Responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric distribution system, this role encompasses directing switching personnel, system configuration, and system monitoring. Effective communication with field crews, substation personnel, contractors, industrial accounts, transmission control centers, and management is essential, particularly when monitoring system conditions to anticipate and mitigate potential reliability issues. Distribution Operators undergo continual training to enhance their system knowledge and utilize simulations to practice new scenarios, broadening their expertise. They are tasked with responding to and restoring the electric distribution system to safe operating conditions before, during, and after major disturbances. This position relies heavily on extensive experience and judgment to plan and achieve objectives.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of general operating instructions, the Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and the Switching, Tagging & Clearance policy.
2. Utilize independent judgment to allocate and direct suitable personnel for incoming trouble work; prioritize outages to maximize the utilization of available resources.
3. Identify and help resolve technical, operational, and organizational challenges.
4. Oversee the after-hours call-out process, accurately input outage data into the OMS, and furnish Entergy support personnel and customers with timely and precise restoration updates.
5. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and initiate repairs of electrical distribution system issues, including providing troubleshooting support for field responders. Analyze and respond promptly in cases of system disturbances to restore the system to its normal configuration.
6. Oversee Entergy’s switching, tagging, and clearance processes to ensure safety standards. Manage field personnel and/or control devices via SCADA. Develop, review, and approve planned switching procedures. Implement contingency switching plans to address customer outages within the distribution substation and line system. Coordinate and manage large switching projects involving substation and distribution line resources.
7. Interacts with Operations Center personnel and maintains effective working relationships with other operations centers and service center staff. Demonstrates exemplary internal and/or external customer service in the process of restoring outages. Identifies and informs others when additional operations center or local office resources are required to manage outage response. Monitors and utilize all-weather tools and alerts affected personnel regarding potential severe conditions.
8. Continuously monitor Distribution System parameters, including voltage, line flows, equipment loading, and alarm conditions, in real time, and implement appropriate corrective actions as necessary.
9. Responsible for initiating and completing work orders, providing information in response to field inquiries, and updating the OMS for outage-related scenarios; answer and address calls on the emergency line.
10. Provide information to Data Maintenance Support personnel about updates, missing devices, incorrect predictions, and other issues in OMS.
11. Initiate and restore system emergencies, including load shedding (automatic or manual) and blackstart operations.
12. Execute actions and assume accountability as necessary for areas involving Cyber Security Assets.
13. Able to work a 24-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights and weekends.