Electric Systems Operator (Finance)

POSITION TITLE: Electric Systems Operator (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)
REQUISITION #: req8024
DEPARTMENT: Light & Power
LOCATION: UTILITIES SERVICE CTR - BLDG A
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU) View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $86,315.00 - 120,428.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
ANNUAL ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: This is a step level position. The salary for the selected candidate will fall within the range above and is based on qualifications and experience.
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 3/28/2025.

You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check, motor vehicle report, and drug test required within four calendar days (96 hours) of offer.

Why Work For the City of Fort Collins?

• Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) - eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
• Retirement + company contributions - after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
• Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Wellness program, workout facilities
• Employee/family onsite health clinic
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
• Collaborative work environment

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary

The Electric Systems Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the electrical grid and distribution systems. They analyze system performance, adjust power flows, and respond to outages or emergencies to ensure a reliable power supply. Operators coordinate with wholesale power providers, substations, and field crews to manage grid stability, restore service disruptions, and implement switching procedures. They use advanced monitoring software and SCADA systems to track real-time grid conditions and take proactive measures to prevent system failures. Additionally, they comply with regulatory standards and safety protocols while maintaining detailed operational records and reports. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are essential in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Monitors and controls the electric system via a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; analyzes data and alarms as received; determines the cause of system problems, and promptly executes corrective actions.
• Preparation, review, and discretionary approval of switching orders.
• Prepares and issues Clearance Orders, Hot Line Orders, and Special Condition Orders.
• Accurately record switching operations, outage restoration and reporting of system problems.
• Operates and updates the computerized outage management and mapping systems.
• Conducts, reviews, and evaluates contingency planning for restoration of service during major outages and determines a method of system operation that will efficiently restore service.
• Collaborate with electric crews during switching operations, ensuring safe, reliable operation of the electric system, for employees, citizens and customers.
• Monitors system and circuit loading and balance and initiates redistribution of loading.
• Compiles operation logs, outage reports, and billing data.
• Maintains and updates the electric system operation map to reflect system equipment additions or deletions, and current operating status. Primary resource for mapping system accuracy.
• Updates databases and system analysis data and status for on-demand analysis of service restoration options.
• Communicates with customers and field personnel to identify and resolve customer problems and to direct field response to correct electric system problems.
• Trends electric system peaks and initiates/schedules load reduction through load-control implementation and customer communications.
• Primary resource in the development and training of SCO personnel in the utility's AutoCAD Mapping System and electric operations procedures.
• Must be willing and able to work on-call 24 hours a day, including, weekends and holidays. Must be able to respond within documented guidelines while on-call.
• May oversee and direct the work of less experienced operators or temporary employees.

Management Responsibilities

No

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of system operating and safety procedures; equipment ratings and service level restrictions; and equipment operation and troubleshooting techniques.
• Knowledge of electrical hazards and conditions presented by system problems.
• Knowledge of radio operations and protocol.
• Knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Ability to use AutoCAD, Esri-based and other computerized mapping systems.
• Ability to use word processing, computer graphics, database, spreadsheet and power meter software.
• Ability to perform advanced math and statistical analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret color-coded computer monitor displays and color-coded maps.
• Ability to develop, modify, and interpret electric wiring diagrams, one-lines, and system maps.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.

Required Qualifications

MinimumPreferredHigh School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED

Experience Requirements

• Three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Advanced Skill Levels will require completion of additional Training and Certification.

The content in this posting was created for recruitment purposes. To view the full job description click the link below.

Electric Systems Operator
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

BACKGROUND CHECK, MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT AND DRUG TEST REQUIRED WITHIN FOUR CALENDAR DAYS/96 HOURS OF OFFER.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.Job Summary

The Electric Systems Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the electrical grid and distribution systems. They analyze system performance, adjust power flows, and respond to outages or emergencies to ensure a reliable power supply. Operators coordinate with wholesale power providers, substations, and field crews to manage grid stability, restore service disruptions, and implement switching procedures. They use advanced monitoring software and SCADA systems to track real-time grid conditions and take proactive measures to prevent system failures. Additionally, they comply with regulatory standards and safety protocols while maintaining detailed operational records and reports. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are essential in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
Monitors and controls the electric system via a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; analyzes data and alarms as received; determines the cause of system problems, and promptly executes corrective actions.Preparation, review, and discretionary approval of switching orders.Prepares and issues Clearance Orders, Hot Line Orders, and Special Condition Orders.Accurately record switching operations, outage restoration and reporting of system problems.Operates and updates the computerized outage management and mapping systems.Conducts, reviews, and evaluates contingency planning for restoration of service during major outages and determines a method of system operation that will efficiently restore service.Collaborate with electric crews during switching operations, ensuring safe, reliable operation of the electric system, for employees, citizens and customers.Monitors system and circuit loading and balance and initiates redistribution of loading.Compiles operation logs, outage reports, and billing data.Maintains and updates the electric system operation map to reflect system equipment additions or deletions, and current operating status. Primary resource for mapping system accuracy.Updates databases and system analysis data and status for on-demand analysis of service restoration options.Communicates with customers and field personnel to identify and resolve customer problems and to direct field response to correct electric system problems.Trends electric system peaks and initiates/schedules load reduction through load-control implementation and customer communications.Primary resource in the development and training of SCO personnel in the utility's AutoCAD Mapping System and electric operations procedures.Must be willing and able to work on-call 24 hours a day, including, weekends and holidays. Must be able to respond within documented guidelines while on-call.May oversee and direct the work of less experienced operators or temporary employees.
Management Responsibilities

No