Electric Utility Power System Dispatcher Operator 3/4
- Req. Number: IRC146176
- Organization : UI-EST/UI - Electric, Steam & Turbine Operations
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Jacquez, Timothy
- Recruiter Email: tjacquez@lanl.gov
This position will be filled at either the Operator 3/4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
We are seeking an Electric Utility Power System Dispatcher to join Utilities & Infrastructure, Electric, Steam, and Turbine Operations. This position supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of LANL's electric transmission and distribution systems; monitors system conditions, coordinates and executes switching and clearance activities; and responds to outages and abnormal conditions, supports system restoration, and maintains accurate operating records and configuration control. This position reports to the assigned UI Operations Manager and is accountable for disciplined execution, accurate system status, configuration control, and safe work performance.
Operator 3 ($66,100 - $103,600)
The selected candidate will independently perform assigned electric transmission and distribution system operations within established qualifications, approved procedures, operating limits, and delegated authority. This position will execute switching and clearance activities, maintain situational awareness and accurate system configuration, respond to abnormal conditions and outages, troubleshoot operational issues, coordinate with field and technical personnel, and support the development of operating procedures and switching orders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitor and operate assigned portions of LANL's electric transmission and distribution system within established procedures, operating limits, qualification, and delegated authority.
- Develop, coordinate, and execute switching, clearance, outage, and restoration activities with field personnel and other authorized participants.
- Maintain situational awareness and accurate system configuration using SCADA, operating logs, drawings, switching records, and other approved information.
- Respond to alarms, equipment abnormalities, outages, and other operational issues; troubleshoot conditions and coordinate appropriate corrective or restoration actions.
- Coordinate electric-system operations with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations Specialists, Safety, craft personnel, and other organizations supporting LANL work.
- Support development and improvement of switching orders, operating procedures, and system reliability practices while performing work in accordance with applicable LANL safety, work-control, and Conduct of Operations requirements.
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level this position will serve as a senior technical operator for complex electric-system operations. Additional responsibilities include leading complex switching and restoration activities, evaluating abnormal operating conditions, developing operational strategies and technical solutions, leading procedure and switching-practice improvements, mentoring less-experienced operators, and recommending improvements to system reliability and operability.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated experience or foundational knowledge in electric transmission, distribution, utility operations, industrial electrical systems, power generation, or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information, troubleshoot problems, and make sound decisions in an operational environment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, one-line diagrams, procedures, or comparable controlled technical documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with technical, field, and management personnel.
- Ability to learn SCADA-based system monitoring and control, switching and clearance practices, configuration control, and other LANL-specific Power Dispatcher responsibilities through UI-provided training.
- Ability to successfully complete and maintain required LANL Power Dispatcher training and qualification.
Additional Job Requirements for Operator 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Advanced experience in electric utility, transmission/distribution, power-system, or comparable complex system operations.
- Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and resolve complex operational problems and provide technical leadership during abnormal or challenging conditions.
- Demonstrated experience leading operational activities such as switching, restoration, troubleshooting, procedure development, configuration control, or comparable technical work.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor others, communicate technical direction, and recommend improvements to operational reliability and performance.
Training/Certifications: Selected candidates must successfully complete and maintain all LANL training and qualification requirements assigned to the Electric Utility Power System Dispatcher position. Qualification may include system-specific operating knowledge, switching and clearance requirements, SCADA operation, configuration control, abnormal and emergency response, Conduct of Operations expectations, and other assigned electric-utility requirements.
Education/Experience at Operator 3 level: Position requires a high school diploma and 5 years of related experience or a relevant Associates Degree and 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at Operator 4 level: Position requires a high school diploma and 7 years of related experience or a relevant Associates Degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Electric utility control-room, power-dispatch, transmission/distribution, generation, or comparable system-operations experience.
- Experience with SCADA, switching and clearances, outage/restoration activities, or utility configuration control.
- Knowledge of electric utility reliability, safety, and operating practices, including applicable NERC/WECC, NESC, or OSHA requirements.
- Experience coordinating operational work with craft, Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, or other field organizations.
- For Operator 4 consideration, experience providing technical leadership, mentoring operators, developing procedures, or leading complex system operations.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Work Schedule:
- This position normally supports weekday/daytime Power Dispatcher operations. Night, weekend, and holiday control-room coverage is provided through an established service agreement. Power Dispatchers participate in a paid on-call rotation and may be required to respond remotely or report onsite when called to support outages, emergencies, abnormal system conditions, or other operational needs.
- This is a non-exempt position.
Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
- Applicants should attach a cover letter addressing the requirements and desired skills of the position with their resume.
- Position may require serving in an on-call capacity as assigned to include during after-hours, holidays or LANL shutdowns.
- The selected candidate will participate in an assigned paid on-call rotation, including after-hours, weekends, holidays, and LANL shutdown periods, and may be required to report onsite when operational conditions require.
- Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.