Electrical System Controller Senior - Austin Energy

Job Description:

Electrical System Controller Senior - Austin Energy

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under general supervision, lead personnel and perform tasks in electric system control and switching by monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching, and resolving customer outages.

Job Description:

Purpose:
Under general supervision, lead personnel and perform tasks in electric system control and switching by monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching, and resolving customer outages.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Monitors interconnects with other electric utilities and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to determine correct generation needs, monitor electric system voltage, and make adjustments as needed.
  
• Bears responsibility for monitoring instrumentation control panels, operating substation switching equipment by remote control, operating the computerized electric control system, monitoring weather conditions for system operation needs, and operating radio and pager system for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
  
• Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid and troubleshooting and providing solutions to problems in the electric transmission and distribution system.
  
• Bears responsibility for review and assignment of switching operations for real-time field crew work assignments.
  
• Coordinates division and/or section activities with other divisions and utilities by reviewing systems-scheduled outages and dispatch of personnel. Discusses division and/or section operations with on-coming shift personnel.
  
• Bears responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting systems disturbances; and determining methods to restore electric power and/or correct system disturbances.
  
• Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports.
  
• Researches and evaluates information as needs of customers. Answers citizen questions and provides assistance.
  
• Bears responsibility for carrying out any real-time verbal instructions requested by ERCOT to maintain system security in the absence of supervision.
  
• Assists in the design and implementation of new work processes and procedures.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Emergency Action plans, including the Blackstart and load shed plans.
  
• Knowledge of electric utility system restoration procedures.
  
• Knowledge of procedures and methods used in energy control center operations.
  
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures, and regulations applicable to work being performed.
  
• Knowledge of advanced electronic principles and circuits.
  
• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric utility transmission and distribution systems.
  
• Knowledge of City overhead and underground power transmission and distribution systems, inter-ties, and critical areas.
  
• Knowledge of switching equipment procedures and regulations governing its operation.
  
• Knowledge of meters, relays, transformers, and other equipment used in receiving and delivering electrical power.
  
• Knowledge of modern electronic equipment for controls on boilers, turbines and generating systems.
  
• Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings.
  
• Skill in the use of equipment required to control generation levels.
  
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
  
• Skill in operating various control systems to affect necessary switching and routing of electricity.
  
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports and maintaining records.
  
• Skill in interpreting and analyzing applicable data.
  
• Skill in solving generation transmission and distribution problems.
  
• Skill in reading drawings, plans, and simple blueprints.
  
• Skill in reading instruments, charts, and schematic drawings.
  
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Skill in directing others in procedures designed to correct outages or safely reroute power.
  
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
  
• Ability of conflict resolution.
  
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation or construction tasks, including two (2) years of experience as an operator responsible for transmission and distribution in an electric system control center.
  
• Graduation with an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university focused on Geographic Information System (GIS), Power, and Computer Technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Operator Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Electrical System Controller Senior requires a valid NERC Operator Certificate.
  
• Knowledge of Electric Utility Transmission and Distribution system
  
• Knowledge of NERC reliability standards
  
• NERC Transmission Operator’s or Reliability Coordinators certification.
  
• Distribution, Transmission, Reliability Coordinator or Generation control room experience.
  
• Computer Skills (Microsoft Office Suite) Word, Excel, Outlook
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Monitors interconnects with other electric utilities and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to determine correct generation needs, monitor electric system voltage, and make adjustments as needed.
  
• Bears responsibility for monitoring instrumentation control panels, operating substation switching equipment by remote control, operating the computerized electric control system, monitoring weather conditions for system operation needs, and operating radio and pager system for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
  
• Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid and troubleshooting and providing solutions to problems in the electric transmission and distribution system.
  
• Bears responsibility for review and assignment of switching operations for real-time field crew work assignments.
  
• Coordinates division and/or section activities with other divisions and utilities by reviewing systems-scheduled outages and dispatch of personnel. Discusses division and/or section operations with on-coming shift personnel.
  
• Bears responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting systems disturbances; and determining methods to restore electric power and/or correct system disturbances.
  
• Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports.
  
• Researches and evaluates information as needs of customers. Answers citizen questions and provides assistance.
  
• Bears responsibility for carrying out any real-time verbal instructions requested by ERCOT to maintain system security in the absence of supervision.
  
• Assists in the design and implementation of new work processes and procedures.
  

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fi elds that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or
  
• GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

PAY RANGE:
Min $45.22 - Mid $58.78

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

WORK SCHEDULE:
2500 Montopolis Drive, Austin, TX 78741. 12-hour Rotating DuPont schedule.

ESSENTIAL:

• This position is categorized as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin. Essential staff are required to work during emergencies or bad weather if they are scheduled to work and, in some cases, when they are not scheduled. Essential employees ensure the continuance of key operations for the City of Austin.
  
• Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends.
  
• Shifts may change according to departmental needs.
  
• Employee may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-14