Dispatch, Electric Utility Jobs

Performs communications, system monitoring, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) operation, outage management, and dispatching for the Water and Power Department. The salary range for this position is $24.81 - $37.21 per hour with a hiring range of $24.81 - $31.01, depending on qualifications and experience. Position will close to applicants on: Monday, May 22, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. M.S.T.

The City of Loveland Utility Department is looking for our next dispatch operator. In this position you will join a collaborative and committed team, dedicated to providing safe, reliable power to the residents of our community. You’ll be supported by members in our operations crew, metering shop, engineering and design teams who learn and share with each other. Power is critical infrastructure and as a dispatch operator, you are key to ensuring our operations crews in the field have the information they need to quickly and safely restore power during emergencies. Our ideal candidate can maintain composure under pressure, is collaborative, thrives in a team environment, and is familiar with computer systems. Previous experience as a dispatcher is helpful.

To learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City,

please view our video Working at Loveland.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains circuit report for Key Account customers to ensure appropriate service level for these critical accounts.
• Coordinates with the after-hours one-call center.
• Accurately log system changes though use of OMS.
• Monitors electric power system status and operating condition through SCADA, GIS, OMS, and other programs to ensure service levels are acceptable.
• Monitors building permit process and generates paperwork for residential temporary and permanent electric service installations.
• Provides information to City departments, other utilities, contractors, and the public under normal and emergency operations.
• Create and maintains yearly crew duty roster.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for Distribution System Operator duties and responsibilities.
• Issues hot line and clearance orders to ensure safe field operations; logs these events to assure accurate records of daily operations.
• Provides SCADA training and annual testing for certification of system users.
• Schedules City utility locates and processes daily tickets for the locating staff.
• Supports engineering and operations with tracking of system faults, inspection tracking, vegetation control, solar field monitoring, and other reports as requested.
• Processes customer calls for the Water, Wastewater and Power systems and originates and processes work tickets assigned to the electric metering and power operations crews.
• Performs outage troubleshooting and analysis using Geographic Informational Systems (GIS) and Outage Management System (OMS).
• Emergency operations of SCADA to operate substation breaker for crew and system safety.
• Coordinates with the Power Operations Supervisor to dispatch power crews when customer outages are reported.
• Provide general administrative support.
• This position is the focal point of communication between field and office personnel.
• Operates one-call locate terminal and performs all interaction between the department and the one-call center.
• Operates SCADA for system switching, hotline orders, clearances, and other functions related to the electrical distribution needs.
• Develops, reviews, and executes switching orders to safely reconfigure distribution circuits for scheduled projects or emergencies.
• Responsible for logging and basic analytics using OMS.
• Maintain outage and switching documentation; update outage information log.
• Coordinates system switching with PRPA, Electrical Engineering, Operations Supervisor, and Line Crews.
• Maintains radio communication with Water and Power crews during routine maintenance operations, switching, and emergency response.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Effectively communicates with Water and Power personnel, other City departments, developers, contractors, and the public. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to read/understand/explain systems maps that includes; electrical, water, wastewater, and service territory.
• Ability to provide concise and detailed communications under normal and emergency operations.
• Self-motivated to learn additional details of electric utility operations.
• Ability to maintain accurate and legible records and logs.
• Basic knowledge of electrical utility operations including field equipment and distribution system materials.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Ability to work under periods of stress involving emergency operations.
• Knowledge of radio dispatching operation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Skill in the use of personal computers and associated software.
• Ability to understand electrical one-line diagrams. Familiar with distribution system equipment.

Core competencies:
Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness

Job specific competencies:
Communication, Trouble Shooting, Computer & Software Proficiency

Education and/or experience:
Combination of three (3) years experience in one or more of the following areas: emergency dispatch, utility system operation, outage management, GIS, safety procedures, field construction or troubleshooting required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Experience involving customer calls and public contact preferred. Experience in SCADA operations, ArcFM/GIS, Responder Outage Management, Innoprise and CityWorks preferred.

Licensure and/or certifications:
Valid driver's license required.

Material and equipment directly used:
Telephone, personal computer equipment, SCADA, 2-way radio, calculator, copier, printer, scanner

Working conditions and physical requirements:
Work is generally performed in an office environment with occasional time in the field with crews that may require some bending, kneeling, sitting and standing for extended periods of time, reaching and repetitive keyboard motion. Work may require reporting for after-hours emergency dispatch duty for outages on holidays, emergencies, weekends, etc. Work environment may be fast paced with a need to multi-task during outage troubleshooting and restoration process. Light physical effort required by moving and positioning objects up to 20 pounds. Ability to read system maps and one-line diagrams. Must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice. Must be capable of responding to the intersection of Hwy 287 and Hwy 34 within 30 minutes.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE! In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.
Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• Paid vacation, holidays, and medical leave
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Two (2) medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• Employee recognition program
• Employee Health & Wellness Center (self/family)
• Discounted recreation passes
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
A driving record and criminal history background check will be obtained pre-employment.

Required