DCC Operator I
Important Application Submission Information
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Position Summary
Join a team at the heart of grid reliability and customer impact, where your decisions help restore power and keep communities running.
In this critical, fast-paced role, you will play a key part in restoring power and supporting grid reliability by monitoring, analyzing, and managing outage events across Duke Energy’s distribution system. You will evaluate outage data, coordinate and direct field resources, and ensure accurate, real-time information is captured to support efficient restoration efforts at the feeder level and below.
Working closely with the technical Grid Management team, Senior DCC Operators, and DCC Operations leadership, you will also assist in substation restoration as needed. You will be responsible for modeling work within OMS, DMS, and/or SCADA systems, and controlling the Distribution grid. A critical responsibility as the grid Control Authority includes the issuance of safety and operational tags such as HLTs, Clearance, Do Not Operate, and Information Tags. All switching and tagging activities under the distribution control authority will be fully managed by this role, to ensure safe and efficient response to planned and emergent work impacting the distribution grid.
Successful candidates will thrive in high-pressure environments and are energized by problem-solving during critical events. You will play a vital role during abnormal conditions and large-scale outages, providing essential support to DCC Operators and contributing to emergency and storm response operations.
This role serves as a vital support to DCC Operator II during abnormal or emergency events, requiring sound judgment and the ability to perform under pressure. This opportunity offers exposure to complex grid operations in a 24/7 environment, with rotational shifts and on-call responsibilities that directly support service reliability when it matters most.
To be considered for this role, candidates must successfully pass the System Operator/Power Dispatching (SOPD) II test. Once selected for this role, all Operator I positions must successfully pass the Operator Training Certification program and progress to Operator II. The Operator Training Certification program typically takes eighteen to twenty-four months and consists of classroom instruction, on-the-job (OJT) training, and simulator training and assessments.
Responsibilities
Direct outage dispatching for feeder level outages and below and assist with substation outages. Review outage information and dispatch appropriate field resources to restore power, troubleshoots and analyzes problems to provide possible fault locations and direct restoration efforts. Review, update and ensure correct outage information is modeled in the Outage Management System (OMS) and Distribution Management System (DMS). Also, ensure that the Distribution System model is kept accurate in OMS and DMS to ensure the best optimization.
Authorize, record and model in the OMS and DMS: Hot Line Tags (HLT), Clearance tags, Do Not Operate (DNO) tags, and Information tags. Under supervision and direction of Supervisor or Sr DCC Operator directs and models switching activities in order to maintain an accurate distribution model of the system for the best optimization for MWs from DMS. Periodically review tags in the system to ensure tags are removed promptly and that the system model and data are accurate.
Monitor DSCADA and DMS systems including remotely opening and closing Feeder Circuit Breakers, Reclosers, and Regulators under normal and emergency situations. Install and remove HLTs remotely. Monitor alarms from DSCADA and DMS and assist with determining appropriate response (e.g. low/high voltages, transformer load/temperature alarms, abnormal feeder lockouts, etc.) and provide notification/reports to others.
Assist in directing restoration efforts associated with large outages (e.g. feeder lockouts, substation outages, transmission line interruptions, etc.) and ensure that the OMS and DMS models are kept accurate for distribution system optimization to achieve MW reductions if called for on the Distribution System. Assist in developing and calling out emergency switching orders to isolate faults and restore power associated with these large outages. Provide possible fault locations, and if not provided automatically, perform the analysis to determine a predicted fault location.
Required/Basic Qualifications
High-school Diploma/GED
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree
Previous Operator experience
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Good written and verbal communications skills
Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Demonstrated computer and technical aptitude.
Knowledge of distribution systems, equipment, and operations
Working Conditions
Office environment
Ability to work in a 24 X 7 rotating shift schedule
Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a designated company facility.
Specific Requirements
Applicants must earn a passing score on the System Operator/Power Dispatching test to be considered as a qualified candidate.
Starting minimum pay is in mid $70,000 range
Travel Requirements
Not required