Under limited direction, the Distribution Operator controls and operates the company’s distribution resources—including circuit breakers, switches, voltage regulating equipment, and other devices associated with the system. The role ensures compliance with PUCO regulations and AES safety and operating standards, while coordinating and directing all switching operations on the mainline distribution system.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Implements real-time actions, up to and including shedding firm load under direction of the transmission System Operator
Directs all actions for safety and reliability of the distribution electric grid, including field crews, electrical equipment, and customers in matters that affect distribution grid reliability
Directs all switching and tagging activities to achieve LOTO isolation on mainline distribution equipment for both scheduled and outage situations
Responds to distribution disturbances within established regulatory, industry, and company standards to assure a continuous supply of electricity to customers
On point to communicate to co-workers and management the status of abnormal system conditions
Monitors and utilizes reactive reserves to ensure system reliability
Mentor Distribution Operator Trainees through the Operator training program.
Annually review and update department Standard Operating Procedures
Utilize the system model to simulate removing distribution elements from service and review resulting contingency analysis to prevent any real time violations which may occur
Responsible for being knowledgeable of the procedures to transfer operations to the Back-up Control Center and implementing if necessary
Assist with outage scheduling – writing switch orders, coordinating resources, customer and, running load flow studies to evaluate outages and contingencies, planning projects and looking for conflicting outages, develop mitigation strategies for reliability concerns
Assist with developing and maintaining department tools – support model updates, state estimator and contingency analysis troubleshooting, monitor and resolve solution cost or high iteration alarms, solve bad data problems, PI situational awareness displays, work with EMS staff on ADMS updates and model pushes
Develops and maintains knowledge of the Company’s substation, distribution and transmission systems, relay protection schemes, safety requirements, electrical theory, field equipment capabilities and associated operating procedures and guidelines
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline is preferred but not required.
Associate’s degree with demonstrated aptitude in math and electrical theory accepted, especially when paired with relevant work experience in electrical utility operations
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
Company-level training completion required
Skills
Strong written and verbal communication
Ability to comprehend complex instructions and technical documentation
Proficiency in algebra, geometry, and electrical theory
Skilled in using databases, spreadsheets, and word processing tools
Ability to make sound judgments and crucial decisions in short amounts of time
Ability to understand and assimilate complex technical information
Ability to work with little supervision and only general guidelines at times
Ability to operate grid operations systems and other computer platforms
Capable of interpreting diverse data sets to ensure grid reliability
Able to solve practical problems with limited standardization
Authorized to take real-time actions and shed firm load during emergencies
Responsible for decisions impacting employee safety and equipment integrity
Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds
Ability to work rotating shifts and respond effectively to changing system conditions
Comfortable working in a control room environment with continuous monitoring responsibilities
This position follows a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, with the department providing 24/7 coverage.
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.
