Distribution System Operator II Position Available In Alachua, Florida

Distribution System Operator II locations
Gainesville, Fl
time type
Full time
posted on
Posted 5 Days Ago
time left to apply

End Date:

June 4, 2025 (8 days left to apply)
job requisition id
5812
If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account. Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

1331 GRU –

Systems Control Operations Salary Range Minimum:

$31.25

Salary Range Maximum:

$56.95

Closing Date:

06/04/2025

Job Details:

Gainesville Regional Utilities’ Systems Control Center currently has an opening for a qualified Distribution System Operator 2 to control, operate, and restore our energy distribution system. Come join our team of Distribution System Operators where you will have the opportunity to learn and grow to your greatest potential and have a sense of pride in helping our community. As a Distribution System Operator, you will help to provide GRU customers with reliable, safe and high-quality services. You will be prepared to go into action, working with field personnel in the restoration efforts of GRU’s electrical system. Additionally, you will become knowledgeable on the many different aspects of GRU’s departments and multi-services. Not only will you gain a complete in-depth knowledge of our electrical system, you will also become proficient in evaluating and problem solving for incidents relating to other services of GRU such as gas, water, and wastewater.

Notes:

• Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices.
• Must participate in the Progression-Through-Training Program for Distribution System Operators.
• Subject to Pipeline and hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) drug testing.
• Must live and maintain a residence within a residential boundary.
• Work is performed on rotating 12-hour shifts or as otherwise assigned.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Will be required to work as assigned during emergency conditions.
• Will be required to work scheduled and un-scheduled overtime.
• May establish an eligibility list for future hiring.
• May require additional assessments to fill the position.
• May underfill as a Distribution System Operator I

•

Job Description:

SUMMARY This is technical work requiring advanced knowledge and leadership, independent judgment, and application of utility operations principles to control, operate, and restore energy distribution systems using complex computer systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), and Outage Systems (OMS). This position troubleshoots, evaluates system conditions and dispatches crews to resolve problems. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by the requirement to take independent action, direct the actions of others, develop and maintain technical expertise, expert level knowledge and skills of complex computer applications, and operation and control of the energy distribution systems.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.

The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs complex calculations, enters data and maintains automated records as required. Monitors for system security, distribution voltages, power factor, and flows. Monitors and evaluates the status and condition of energy distribution systems on a continuous basis, anticipates potential operating and loading problems, and implements approved strategies to mitigate, or react to adverse conditions. Initiates work orders for system repair, engineering evaluation, tree trimming, and as otherwise required. Communicates with internal and external customers on a continuous basis using phones (land line or cellular), radio system, computer systems, and other designated means of communication. Identifies appropriate sources of information required to monitor, operate, maintain, and restore the energy distribution systems. Navigates, interprets, and communicates properly information found in one-line diagrams, schematics, and other system and customer-related documents in an electronic format or hard copy. Uses advanced computer application such as Energy Management, SCADA and Outage Management systems to control and operate energy delivery distribution system and related infrastructure. Evaluates, executes and directs the actions necessary to operate the energy distribution systems in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner in accordance with normal and emergency procedures in response to emergency calls from public safety agencies (e.g., police and fire). Directs and expedites the restoration of service to all customers, minimizing the scope of any system upset or service interruption, and limiting potential damage to utility infrastructure. Performs routine and emergency dispatching and crew tracking functions utilizing automated outage and crew management systems for Energy Delivery operations. Such responsibilities are expanded during after-hours, weekends, holidays, and as otherwise needed for all GRU operations (gas, water, and wastewater). Responds to gas, water and other utilities customer calls, and dispatches crews as required. Writes, verifies and executes switching orders, and grants Work Clearances and Hot Line Permits as required to safely construct and/or maintain energy distribution systems. Monitors the proper execution of switching orders. transmission switches and breakers, and load tap changing as required. Provides training and direction to others as required. Participates in the development of the distribution system expansion and improvement plan. Reviews significant distribution system infrastructure projects to ensure system integrity and operability. Coordinates and schedules outages of substation and distribution system equipment with operations and maintenance personnel. Coordinates control of the electric distribution system with Energy Supply personnel to ensure the reliability and stability of the transmission system. Maintains energy distribution systems modeling to reflect system changes resulting from switching, construction, upset, or other temporary system configuration changes (real time or near real time system modeling). Participates in establishing and revising procedures, guidelines and standards for the daily operation of energy distribution systems. Performs complex calculations, enters data and maintains automated records as required. Complies with all established standards, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines of the City of Gainesville and Gainesville Regional Utilities. Deals courteously with the public. Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Acts in absence of a supervisor. at the assigned plant. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalent diploma, and four years of journey level experience in energy distribution systems, including the design, construction, maintenance and/or operation of electric and/or gas distribution systems. Graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college or vocational institution with major course work in an electric related technical field may substitute for six months or twelve months of required experience, respectively. Must have successfully completed all elements of the level 1 Distribution System Operator’s Progression-Through-Training program or possess equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities, and continue to participate in the Progression-Through-Training Program for Distribution System Operators.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses None Certifications None. Must participate in the Progression-Through-Training Program for Distribution System Operators.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge of electrical theory, and some knowledge of gas theory as applied to energy distribution systems. Advanced knowledge of electric, gas, and water meter connection and disconnection procedures. Advanced knowledge of electric and gas operations, and some knowledge water and wastewater operations. Advanced knowledge of municipal geographic area. Advanced knowledge of dispatching functions as applied to all utility distribution operations. Advanced knowledge of approved methods, materials, and equipment used in energy distribution systems. Advanced knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods in assigned area of responsibility. Ability to keep and prepare complex operating records. Ability to act calmly, quickly and effectively in emergencies. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to multi-task in normal and emergency situations. Ability to read and understand one-line diagrams, schematics, and other system and customer documents in an electronic format or hard copy. Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public. Demonstrated leadership abilities. Advanced knowledge of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheet applications, graphical user interface. Advanced knowledge of electric distribution systems monitoring software such as SCADA/EMS, Outage Management/ Dispatch Systems.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time. Subject to Pipeline and hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) drug testing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed on rotating 12-hour shifts or as otherwise assigned. Will be required to work scheduled and un-scheduled overtime. Will be required to work during emergency conditions.

Note:

May Require Assessment(s). May fill multiple positions. May establish an eligibility list. Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees. Equal Opportunity The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292. Veterans’ Preference Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077. About Us The City of Gainesville employs more than 2,200 individuals, ranging in positions from creatives to critical infrastructure engineers to financial gurus. The city offers many unique career opportunities across its two major employment divisions — General Government and the City of Gainesville’s utility service provider, Gainesville Regional Utilities.