Job Information
Austin Energy Electrical System Controller Senior (For Austin Energy Employees Only) in Austin, Texas
Position Information
Posting Title Electrical System Controller Senior (For Austin Energy Employees Only)
Job Requisition Number AE503737
Position Number 109525
Job Type Full-Time
Division Name Electric System - ETS
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation, or construction tasks, including two (2) years of experience as an operator responsible for transmission and distribution in an electric system control center.
Graduation with an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university focused on Geographic Information System ( GIS ), Power, and Computer Technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
North American Electric Reliability Corporation ( NERC ) Operator Certification.
Notes to Applicants
Under general supervision, the Electrical System Controller ( ESC ) Sr. position involves leading personnel and performing tasks related to electric system control and switching. Responsibilities include monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching operations, and resolving customer outages. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of electric utility operations, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and communicate effectively in a high-stakes environment.
In this position, you will:
Perform analysis, develop, design and implement annual System Operator Training, evaluating System Controllers and retain necessary evidence for audit purposes and for the application of CEH
Write and update required GWP’s plans, procedures, guides and guidelines for the ECC
Create and update reference material and various distribution lists and other data used by System Operators
Represent AE at various internal and external meetings
Receive, review and approve outage requests from internal and external entities on AE’s distribution and transmission system
May coordinate switching projects between field crews, engineers, neighboring TSPs and ERCOT
Write switching procedures
Work in the control room as-needed
Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE (http://www.austintexas.gov/department/active-employee-benefits) for more information.
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION :
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please be sure to detail on the application ALL current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held.
Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
Resumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see resumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days from the date of the initial advertisement.
Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT :
This position is classified as EXEMPT (Salaried). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.
IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE :
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
This position requires a criminal background investigation ( CBI ).
This position requires pre-employment screening under NERC CIP .
WORK SCHEDULE :
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained onsite to assist with operations and recovery.
Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends.
Shifts may change according to departmental needs.
Employees may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.
This position follows the 24/7 shift coverage.
TRAVEL :
If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, (https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Employment/new_hire_driver_safety_standards.pdf) you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Pay Range
$44.62 – $58.01
Hours
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(With the need to work shift hours that are staffed 24/7 5:30 am – 5:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 5:30 am for any staffing requirements).
Job Close Date 07/10/2024
Type of Posting Departmental Only
Department Austin Energy
Regular/Temporary Regular
Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable
Category Technical
Location 2500 Montopolis Dr. (SCC), Austin, TX 78741
Preferred Qualifications
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Monitors interconnects with other electric utilities and Electric Reliability Council of Texas ( ERCOT ) to determine correct generation needs, monitor electric system voltage, and make adjustments as needed.
Bears responsibility for monitoring instrumentation control panels, operating substation switching equipment by remote control, operating the computerized electric control system, monitoring weather conditions for system operation needs, and operating radio and pager system for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid, and troubleshooting and providing solutions to problems in the electric transmission and distribution system.
Bears responsibility for review and assignment of switching operations for real-time field crew work assignments.
Coordinates division and/or section activities with other divisions and utilities by reviewing systems-scheduled outages and dispatch of personnel. Discusses division and/or section operations with on-coming shift personnel.
Bears responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting systems disturbances; and determining methods to restore electric power and/or correct system disturbances.
Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports.
Researches and evaluates information as needs of customers. Answers citizen questions and provides assistance.
Bears responsibility for carrying out any real-time verbal instructions requested by ERCOT to maintain system security in the absence of supervision.
Assists in the design and implementation of new work processes and procedures.
Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of Emergency Action plans, including the Blackstart and load shed plans.
Knowledge of electric utility system restoration procedures.
Knowledge of procedures and methods used in energy control center operations.
Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures, and regulations applicable to work being performed.
Knowledge of advanced electronic principles and circuits.
Knowledge of equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric utility transmission and distribution systems.
Knowledge of City overhead and underground power transmission and distribution systems, inter-ties, and critical areas.
Knowledge of switching equipment procedures and regulations governing its operation.
Knowledge of meters, relays, transformers, and other equipment used in receiving and delivering electrical power.
Knowledge of modern electronic equipment for controls on boilers, turbines and generating systems.
Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings.
Skill in the use of equipment required to control generation levels.
Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
Skill in operating various control systems to affect necessary switching and routing of electricity.
Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports and maintaining records.
Skill in interpreting and analyzing applicable data.
Skill in solving generation transmission and distribution problems.
Skill in reading drawings, plans, and simple blueprints.
Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings.
Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Skill in directing others in procedures designed to correct outages or safely reroute power.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
Ability of conflict resolution.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts.
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.
EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- The minimum qualifications for the position of Electric System Controller Senior requires graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation, or construction tasks, including two (2) years of experience as an operator responsible for transmission and distribution in an electric system control center. Graduation with an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university focused on Geographic Information System (GIS), Power, and Computer Technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Licenses and Certifications required: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Operator Certification. Do you meet the minimum qualifications?
Yes
No
- Are you a current Austin Energy employee?
Yes
No
- This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.
I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.
- This position is considered "Essential" to maintain critical operations, and employees in this position will be required to report to work even in the event of bad weather, natural disaster, or other unforeseen circumstances that necessitate an emergency closure of City operations. Are you able to meet these schedule requirements?
Yes
No
- This position requires working irregular schedules and is subject to mandatory, on-call and call back duties for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing and available to work any hours/days as necessary?
Yes
No
- Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?
Yes
No
- Describe your knowledge and experience working with electric control room operations, what was your role and write your total number of years and where you have this experience. (Please ensure this information is listed in your work experience on your application, if it is not listed, your application may be considered incomplete).
(Open Ended Question)
Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
Contact City of Austin Employment Services
Office: 512-978-JOBS (5627)
Privacy Notice (https://www.austintexas.gov/page/privacy-policy)