Position Summary:
An Apprentice Electric Distribution System Operator is a shift employee who is engaged in performing an Electric Distribution System Operator’s work as an assistant to and under the direct supervision of a Journeyman Electric Distribution System Operator. The Apprentice will participate in formal, informal and on-going training in both classroom and on the job environments, including the completion of going on the job training.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independent decision-making skills required; Ability to rate information using personal judgment, training and/or standards that can be measured or checked. Ability to use reason and logic.
- Monitor real time operations of the electric distribution systems via multiple specific PG&E approved software applications.
- Direct the safe and efficient operation of electrical equipment to field resources via radio and telephone (customer interaction)
- Maintain and update control center reference materials and operating drawings (electronic and paper maps, single lines, operating diagrams)
- Coordinate clearance requests to work on equipment with various departments and outside agencies
- Research equipment via GIS mapping applications
- Research and safely isolate equipment from all electric sources to allow for maintenance and repair on both a routine and emergency basis
- Successfully perform multiple tasks under pressure
- Possess a high degree of precision working with minimum tolerances.
- Safely and efficiently restore electric distribution systems as required.
- Calculate load flows, and adjust relay settings if needed (with input from operations engineering on either a real-time or previously identified basis);
- Identify and mitigate potential hazards to both company personnel and the public for equipment within their area of responsibility;
- Accurately log (document) daily operational information/ events/incidents and make proper notifications per established procedures
- Monitor and operate field equipment remotely (SCADA)
- Communicate electric outage information to various entities;
- Analyze electric system conditions (both routine and emergency) to equally determine and then implement proper course of action(s) needed;
- Utilize multiple software applications, simultaneously, along with both electronic and paper maps, schematic/operating diagrams and information provided from the field to handle the following tasks:
- Develop a demonstrated operational knowledge of electric distribution systems
- Provide fast and accurate calculations or data analysis.
- Restore electric service after outages by re-routing power
- Read and comprehend drawings, specifications and schematics.
- Collaborate effectively with all levels of personnel, individually and/or in a team environment to accomplish the goals of each project.
Required Education & Experience:
- Previous experience in a dispatch center environment
- Must possess a High School diploma or GED
- Electrical or electronic field experience through the military, a utility, municipality, or construction
- Graduate of Northwest Lineman College
- Ability to work flexible schedules, extended hours, nights, weekends, and/or overtime (scheduled or ad hoc)
- Previous shift work experience
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License by day one of employment
- Electrical line experience
- Graduate from one of the following PowerPathway® endorsed programs: Bridge to Pre-Apprentice/Utility Worker, Electrical Technicians and Instrumentation Technicians (ETEC), Los Medanos College or the Certificate in Power and Electrical Systems, College of San Mateo
- External and Hiring Hall Candidates: Must qualify on the Physical Test Battery (PTB), Work Orientation Inventory (WOI_D), and Industrial Skills Test (IST) prior to interviewing
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience performing data entry on a computer system; knowledge of basic office tool set (Word and Excel)
- Relevant Hiring Hall or PG&E work experience
- Internal PG&E Employees: Must qualify on the Physical Test Battery (PTB), Work Orientation Inventory (WOI_D), and Industrial Skills Test (IST) prior to applying
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be at least 18 years of age