Power Distribution System Operator II - EXAM

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Power Distribution System Operator II - EXAM

Salary

$32.56 - $53.01 Hourly

Location

Varies by position

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-3589-C2

Department

60 Department of Public Utilities

Division

Division of Power

Opening Date

04/03/2025

Closing Date

5/8/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Definition

Under direction, is responsible for advanced operation of the power distribution/transmission control system; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)
  • Operates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for the power distribution/transmission system; monitors and responds to SCADA alarm statuses;
  • Devises, maintains, and enforces established switching and tagging procedures to keep outages for customers and equipment at a minimum, to respond to emergency situations, and to protect workers with regard to safety concerns such as lock-out/tag-out procedures;
  • Directs, plans, and coordinates line switching and tagging for planned circuit outages required in normal daily operations, emergency restoration, or for maintenance tasks; prepares switching orders; writes, checks, and issues clearances; executes switching steps according to the DOP Switching and Tagging Procedures;
  • Monitors system loads and voltages routinely, particularly during switching and peak periods, to assure loading parameters are not exceeded;
  • Ensures troubleshooting of OMS incidents and that prompt action is taken to locate trouble; enters trouble tickets and outage information into computerized work management system(s); assists the field crews in troubleshooting outages with all information available; calls in emergency utility locating tickets; assists in determining if possible damage/problem should be repaired on an emergency basis or during regular work hours;
  • Actively tracks location of field personnel to serve as central control for the Division's Daily Log system and to secure safety for crews and others working on or near energized circuits;
  • Dispatches and directs the activity of power distribution field personnel assisting in emergency operations;
  • Follows prescribed safety rules at all times and instructs employees in the methods, safety, and type of equipment used;
  • Answers questions and collects and relays information via phone and two-way radio to city personnel, customers, or others;
  • Ensures the recording and maintaining of daily logs for reported power outages, abnormal conditions/equipment in distribution of power supply, and crew locations; stays abreast of ongoing projects to assist in providing safe work conditions for field crews and the public;
  • Prepares and maintains major outage reports as necessary to generate accurate system reliability history and statistics; suggests improvements or changes to power system for improved system reliability and/or cost savings;
  • Monitors and responds to concerns in ancillary systems such as the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), telephone, radio, fire alarm, and security systems;
  • Assists the GIS section in updating power system record maps;
  • Periodically inspects substation facilities and reports on general condition; performs field verification of SCADA nodes and physically labels substation isolation points to match the labeling within the SCADA system interface;
  • May supervise personnel, which includes completing performance evaluations, approving leave requests, and initiating disciplinary actions.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience as a Power Distribution System Operator I or other closely related experience. 


OR


Three (3) years of experience performing power line work.  


Some positions may require possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Test/Job Contact Information

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list for this classification.  If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process.   Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439. 

The examination process will consist of a 100% computerized examination covering Reading Comprehension, Logic and Reasoning, Information Ordering, Problem Sensitivity, Electricity Distribution, Work Safety, Public Relations, and Microsoft Outlook 2016/2019.

The exam is expected to be administered in May.  Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time. 

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score.  The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years.  If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.  


The certification process will be:  Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Applicants may inspect and acquire a copy of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities EEO Plan by visiting the DPU website at http://utilities.columbus.gov/.

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the City's Covenant and strategic plan.  In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short-term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the City's human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

01
Do you have two years of experience monitoring detection systems, such as the Outage Management System (OMS), and documenting the day-to-day operations of the power distribution and transmission control system?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have three years of experience performing power line work?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Did you include all of your relevant work experience and job duties that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications for the job? If no, return to the "Work" section of this application and add relevant work experience and job duties. Note: A resume' attachment does not substitute for including the relevant information in the "Work" section of this application.
  • o Yes, I listed every job and job duty in the "Work" section of this application that demonstrates that I meet the minimum experience qualifications for the job.
  • o No, I do not meet all of the minimum experience qualifications for the job.

Required Question

Employer
City of Columbus
Address
77 N. Front Street, Suite 330

Columbus, Ohio, 43215
Phone
(614) 645-8301