Dakota Electric Association is hiring a Distribution System Operator to join our team in Farmington, MN. 

This is a very important role here at DEA and we need to find someone who embraces challenges and is looking for a role where every day is different. 

The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently and capable of following our standard operating procedures for the various day to day problems that can arise as part of an electrical cooperative.

WHO WE ARE

Dakota Electric Association is more than an electric utility—we’re a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative serving over 117,000 members. Ranked among the top 25 electric distribution cooperatives in the nation, we put people first: our members, employees, and the communities we call home.

Located in Farmington, MN, Dakota Electric Association boasts an incredible culture and features a strong history of valuing employee contributions. 

COMPENSATION

Annual salary starts at $109,000

 BENEFITS

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with an employer contribution of 6% of an employee's base wage, plus matching contribution up to 4%
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Short-term disability and other voluntary benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Vacation, sick and personal leave

OVERVIEW

Based out of our location in Farmington, MN, the Distribution System Operator is responsible for the overall coordination of the electrical distribution system operations.

Working in 12-hour shifts, this role coordinates with our power crews to ensure that any problems are solved quickly and efficiently. 

As part of our Control Center Team, the selected candidate will also be responsible for maintaining equipment records, updating maps, reviewing system designs, dispatching crews, creating/reviewing/executing field work/switching, operating or monitoring the electrical system, and responding to member outages or concerns.

This role requires someone who enjoys working independently as there are many times when they will be the only individual in our control room.  They also need to be able to handle stressful situations and are detail oriented.

The independent decisions made by the DSO have a substantial impact on the safety, health, and quality of life of members, employees, and the general public.

The DSO will be required to work all shifts associated with having coverage in the control center 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and maintains expert knowledge required to proficiently utilize the technical systems including but not limited to the automated crew call out (CCO), crew radio system, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Load Management (LM), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Outage Management System (OMS), Advanced Grid Infrastructure (AGI), Work Management (WM), Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), and Interactive Voice Response (IVR), to safely and efficiently operate the distribution system.
• Operates and monitors remote controlled equipment including but not limited to switches, security cameras, voltage regulators, breakers, reclosers, capacitors and distributed energy resources (DER) using SCADA and other applicable software.
• Executes and monitors load control strategies ranging from campus generation to residential air conditioners/heaters, using SCADA and other load management software.
• Evaluates and reviews distribution system configuration changes such as new member developments, equipment modifications/changes, cable replacement projects, road/system improvement, and other projects initiated by the Engineering Services Department.
• Creates, evaluates and approves planned and unplanned switching orders for all field personnel (this includes de-energizing/re-energizing substations).
• Executes all planned and unplanned switching orders in the OMS system to maintain a real time electrical conductivity model of DEA’s electric system.
• Utilizes DEA’s OMS and other technical systems to analyze and predict outage conditions to support restoration efforts in coordination with crews and members.
• Responsible for monitoring the operation status of the distribution generation connected to DEA’s system. This includes but is not limited to responding to events/alarms, monthly exercising, testing, load control or system needs, and providing notification to generator accounts.
• Responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of the AGI network.
• Responsible for monitoring the status of the fiber communication network.
• Initiates afterhours call outs and is responsible for the safe and efficient dispatching of crews to resolve outages, member concerns, equipment issues, and emergency situations.
• Assists members and/or employees dealing with power quality concerns. Provides direct support and initiates further investigation to bring resolution to the service-related concerns.
• Monitors, records, and communicates issues identified with the crew radio system.
• Gathers concerns from field crews and communicates issues to our engineering department and to Great River Energy (GRE).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Two years of required experience in technical and/or vocational training experience in electric line work or basic electricity, OR in Geographic Information System (GIS) related work, OR in dispatch related work with experience in a high volume, detail orientated environment where multitasking skills are needed is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient in basic math and working knowledge of basic electrical equipment and electrical concepts such as voltage, amperage, current, and power.
• Proficient with computer system technologies utilized in the Control Center including but not limited to CCO, AGi, AVL, SCADA, LM, GIS, IVR, WM, and OMS.
• Thorough understanding of safety precautions and operating knowledge of line switching.
• Operating knowledge of line equipment and the electric system including line trucks, line materials, safety equipment, service territory, policies, and procedures. Must have a working knowledge of electricity and electric system troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong computer skills are required along with knowledge of and experience with Microsoft office software applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal department office conditions and working hours apply (40 hours/week). Occasional overtime may be required. Maintain a good working relationship with co-workers in all departments to successfully implement accounting policies and procedures. Must be able to cope with stressful situations that interrupt the normal workday schedule.

All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.