Distribution System Operator I/Trainee

Location: Akron, OH, United States Department: Distribution System Operator

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, Ohio.

This is a pool posting with multiple positions.

This position requires rotating 24/7 coverage; rotating shifts include days, evenings, overnights and weekends, with applicable shift differential compensation.

Responsibilities include:

Monitoring the day-to-day operations of the regional distribution system

Demonstrating a solid commitment to all aspects of safety, including adherence to the Accident Prevention Handbook (APH) and Manual of Operations

Recommending operational improvements and communicating system events to appropriate personnel

Demonstrating sound internal and/or external customer service

Operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Energy Management System (EMS), Automated Mapping/Facilities Management (GIS) computer system, PowerOn Outage Management System (OMS), Energy Delivery Outage Application (EDOA), DCC Notification System, as well as radio and telephone systems

Analyzing and acting promptly in cases of system disturbance so that the system can be restored to a normal configuration

Providing technical analysis, monitoring systems, scheduling and/or authorizing FirstEnergy distribution equipment outages and load transfers

Developing detailed scenarios to identify operating problems caused by contingency outages

Assigning and directing switching activities and work assignments to field personnel

Monitoring system and weather conditions

Coordinating staffing requirements by calling additional resources to handle emergencies

Completing training and development to progress to the Regional Distribution System Operator level

Possessing basic understanding of Bargaining Unit Agreements with field labor

Qualifications:

Ability to pass the Edison Electric Institute (EEi) System Operator/Power Dispatching Test (SO/PD II) is required.

Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering/Electrical Engineering Technology, or related certification from an accredited institution, or minimum of 2 - 4 years' related work experience is preferred. Related work experience includes work experiences with demonstrated understanding to operate the distribution system.

Capable of effective performance in problem solving, multi-tasking and teamwork

Demonstrate effective performance in prioritizing work for efficient and safe operations

Knowledge of, or ability to learn Transmission and Distribution operation, maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system

Strong reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching requests, engineering drawings, schematics, equipment instruction manuals, standards and procedures used to develop distribution switching orders

Possess skills in the development, collection, organization and analysis of information from a variety of sources to develop switching orders and recommendations

Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with customers, supervisors, peers, employees, and contractors involved with the construction, operation and maintenance of the Transmission and Distribution facilities

Demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results and develop relationships

Sufficient maturity to exercise independent judgment on moderately complex projects and assignments

Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills to make quick assessments and deliver well-thought decisions, when situations require

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, specific mainframe and computer applications

Able to remain professional in high stress, high volume work environment

Live within 45 minutes commute time

Willing to work rotating shifts and be available for overtime work when needed

EEI Testing

We administer selection tests for a variety of positions. The required tests have been developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade association of investor-owned electric utility companies. We strongly encourage potential employees to review all information, including the sample test brochures, and to use the available practice tests before taking the actual tests. Click this link to access the practice tests. You will be prompted for a name and password. Use firstenergy for both.

https://secure.eei.org/eeitests/onlineproducts/Login.aspx

Practice tests provide sample questions and detailed discussions of the correct answers. It's important to take the practice test as you would the actual one, with similar intensity and concentration. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.

Note: EEI website does not allow access to actual tests. Testing is held at various locations throughout our service territory based on where the job is located.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contributi