Description:
Responsibilities
OPPD's Distribution Operations Department is looking for an engineer who is a technically competent, critical thinking individual to ensure the integrity, reliability, and safe operation of the Electric System, efficient restoration of interrupted electric service, and effective utilization of electric assets. Ensure compliance with applicable standards. Analyze and track distribution outage data. Conduct planned outage analysis, scheduling, and coordination and prepare operational guides to address constrained electric facility. Work with internal and external customers in a technical advisory capacity. Provide planning, engineering, and construction departments with operations technical advice. Work with internal and external customers to provide timely, accurate information of operating conditions and situations. Review work processes for improved efficiencies and increased customer service. Participate on local and regional operations committees.
Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Provide technical support for real time Distribution operations including: short term outage analysis, security/contingency analyses, power flows, operating guides, transformer/circuit loading, phase balance, and load balance/shifts. Perform analysis to determine EMS alarms criteria, accuracy and response.
- Provide timely and accurate information on operating conditions and situations to internal and external customers.
- Review work process for improved operating efficiencies and increased customer service.
- Utilize and develop a thorough knowledge of the analytical operating tools for power system, voltage, loading, and outage analysis. Software tools include, SynerGEE, OMS, EMS, CIS, etc... Team with EMS, BT, and other groups in the development of software tools, computer models, and study data.
- Collaborate with other work groups to implement in System Operations new technologies including Automated Callout, Mobile Computing, Distribution Automation, Automatic Meter Reading, TollGrade, EMS Network Applications (state estimator, security analysis, power flow, etc.), and Training Simulator scenarios.
- Perform outage scheduling and coordination including coordinating transmission system plans with distribution implications to ensure reliability on the electric system.
- Track, analyze, and correct distribution outage data (OMS) on an ongoing basis for reporting, inquiry response, and to make process recommendations to reduce customer outage frequency and duration. Team with Asset Management & Maintenance to perform power quality investigations as needed.
- Participate in planning and scheduling of switching functions to ensure the integrity and safe operation of the T&D Electric System.
- Help ensure timely and accurate maintenance of department electronic and paper records.
- Maintain 24 hour availability for technical and professional assistance, storm restoration, and emergency response. Participate in 24x7 after hours duty supervisor rotation to direct remedial actions.
- Support operational investigation of switching incidents, Hold Order violations, or near misses.
Qualifications
Required:
- Possess an ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of electrical engineering or electrical power engineering.
- Excellent analytical, computer, and written/oral communication skills.
- Valid Driver's license
Desired:
- Familiarity with Electric Utility Operations, Planning, Design, and Construction Practices
- NERC Certification or registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of Nebraska or ability to obtain Nebraska registration within 6 months through reciprocity.
- Engineering internship or co-op experience