Dispatcher

Dispatcher

The Dispatcher maintains accurate communication between field crews and the operations base, monitors electric and broadband system conditions, and coordinates field response to outages, reconnects, and service needs in order to support the safe and reliable operation of the Cooperative's systems. The position uses operational software and reporting systems to support safe, timely restoration, and maintain reliable records of field activity. Performs all work in compliance with safety, health and environmental standards; applicable regulations; and Cooperative policies and work procedures.

The regular work schedule for this position is 12-hour rotating shift that includes day, night, and weekend shifts. Dispatch operations are staffed 24 hours a day, and seven days a week to support the continuous operation of the Cooperative's electric and broadband utility systems. Accordingly, flexibility in scheduling and availability to provide coverage outside the regularly assigned shift are essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Functions

• Communicate promptly and accurately with field units, stations, and the operations base; dispatch personnel for outages, service interruptions, meter connects and disconnects, and other field service requests.
• Use the outage management system (OMS), including Calls Manager, Crew Manager, and Crew Call, to assess and prioritize outages, mobilize crews, track restoration, and document the sequence of field actions.
• Monitor SCADA alarms, system load, weather conditions, and other operating information; respond according to procedures, keep appropriate records, and report system failures.
• Coordinate with field personnel and issue SCADA commands as authorized and consistent with safety and service requirements, including voltage control, non-reclosing, and breaker open commands; record switching activity.
• Monitor TWACS substation communications and commands; notify appropriate personnel of concerns, issue meter rereads after billing and interval jobs, review failure reports, and create service orders for potential outages or meter issues.
• Maintain TWACS meter and DSI associations, add meters, DSI units, and LCT devices as needed, and resolve DSI alerts and pending commands.
• Use Service-Link Dispatch to send mobile service orders to field personnel
• Maintain outage records and compile monthly reports; report mapping discrepancies identified in OMS to the mapping department for correction.
• Performs Member Service duties as needed to include answering and routing member calls.

Dispatcher I

• Perform all common essential functions above, including timely and accurate communications between field units and the operations base.

Dispatcher II

• In addition to the common functions and Dispatcher I responsibilities, must effectively be able to:
• Review TWACS voltage reports and dispatch field personnel to investigate readings outside normal parameters.
• Support TWACS maintenance by sending TCT diagnostic commands, reviewing responses and signal strengths, and using AclaraOne reports to maintain the TWACS database.
• Operate AclaraOne storm mode as needed and perform path modifications and alternate path map functions when field personnel change the feed on line sections.

Dispatcher III

• In addition to the common functions and Dispatcher I and II responsibilities, must effectively be able to:
• Review prepay disconnect and reconnect information for locations without a DSI, create installation orders, and apply knowledge of how Proasys relates to OMS and TWACS.
• Analyze ReportIQ spike and interval data to identify members to contact about increased usage; review MDM illegal and negative usage reports for possible tampering.
• Perform force path modifications and create temporary backfeeds when necessary.
• Analyze TWACS substation notifications and equipment status to support field troubleshooting of SCE issues; edit TWACS scheduled jobs when instructed and diagnose LCT devices using system reports.

Competencies

• Ethics and integrity
• Oral and written communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Organizational awareness and alignment
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Professional and technical credibility
• Project and time management
• Adaptability
• Risk awareness and compliance
• Service orientation

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

This is largely a sedentary role, however the employee may be required to walk or stand occasionally, use hands, fingers to handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Travel

Periodic travel to state and local destinations, as well as some interstate travel is required.

Required Education and Experience

Dispatcher I

• High School Diploma
• Experience in meeting and dealing with people both over the telephone and in the office and use of telephone, computers, and communication systems.

Dispatcher II

• All of the required education and experience listed above.
• Two years or more experience as a Dispatcher I.
• Proficiency in the objectives and essential duties section of a Dispatcher II.

Dispatcher III

• All of the required education and experience listed above.
• Two years or more experience as a Dispatcher II.
• Proficiency in the objectives and essential duties section of a Dispatcher III.

Preferred Education and Experience

Dispatcher I, II, III

• Two-Year Technical Degree
• Knowledge of the electric utility industry.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

EEO Statement

Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description is intended to outline the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not a binding contract. Employment with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) is on an at-will basis, which means that either the employee or AEC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and for any lawful reason.

This document does not create an employment contract, expressed or implied, nor does it modify the at-will nature of employment.