Job Posting Title
Distribution System Operator Trainee - West Penn Power
Start Date
02/04/2015
Reference Code
50566418-E1
Job Title
Distribution System Operator - Trainee
FirstEnergy at a Glance
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.
Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy comprises one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems based on
serving six million customers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Our diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear,
scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped storage hydro and other renewables.
About the Opportunity
These are open positions with the West Penn Power Operating Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [WPP]
There are multiple openings at the Regional Dispatching Office in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Under the general supervision of the Regional Distribution Operations Staff, this position is responsible for:
- Monitoring the day-to-day operations of the regional distribution system.
- Outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions with timely and accurate documentation associated with the distribution system.
- Demonstrating a solid commitment to all aspects of safety.
- Recommending operational improvements and communicating system events to appropriate personnel.
- Demonstrating sound internal and/or external customer service.
- Operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Energy Management System (EMS), Geographic Information System (GIS), PowerOn Outage Management System (OMS), as well as radio and telephone systems.
- Analyzing and acting promptly in cases of system disturbance so that the system can be restored to a normal configuration.
- Providing technical analysis, monitoring systems, scheduling and authorizing distribution equipment outages and load transfers.
- Developing detailed scenarios to identify operating problems caused by contingency outages.
- Assigning and directing switching activities and work assignments to field personnel.
- Monitoring system and weather conditions.
- Coordinating staffing requirements by calling additional resources to handle emergencies.
- Completing training and development to progress to the Regional Distribution System Operator level.
Qualifications
- Associate's degree or greater in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related certification from an accredited institution. Equivalent working experience with demonstrated understanding to operate the distribution system will be considered, in lieu of above stated educational requirements (minimum of 2-4 years of related work experience).
- Must pass the EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher Test (SO/PD).
- Live within a 45-60 minute commute time of the work location.
- Willing to work rotating shifts and be available for overtime work when needed.
- Capable of effective performance in problem solving, multi-tasking and teamwork.
- Demonstrate effective performance in prioritizing work for efficient and safe operations.
- Knowledge of, or able to learn, transmission and distribution operation, maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system.
- Strong reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching requests, engineering drawings, schematics, equipment instruction manuals, standards and procedures used to develop distribution switching orders.
- Skilled in the development, collection, organization and analysis of information from a variety of sources to develop switching orders and recommendations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with customers, supervisors, peers, employees and contractors involved with the construction, operation and maintenance of the transmission and distribution facilities.
- Demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results and develop relationships.
- Able to work on basic to moderately complex projects and assignments.
- Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills to make quick assessments and deliver well-thought decisions, when situations require.
- Knowledge of, or able to learn, specific mainframe and computer applications.
- Able to remain professional in high-stress, high-volume work environment.
Benefits and Compensation
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business
environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes
competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer
contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development
training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee
rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a
qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer
H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools,
information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our
customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace,
and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety
standards.
Position Classification
Nonexempt-Hourly
Employment Type
Full-time
Facility Site
West Penn Power HQ - Greensburg - PA
City
Greensburg
FirstEnergy Human Resources Team
