Job Description

Responsible for the safe and reliable operation and control of the electric distribution system, including all aspects of the Outage Management System (OMS), system configuration, and system monitoring. Aid in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and initiating repairs of electrical distribution system problems, including providing troubleshooting support for linemen, stakers, and engineers. The System Operator serves as a resource for all Tri-County Electric teammates by supporting a safe and reliable workplace. This role partners with leadership to model and reinforce the Cooperative's Essential Attributes, contributing to a healthy work culture and the overall success of the organization.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborates with field personnel to identify and correct system disturbances and unplanned outages, including locating sources of trouble, and implementing necessary corrective action.
• Evaluates incoming trouble calls and outage reports, assigns work to the appropriate personnel, and prioritizes tasks to maximize the effective use of all available resources.
• Monitors SCADA systems, responds appropriately to alarms, and contacts the necessary personnel to communicate, document, and resolve alarm conditions.
• Maintains accurate outage information in the OMS and provides timely, reliable restoration updates to TCEC support personnel and members.
• Analyzes and resolves system disturbances by reviewing disturbance events and initiates prompt corrective actions to restore the system to a normal operating configuration.
• Manages hotline tags and switching coordination through SCADA; Directs field personnel to adjust upstream reclosing devices via OMS to the proper (non-reclosing/reclosing) position.
• Develops and applies basic switching and isolation procedures to safely and efficiently restore the distribution system.
• Utilizes the AMI system, Catalyst, and other analytical tools to assist in identifying and troubleshooting distribution system faults.
• Initiates and runs outage calls through the callout management system to dispatch distribution crews for outage investigation and restoration.
• Operates switches, reclosers, and circuit breakers, and other remotely controlled equipment through the SCADA system in accordance with safety and operational standards.
• Creates outage notifications, load transfer reports, and submits GIS model updates to ensure accurate system mapping and operational planning as required.
• Communicates and coordinates with Brazos operators of inter-connected power systems/generation stations to solve mutual operational issues.
• Utilizes weather-monitoring tools to assess conditions and promptly notify relevant personnel of potential severe weather impacts.
• Keeps accurate, automated logs of all distribution system activities and control room operations.
• Operates computers and common software applications (including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software) and effectively uses phones, radios, fax, and other communication equipment.
• Works rotating shifts to support 24/7 control room operations, including weekends and holidays. Employees should expect regular scheduled overtime as part of normal operations. Shifts are generally 8–12 hours, with a maximum shift length of 14 hours on meeting days or during storm events and major outages.
• Performs building security duties, including monitoring multiple facility areas through closed-circuit cameras systems.
• Interacts professionally and courteously with all department coworkers, Cooperative departments, members, the public, other utilities, governmental agencies.
• Adheres to TCEC safety rules and company policies; maintains personal safety awareness and reports all accidents or unsafe conditions as required.
• Contributes to the achievement of organizational objectives in alignment with the Cooperative's Goals.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable NERC CIP/Reliability Standards and stays informed about regulatory updates.
• Assist with emergency restoration activities during storms, major outages, or other system impacting events.

• This position exists to help the System Operations Manager advance the Cooperative's mission: delivering safe and reliable power to members at the lowest possible cost by modeling Essential Attributes.

• Perform other duties within their capabilities as directed by her supervisors.

Position Requirements

• Education - High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Experience - Demonstrates understanding of computer functionality and experience utilizing software applications within a business setting. Working knowledge of electrical distribution system (preferred)
• Job Training - Must learn new procedures and equipment and demonstrate flexibility in all areas.
• Communication Skills - Inquiries with field personnel on outages, SCADA events, and trouble calls. Event coordination with other departments and external vendors and interaction with Co-op members during significant events and field situations.
• Computer Skills - Skilled in working with Microsoft Windows operation environments and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to learn and apply OMS/SCADA tools to troubleshoot system issues.
• Analytical Skills - Building and historical reporting outages and SCADA events. Must be able to pass standard vision and color tests with reasonable accommodations. Must demonstrate the ability to learn terminology unique to electrical system operation. Must be able to understand the basic operations of the electrical system.
• Influencing Skills - Collaborate effectively and successfully with fellow employees to achieve department and company-wide goals and build a team-focused environment. Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.

Relationships

• Reports to System Operations Manager
• Work with Engineering, Operations, and other Cooperative teams.
• Collaborate with Generation and Transmission Companies and coordinate with Callout Management System, CRM, Outage Management System (OMS), and GIS vendors

Physical Demands

(Scale: Rarely = Less than 5%, Occasionally = 5% - 25%, Frequently = More than 25%)

• Heavy lifting or moving of materials: Rarely – Up to 5 pounds.
• Operates Equipment: N/A
• Operates Office Machines: Frequently
• Standing: Occasionally
• Walking: Occasionally
• Awkward Position (stooping, bending, etc.): Occasionally
• Climbing Maximum: Rarely
• Eye-hand Coordination: Rarely
• Location: Indoor 90% of the time, Outdoor 10%

• Work Conditions Working rotating shifts to support 24/7 control room operations, including weekends and holidays. Employees should expect regular scheduled overtime as part of normal operations. Shifts are generally 8–12 hours, with a maximum shift length of 14 hours on meeting days or during storm events and major outages.