Control Room Operator

Reading Municipal Light Department

Job Position Description

Job Title: Control Room Operator
Reports to: General Foreman Operations
Division: Operations
Steps 1-4
Revision Date: 9-23-20
Reviewed By: Janet S. Walsh
Work Location: 230 Ash St, Reading, MA
Union: Y☒ N☐ AFSCME - LMS
FLSA: Exempt ☐ Non-Exempt☒

This Position Description presents illustrative work activities usually encountered by personnel filling this position. It is not meant to list all possible work activities in all possible work conditions. It is also not meant to define specific limits on work activities that may be performed by any person holding this position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. Position descriptions may occasionally be changed to allow the RMLD to better meet the needs of the customers, reflect applicable laws and regulations, or otherwise implement Commission policies. All non-bargaining unit RMLD workers are “employees at will.”

Job Summary:
Under general supervision by the General Foreman Operations, assisted by the Assistant General Foreman Operations, performs operating tasks in the main Control Room located at 230 Ash Street including related to the safe and efficient support of the RMLD operations and customers. All functions related to integrated automation subsystems (SCADA, Outage Management System (OMS), Automated/Advanced Metering System, Integrated Work Order Management System, GIS, Distribution Management System (DMS), etc.), communication systems dispatch (two way radio, cell net, IVR, etc.), emergency response, security monitoring and control, basic customer service after normal business hours and occasionally during business hours if deemed necessary. The position requires shift duty in order to provide 24/7 continuous coverage of system operations.

Illustrative Work Activities:
Essential work activities, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Monitors status of substation and field switching equipment via SCADA.
• Operates switching equipment for routine or emergency work, Transmission owner, and REMVEC Operating Procedures, as directed by authorized Control Authority, in accordance with the RMLD Switching and Tagging policy.
• Monitors Outage Management System (OMS) for outage detection. Assists in the isolation and restoration via SCADA, if applicable, as directed by authorized Control Authority.
• Maintains, updates, corrects and distributes all required reports and records related to OMS.
• Maintains, updates, and monitors all required reports, records related to operation of the Distribution Management System (DMS) and its communication with substations and field remote devices.
• Produces outage management reports to support efforts such as troubleshooting, assistance in restoration efforts, prioritization, maintenance and engineering analysis.
• Monitors and reports the functionality of the fixed network and metering system and the fiber loop system.
• Maintains, updates, corrects and distributes all required reports, records related to operation of the distribution, fixed network, fiber systems and any RMLD distributed energy sources.
• Operates system and maintains records and logs for all communication systems (two way radio, cell net, IVR, etc.).
• Assists in the Work Order Management System to retrieve historic data and other pertinent data.
• Assists in the update and management of the GIS; query GIS data to provide pertinent information and documents related to any distribution function including dig safes, system reconfiguration, outages, equipment profile, or any other GIS database information to support operations of the distribution system.
• Monitors the functionality and data input/export between all subsystems within the DMS.
• Assists in the development of technical training programs. Assists the General Foreman of Operations in the development, review and implementation of individual Career Development Program.
• Participates in tailboard switching briefings in accordance with the RMLD Switching and Tagging Policy. Provides any known data and input regarding hazards, etc. pertinent to a safe and successful Switching Order.
• Assists in enforcing all operational safety policies and procedures. Reports violations and assists in preparing lessons learned. Provides recommendations for improving the efficiency and/or safety of procedures to the General Foreman Operations and the Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with applicable NERC security regulations, etc.
• Completes and maintains required reporting documents, including logging data, trending data etc. to support system reliability, maintenance of Asset Management database and overall accuracy.
• Ability to be qualified as a Switchman and Tagman.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
High school or electrical trade school graduate, with specialized courses in the electrical field or computer science. Associate degree in computer science, cartography, engineering, or equivalent as determined by the RMLD, preferred.

Experience:
One-year technical experience in an electric utility distribution system or equivalent. Experience in troubleshooting support of electric distribution operations using control room computer systems assets, remote switching and/or dispatching of electrical distribution equipment via SCADA, preferred. Experience operating relatively complex communications systems related to system distributions, metering, safety, dispatch, etc. Familiarity with dispatching of Code Blue and/or activating other emergency operating procedures with accuracy, desired. Familiarity with GIS mapping and editing, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of control room computer systems assets. Good command of the English language. Good writing skills, excellent record keeping skills, demonstrated proficiency in basic math and computer skills, including software applications such as Microsoft365 including SharePoint. Ability to use social media and websites. Knowledge of basic diagnostic techniques for computer systems assets.

Judgment and Initiative:
Ability to provide appropriate levels of initiative, response and resolution to various issues including customer calls, distribution system issues, emergency response, Code Blue, ISO Grid emergency operating procedures, etc. Responsibilities involve performance of specialized procedures involving, but not limited to, system operation and communications with an emphasis on safety. Works primarily in accordance with written procedures and directives from Control Authorities. During system non-emergencies, operators are expected to use substantial judgment in the application of standard operating procedures. Operators must remain composed, alert and functional under sometimes stressful conditions occasioned by system and/or personnel emergencies. Duties are generally proceduralized, allowing employee to perform independently if necessary, modifying procedures to insure completion of work. Generally, works alone with defined written procedures.

Manual Skills:
Ability to operate computers, scanner, printers, plotters and other related equipment as required.

Physical Requirements:
Light lifting.

Supervisory:
None.

MA Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Class D Operators license required.

Other:
As a Department representative on customer complaints, customer service and emergency service, employee must demonstrate a strong initiative and ability to effectively evaluate control room systems to assist in providing support for troubleshooting system, communicate ideas, technical information, and directions in a precise and courteous manner.

Five Steps ranging from $34.52 to $44.59. Expected hiring rate is $34.52 per hour.