills and control room evacuation/relocation exercises.
  • Assists field personnel with awareness of special conditions (e.g., environmental concerns, access to areas).
  • Contacts affected customers to confirm power outage and restoration.
  • Troubleshoots and directs distribution field personnel for single-phase and/or single customer power outages and restorations.
  • Responds immediately to abnormal or emergency conditions, including system operating limit violations.
  • Identifies faulted equipment and location using available OT tools.
  • Issues, receives, and acts upon emergency holdoff requests on sub-transmission distribution circuits and/or equipment.
• Switching:
  • Uses 3-part communication to issue operating instructions.
  • Operates remotely controlled devices using OT, including Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and ADMS.
  • Maintains system state updates and device tagging in the EMS and OMS Model.
  • Writes and verifies routine and emergency switching procedures using available tools.
  • Performs scheduled distribution and sub-transmission switching by directing field personnel and/or remote-control operations.
  • Issues, receives, and acts upon scheduled holdoff requests on sub-transmission and distribution circuits and/or equipment.
• System Operating Tools:
  • Identifies critical customers using available tools (e.g., OT systems like OMS, SCADA, ADMS, meter data interfaces, GIS, and Single-line Diagrams).
  • Monitors system status, analogs, and alarms using OT resources to provide outage locations and accurate information to stakeholders.
  • Monitors and addresses inquiries related to system events via email or other communications.
  • Creates, tracks, and closes trouble tickets and work orders.
  • Verifies OT system models and map accuracy and initiates revisions as applicable.
  • Operates 2-way radio console to transmit orders or communications to field personnel.
  • Utilizes system electrical maps, schematics, and company databases/applications (e.g., OMS, ADMS, SCADA, EMS, CIS, Meter data systems).
  • Supports and adopts new OT and system tools (e.g., ADMS, FLISR, MDMS, DERMS, DRMS, CIS/EAM/ERP).
  • Responds to underground facilities locating (toning) requests.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Supports and assists GSO and System Operation Shift Supervisor on shift as needed (e.g., logging, creating Repair Orders, updating OMS models).
  • Coordinates and informs other control room personnel.
  • Performs clerical work processes such as paperwork archives and log maintenance.
  • Performs similar and incidental duties as required.
  • Assumes an emergency management role during emergencies, performing specific assignments as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Advanced degree or certificate in General Trade, Electronics, or Automotive is highly desirable.
• Graduate of an Apprenticeship program, Technician, Substation, or completion of Control Operator training program.
• Ability to identify and distinguish the difference between colors, including shades, hues, and tints.
• Must pass the SRA Oral & Written Directions Test, PSP System Operator/Dispatcher Test, and Company Job Sample Test.
• Must qualify through the established selection process.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license and meet the standards for driving positions.
• Must successfully complete each section of the Distribution System Operator Training Program within the prescribed timeframe and pass the Company Job Performance Test at the conclusion of each section.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends on a 24/7 basis.
• Must be available for overtime work outside of scheduled shifts.

Pay

$66.49 per hour.

Schedule

Rotating shift schedule to provide 24-hour, 7-day per week coverage.

About Hawaiian Electric Companies

Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs. For over a century, Hawaiian Electric Companies have met the demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands. The company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses.