Power System Operator I

The Position

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION - ONE-YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Under general supervision of senior management, this journey level classification is responsible for the operations and technical functions of the Power Dispatch Center and the unattended remote-controlled Power Substations.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Performs activities that affect the operation of the power system, including system load study, switching, construction, repair, maintenance, and emergency responses.

Documents events on the power system such as outages, restorations, street closures, Work Authorities, Clearances, OK TO’s, power system alarms, occupied feeders, and entries to substations.

Operates, switches, and monitors the power system, including remote facilities, using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and related applications and tools to facilitate construction, maintenance, repair, and restoration of power system components.

Prepares , schedules, and arranges for the purchase, sale, and/or transfer of power energy, associated fuels, carbon, and renewable energy products used in the operation of the Power Utility.

Maintains scheduled power in accordance with power contracts, requirements and agreements in and out of the City’s load area.

Monitors remote water facilities.

Coordinates with local, State, and Federal government agencies, as well as utility agencies during emergency situations.

Assist Fire and Police Departments on placing an All-Points Bulletin as needed.

Coordinates with off-duty and stand-by personnel via answering service and Integrated Voice Recognition (IVR) to troubleshoot and resolve after-hour emergencies experienced within the City, including water, power, sewer, street, parks, school districts, USA DigAlerts, neighboring utility agencies, as well as with non-City entities as needed.

Learns, operates and keeps abreast of ever changing technologies and advanced tools required to operate and maintain the power system, including but not limited to, remote monitoring and control (e.g., SCADA, DVI), Outage Management System (OMS), Electric Distribution Management (DMS), Advanced Metering Integration (AMI), ETRM, Allegro, OATI, job tracking, data historians, and standard Information Services Department applications and other programs.

Operates two-way radio for trouble calls and daily routine workings of the power system.

Participates in continuous training/education courses as assigned.

Assumes the duties of the Power System Operator II in their absence.

Coordinates, approves, and prioritizes bids for work on the power system.

Implements switching procedures for the safe, efficient, reliable, and compliant operation of the power system.

Issues and approves work authorities for clearances and OK TO’s for performing work on the power system.

May lead, supervise and train Power System Trainees.

Monitors real-time energy purchasing, scheduling, and economic dispatching.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, and applicable standards during the shift.

Writes and/or approves power switching procedures.

Drives on City business.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

Successful completion of the Power System Trainee Program or two years of electric work such as utility operations, field crew work, junior or assistant electrical engineer, or six years of experience in a technical electrical design position.

Education/Training

Graduation from a High School or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate.

Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is desirable.

License(s)/Certification(s)

Valid Class C California driver's license.

NERC Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator (BT) or Reliability Coordinator Operator (RC) Certificate required by the end of the probationary period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Basic mathematical principles such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

Basic office computer systems and applicable software.

Electric theory.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Power scheduling techniques, real time energy purchasing, sales and economic dispatch.

Power dispatching, power purchasing and operations.

Power switching operations.

Principles and practices of exceptional customer service.

Principles of power switching.

Proper English, spelling, and grammar.

Voltage and VAr control.

Skill in:

Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands with critical timelines in a fast-paced environment and emergency situations.

Basic computer applications such as email, work processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Effective written and oral communication, both on a one on one and group basis.

Making independent judgment and decisions based on established standards and procedures.

Power dispatching, power purchasing and operations.

Ability to:

Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.

Accept constructive criticism.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Develop the necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.
Effectively prioritize and multitask work during emergency situations.
Effectively respond to emergency calls.

Effectively lead, train, coach, motivate and supervise subordinates.
Effectively work independently and as part of a team.
Establish smooth working relationships and solve interpersonal conflicts.
Exercise good judgement and discretion in complex problem situations.
Follow written and oral directions.
Initiate and accomplish required duties during rotating shifts.
Make sound decisions with established guidelines.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Operate two-way radio.
Organize, prioritize and follow up on work assignments.
Perform switching operations to open/close circuits and parallel/break parallel circuits.
Provide clear work instructions.
Provide recommendation on employees' job performance evaluations.
Read, record, and interpret metering data for power system.
Remain calm in emergency situations.
Work effectively in the absence of supervision.
Work with other City Departments and outside agencies to accomplish goals, objectives and required tasks.
Write accurate reports and procedures.

Other Characteristics

Willingness to:

Assume the responsibilities of the Power System Operator II in their absence.

Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.

Learn, operate and adapt to new tools and technologies.

Recommend appropriate personnel action.
Remain available and on stand-by mode during emergencies.

Work collaboratively with other City Departments and outside agencies, especially during emergency situations.

Work overtime as requested or required.

Work a rotating shift schedule.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy

The City of Glendale values quality customer service and takes pride in the exceptional service provided by every employee. As a part of the Glendale team, we are dedicated to delivering courteous, considerate, and personalized attention to our diverse community and to one another.

Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy .

Promotional Eligibility
Any City of Glendale employee who meets the minimum qualifications for this position, has completed probation or six months of City employment, and is occupying a permanent full-time classification on file in the Human Resources Department. Hourly City employees may be considered, provided that they furnish proof of continuous employment immediately preceding the final filing date, which would equal a minimum of six months of full-time service or 1040 part-time hours. (Civil Service Rule VIII 4-E).

Note

An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may be considered as a substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process.

WRITTEN EXAM: (pass/fail) To evaluate the applicant’s ability to be successful in this position. Exam will be relevant to the duties of this position. Approximately the top 12 highest scoring candidates who achieve a minimum passing score of 70.00% on the written exam will be invited to the further stages of the examination process.

ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight: 100%) To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and general background for the position.

Candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: 7/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Glendale

• 818-548-2152

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