Utility Operator

Monitors, evaluates and operates the natural gas and electric substation, transmission and distribution systems and dispatch personnel as necessary. Monitors the natural gas distribution pressures using the pressure monitoring system and reports abnormal conditions; monitors natural gas consumption to ensure compliance with contract limitation; monitors the electric system for discrepancies, and writes and performs complex switching orders to eliminate overcurrent situations and maintain current flow to customers. Performs emergency restoration during disasters; enters work order tickets, performs after-hours turn on within the AMI program; provides customer service for incoming calls; appropriately assists the public and other departments; reports abnormalities to management, or the police department; contacts stand-by personnel; maintains internal time logs and maintains safety training and procedures manuals.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Monitor natural gas distribution system and ensure compliance with contractual limits by monitoring city gate meter readings; recording hourly readings of the volume of gas flowing into the city and adhering to established limitations; curtailing customer consumption as necessary; monitoring the weather to anticipate the daily volume of gas needed; coordinating with suppliers for volume of gas required; using software to set up new sites and group lists as new monitoring sites are added; recording daily and hourly consumption reads; assisting technicians to download data log from non-communicating units.
• Constantly monitoring the SCADA program for changes in the power flow; monitoring alarms within the electrical system; monitor the natural gas distribution system pressure and reporting abnormal conditions; recording gas pressures at key regulator stations on an hourly basis; applying knowledge of the effects of weather conditions on system pressures.
• Logging data related to substation systems, OMS and AMI; prepare after-hours reports, hourly power usage, and various other daily, monthly, and annual reports; record information for gas billing, forecasting and planning; record daily consumption for large customers; inputting hourly gas pressure readings for monitored regulator stations; maintain time logs for after-hours service and emergency work; maintain change-out reports for Sensus AMI gas modules; maintain contact list for large industrial gas customers.
• Coordinating and directing line technicians, tree and contract crews during power interruptions to the electrical system; answering customer calls and entering them into OMS; keeping track of outages to identify areas needing improved efficiency and/or reliability; dispatching appropriate personnel to emergency gas work and after-hours service work; notifying supervision of system outages.
• Appropriately assisting the public and other departments; evaluating all calls received and reporting appropriately; dispatching appropriate personnel; determine production changes of large industrial gas customers; report readings and other identified data to large gas industrial customers on a specified schedule; communication with other city departments regarding site preparation, closing, etc.
• Receive the switching order from the engineer; evaluate the impact on the system and write the order; perform the switching order in accordance with all safety and procedural regulations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assumes the responsibilities of the senior engineering secretary in their absence as well as after business hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Associate’s Degree, with knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative or technical nature, from a college, vocational or technical school and one year of experience.

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria

Job Knowledge
Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is sedentary in nature, requiring occasional light physical exertion. Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• Frequent change of tasks, irregular work schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and working closely with others as part of a team.
• Occasional time pressure, emergency situations, and tedious or exacting work.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of standard office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software, two-way radio and paging system; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office setting, primarily at a desk in a quiet environment. The employee is not exposed to environmental hazards and does not normally require the use of protective equipment.