Distrib Sys Operator 1 Trainee

JOB TITLE: Distribution System Operator I Trainee
REQUISITION: DIS00TF
DEPARTMENT: Distribution System Operations
LOCATION: Wichita Service Center, Wichita, KS
PAY: $52.79 / hour

Scheduled Work Hours: Available to work a variety of shifts and overtime, with minimal notice, based on business need.

Headquartered in both Kansas City and Topeka, Evergy employs about 4,900 people who are dedicated to empowering a better future. We are currently seeking candidates in Wichita for a Distribution System Operator I Trainee. Please find below a list of the minimum requirements for the position. It is important the candidates address their qualifications in the documentation submitted for consideration.

Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Distribution System Operator (DSO) shall comply with all reliability directives issued by the Transmission System Operator (TSO). DSO is responsible for: directing and supervising operation of all lines, substations, and other associated apparatus normally energized at 34,500 volts or less, initiating and directing any immediate action which may be necessary to prevent injury or damage to property, monitoring loading on lines and transformers under their jurisdiction in order to minimize equipment damage and/or interruptions to customer service, receive and approve requests for clearance and direct preparation of clearances on all lines and apparatus under his or her jurisdiction in order to safeguard workmen and maintain adequate service, prepare and issue all Hot Work Permits, issue switching orders to isolate any failed equipment and maximize customer service, issue the necessary switching orders to return the system to normal, operate supervisory control equipment when appropriate for conducting switching, ensure voltage levels are adequately maintained, coordinate with Transmission System Operator, advise supervisor of any abnormal system condition which could jeopardize system integrity, shed load resulting from transmission or generation system deficiencies as directed by the TSO and dispatch workmen for repair of line sections or apparatus.

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
A technical degree in Power Systems or Operations Systems is highly preferred. Experience in field operations, substation services, system operations, control room operations or related utility experience preferred. Related experience and education in another industry will be considered.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
Working knowledge of power system protection and controls. Experience in a control center environment in support of day-to-day operations preferred. Experienced in field operations including a general understanding of design & construction aspects, experience with operational-based software systems such as Outage Management Systems (OMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Customer Information Systems (CIS), etc. Experience with the day-to-day operations of an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) is preferred. Experience with distribution automation/control systems is preferred. Must have the ability to operate in various computer operating/software systems and be adept at adopting new emergent technologies. Working knowledge of cyber-security best practices, NERC-CIP, & NERC Reliability Standards a plus. Must be able to apply tact, diplomacy, reason and logic, apply procedures and quickly and accurately process information in stressful situations.

Job requires strict adherence to Safety and System Operating procedures.

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required:
Must possess a valid driver's license. Candidates selected for further consideration must successfully complete the EEI SOPD pre-employment screening assessment. This is an industry specific test for distribution system operations through the Edison Electric Institute. Candidate will be required to live within a 50-mile driving distance.

Working Conditions:
Must be able to perform the physical activities of the job and have a satisfactory work record including good attendance. Must be available to work a variety of shifts and overtime, with minimal notice, based on business need. This position is in a control room environment and requires continual monitoring of various computer software to evaluate system needs.

Evergy has a clear mission - To empower a better future. Evergy chooses to live this mission by valuing People First. We know that to lead the responsible energy transition and provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers and communities, we need a team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. So, our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We are committed to celebrating diversity and building a team where everyone - regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status - has a voice and can bring their best every day. We know that the more diverse and inclusive we are, the better we will be. Evergy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.