Job Description

Posting number: 26-00271

Department: Electric

Division: Electric System Operations

Job classification: System Operator III

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Utilities

This requisition expires on August 15, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.

Responsible for monitoring, operating, and controlling the distribution / transmission system via the 24/7 System Operations Control center; responds to system conditions, coordinates activities involving intrastate transmission grid within ERCOT operating guidelines to maximize reliability of the electrical service for the City of Denton citizens and DME customers.

Examples of duties

Essential Functions:

• Monitors, analyzes, and responds to electric system conditions by monitoring the flow of electricity through the transmission, substations, and distribution system to the customers
• Oversees DME's lock-out tag-out program
• Takes corrective measures during emergencies such as transformer or transmission line failures and routes load around the affected area
• Keeps electric crews notified of any changes in feeder routes
• Dispatches troubleshooters for emergency repairs to transmission and distribution feeders and equipment; receives trouble calls from police, fire, and individual customers; relays information to workers assigned to the area in which problem occurs, and utility management concerning system disturbances
• Monitors instruments to ensure electricity flows through the transmission grid properly
• Operates load tap changers, voltage transformers, circuit breakers, re-closing relays, and capacitor bank controls through SCADA control system
• Monitors and operates equipment in substations which change the characteristics of electricity and controls the flow of electricity in and out of substations
• Controls distribution of electric power over feeder circuits from substations; monitors VAR flow of the system and each individual feeder
• Keeps up with capacitor banks, switches, and feeder route locations
• Tags and logs any switches
• Monitors all feeders for trips or lockouts to minimize outages
• Maintains availability list
• Monitors weather and notifies crews of approaching storms
• Confers with operational/engineering personnel regarding the operation of the electric system
• Maintain NERC certification through CEHs
• Complies with NERC standards
• Authority to implement real time actions to ensure the stable operation of the Bulk Electric System
• Assists with providing presentations at Department, City and Public meetings as requested
• Regular and punctual attendance

• Demonstrates CPR, First Aid and ability to follow all DME and APPA safety rules and regulations

Additional Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency:
System Operator I

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
• 1 year of experience in electrical or related field
• Must be able to obtain North American Reliability Council (NERC) Certification as a Transmission System Operator within twenty-four (24) months of employment

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

System Operator II

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
• 2 years of experience in a 24/7 Electric System Operations Control Center
• Must be able to obtain North American Reliability Council (NERC) Certification as a Transmission System Operator within twelve (12) months of employment

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

System Operator III

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Office
• 2 years of experience in a 24/7 Electric System Operations Control Center
• Must have North American Reliability Council (NERC) Certification as a Transmission System Operator or higher upon hire

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

Core Competencies:

• Ability to respond to off shift emergency call out (will be one of the first employees called to help with system operation / dispatch during major outages)
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
• Ability to get along with customers and co-workers

• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance

Preferences:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Experience in Dispatch or in an electric system operation
• Proficient in the use of a computer
• Experience in a municipal government electric utility department
• ERCOT System Operator Certification

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have a valid Class "C" Driver's License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check
• Must pass a physical examination
• Must have and maintain NERC Transmission System Operator Certification or higher
• Ability to read, understand, and follow departmental safety rules and safe work procedures
• Ability to work courteously with other employees and customers
• Ability to lead others in job related matters

Supplemental information

Physical Requirements:
Overall Strength Demands The bold and italicizedword describes the overall strength demand of the functions performed by the incumbent during a typical workday.

• Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
• Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
• Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
• Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
• Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes if the incumbent is expected to exert the following physical demands during a typical workday and the overall frequency.

Codes for “how often”
Y = Yes
N = No
E = extensive (100-70%)
M = moderate (60-30%)
I = infrequent (20-10%)
A = almost never (<10%)
Task: Code:

1. Standing: M
2. Sitting: M
3. Walking: M
4. Lifting: A
5. Carrying: I
6. Pushing/Pulling: A
7. Overhead Work: A
8. Fine Dexterity: M
9. Kneeling: A
10. Crouching: A
11. Crawling: N
12. Bending: A
13. Twisting: I
14. Climbing: M
15. Balancing: N
16. Vision: E
17. Hearing: E
18. Talking: E
19. Video Display: E
20. Other:

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
The essential functions of this position require the use of a telephone, radio equipment, and a computer.

Environmental Factors:
The essential functions of this position are performed in an indoor office environment with occasional outdoor requirements in a variety of weather conditions.

EEO STATEMENT
City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is City of Denton’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.