Ozarks Electric, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas with offices in Springdale, Arkansas, Stilwell, and Westville Oklahoma incorporated in 1938, is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving more than 90,000 meters across nine counties in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.
Ozarks provides its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, fully paid medical and dental coverage for both you and your dependents, a defined benefit pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions. Additionally, we provide paid time off, nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.
**Job offers are contingent on passing a background check, proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., and passing a drug test. Ozarks does not accept medical marijuana cards because all our positions are considered safety sensitive.**
**The schedule for this position entails working four consecutive days followed by four days off. Shifts are from 7 pm to 7 am.**
POSITION SUMMARY:
System Operators are responsible for system monitoring, communications and control within a continuously operated control center that is responsible for the safe, reliable, and stable round-the-clock operation of Ozarks Electric Cooperative's transmission and distribution systems as well as maintaining compliance with the various regulatory obligations imposed upon this role by the Public Service Commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). This position has the responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the bulk Electric System. Also, responsible for working with multiple departments and field personnel to safely restore service to its consumers, issue clearances and directing/monitoring switching orders and switching procedures under the direct supervision of the System Operator Supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must complete the first module of the System Operator Certification program within 12 months of placement into the system operator position.
JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Possess general knowledge and proficiency in data entry and processing, clerical/administrational tasks, and operation of office equipment. Gain proficiency with System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Fleet Tracking System and OMS systems in order to increase productivity in daily service operations as a tool.
MAJOR JOB TASKS:
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Operates radio, takes trouble calls and dispatches
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Coordinates load requirements for transmission and distribution in regard to plant capabilities and points of interconnection with other electric power systems.
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Perform any or all duties during periods of high workloads, major events, and emergencies.
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Knows Cooperative's map system and follows dispatching procedures regarding collection procedures and policies. Keeps accurate records.
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Responsible for operating the transmission and distribution systems as safely and reliably as possible while adhering to current NERC and OECC policies and procedures. Under the direction of a qualified system operator.
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Initiates appropriate action in the event of an emergency to return the system to safe and reliable operation.
- Works with operating and field personnel to safely restore customer load, isolate equipment for maintenance, issue non-reclose orders, clearances, and directs/executes switching orders under the direct authority or supervision of another system operator or supervisor.
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Coordinates and executes routine and emergency procedures and power restoration using OMS program.
- Monitors and logs system conditions by way of voltage profiles, alarms, telemetry, equipment status and System Operating Limits (SOL).
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Assists in preparing reports for management, other utilities, and reserve sharing groups on system disturbances, emergencies, or any unusual operating condition or action. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
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Adheres to all FERC rules and regulations regarding Standards of Conduct.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.
The System Operator I may be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:
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Work with AEP, AECC, KAMO and other inter-connected entities to deliver and maintain the highest level of service reliability possible.
- Consumer-Members: Courteously answers member inquiries and, if unable to do so, directs them to the appropriate person, making every effort to increase their understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative's plans, policies, and programs.
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SCADA/Outage Management Software Providers: To coordinate software updates and report on software problem resolution.
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Two-way Communications vendor to maintain cohesion between field and office operations along with automated vehicle location systems (AVL).
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Emergency Services Personnel: To exchange information as necessary.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
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Must have a valid driver's license without violation, which would prohibit insurability.
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Utilizes office equipment, computers and specialized software applications and two-way digital radio.
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Must be able to carry out multiple activities, which require a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Required to read, comprehend, and interrupt complex instructions, correspondence, and data reports. Must be able to present information effectively before groups of customers, clients, or employees of the organization in both written and oral form. Have the ability to respond to complex or difficult inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
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Work is primarily shift work in nature, performed in a controlled office environment but requires outdoor field site visits and onsite training. Occasional overtime and/or irregular hours may be necessary to fulfill the needs of the business.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires normal range of hearing and vision acuity: color, depth perception and field of vision.
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The physical activities and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
SUPERVISES:
Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer
