Job Details

Job Title: Distribution Systems Operator Engineer

Contract Length: 1 Year

Overview:

A Distribution Systems Operator Engineer is a key position within the utility or energy sector responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe distribution of electricity or gas to customers. These professionals play a critical role in monitoring, controlling, and maintaining distribution systems.

Responsibilities:

• System Monitoring: Continuously monitor the electrical or gas distribution system, including transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and related equipment, using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Emergency Response: Respond promptly to alarms, outages, and emergency situations, making critical decisions to isolate and restore service while adhering to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Load Management: Monitor and manage load distribution to maintain system reliability, including load shedding during peak demand periods and load restoration when possible.
• Switching Operations: Perform switching operations to reconfigure the distribution system, isolate faults, and restore service to affected areas.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to the distribution system, such as equipment failures, voltage variations, and power quality problems.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data from SCADA systems and other sources to identify trends, anomalies, and potential system improvements.
• Communication: Maintain effective communication with field personnel, dispatchers, and other operators to coordinate maintenance activities and respond to incidents.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies. Promote a culture of safety within the team.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of system events, maintenance activities, and outage information. Prepare reports and documentation as required.
• Training: Stay up-to-date with industry developments, technology, and regulations through continuous training and professional development opportunities.
• System Maintenance: Participate in routine maintenance and inspections of distribution system equipment to ensure reliability and prevent failures.
• Coordination: Collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, planning, and maintenance, to plan and implement system upgrades, expansions, or repairs.

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees may be preferred for senior positions.
• Experience: Previous experience in distribution system operations, utility work, or a related engineering role is advantageous. Familiarity with power distribution equipment and systems is crucial.
• Certifications: Depending on the employer and location, certifications such as NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) certification or other relevant industry certifications may be desired or required.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using SCADA systems, distribution management systems (DMS), and other utility-specific software tools. Strong knowledge of electrical or gas distribution principles and equipment.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to diagnose system issues, optimize operations, and make informed decisions, particularly during emergencies.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with team members and engineers.
• Decision-Making: The ability to make quick and sound decisions under pressure while prioritizing safety and system reliability.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, to ensure round-the-clock coverage of distribution operations.