Utilities Dispatcher Trainee Vernon CA 1 of 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
Utilities Dispatcher Trainee
Date Prepared: March 2023 Class Code: 8033
SUMMARY: Under close supervision, monitors real-time operations and maintenance activities of the City’s electric generation and distribution systems; assists with Critical Control Center activities including electric distribution, gas distribution monitoring and water distribution and pressure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:-- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assists with and performs the monitoring of real-time operations and maintenance activities of the electric generation, sub-transmission, distribution systems and water distribution system; Monitors gas system on SCADA; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with City policies, safety, and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment. • Assists with and performs Control Center activities such as distribution of electricity, maintaining positive water pressure through the use of ground water wells and booster pumps, and assists in tracking electric market fluctuations.
• Assists with and schedules route changes to ensure flow of electricity; notifies appropriate agencies of changes; reenergizes circuits or lines for public safety. • Assists with and monitors production and generation conditions by way of alarms, telemetry, status, modes of operation, or similar notifications.
• Assists with and compiles, calculates, and prepares basic to routine gas, electric, water and bulk power reports, notifications or ad hoc reports on system disturbances, emergencies, or any unusual operating condition or action.
• Assists with and executes the coordination and documentation of routine maintenance and unscheduled restoration activities with outside contractors.
• Assists with and performs after hour/weekend/holiday monitoring of water distribution system in the absence of water crews.
• Performs all of the functions and work tasks of the Electric Operator position including providing shift coverage when necessary.
• Upon successful completion of training and certification, provides shift coverage for the Utilities Dispatcher position when necessary.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of workrelated issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High School diploma or GED; AND two years of electric utility operations experience.
Utilities Dispatcher Trainee Vernon CA 2 of 2
Knowledge of:
• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures. • Electric, water, gas and bulk power utility operating concepts. • Basic electric principles, procedures and components, power system operations including power plant operations; fundamentals of alternating current circuits, and electric safety policies and procedures. • Occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work. • Personal computer operations.
Skill in:
• Monitoring and applying control system principles rationally to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Keeping records as required by regulatory agencies.
• Operating personal computers and specialized software applications including SCADA systems. • Remaining calm under stress or emergency conditions.
• Maintaining a strong sense of propriety concerning confidential matters. • Building relationships and fostering teamwork and communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, fellow employees, contractors, representatives from other utilities, outside consultants and the general public.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required.
A valid State of California Grade II Water Distribution License is desired.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an electric generation plant; may to be exposed to energized equipment. Works rotating shifts, nights and weekends or a mutually agreed upon set schedule as required.