Distribution System Operator (Hawaii Island)

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company.

Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

Posting End Date:  12/31/2024 at 11:59PM HST

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:

The H RS SYSTEM Department of the H SYSTEM OPERATION Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 2 Bargaining Unit vacancies available. (Role: Non-Exempt)

JOB FUNCTION:

Responsible for the timely response and restoration communications of power outages and system activity to affected stakeholders. Responsible for maintaining the electrical distribution strategy and operations to ensure continuity of service, stability, and power delivery according to tariff requirements. Ensures reliable power distribution follows appropriate standards and regulations. Directs field personnel in managing single-phase and three phase customer power outages, emergency response, service restoration and repair activities in a safe operational manner, writes, and performs planned and emergency switching on the Transmission and Distribution System.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

System Operations

• Issues, receives, and acts upon routine or scheduled limited holdoff requests on distribution circuits and/or equipment.
• Operates and troubleshoots in real-time the distribution system in accordance with company policies and protocols.
• Requests and prioritizes resources to match work volume during routine and emergency conditions while considering local agreements.

System Monitoring

• Uses Operational Technology (“OT”) systems and field reports to monitor and control the distribution and transmission systems.
• Monitors, acknowledges, responds, and clears alarms from OT systems providing telemetry and control of the distribution and sub-transmission system (such as high/low) and distribution.
• Monitors and controls remotely controlled field devices to respond to outages, isolate faults, keep voltages and equipment loading within limits.
• Maintains daily records of logs of system conditions and status including manual updates of OT systems.

Authority

• Has the authority to direct field personnel to take actions to ensure reliability of the grid and the safety of personnel.

Outage Management

• Promptly responds to trouble and service calls from customers. Identifies and contacts appropriate parties to expedite solution.
• Updates the respective customer outage notification systems and provides real time outage information to internal stakeholders (e.g., operations, customer service, key accounts, regulatory, etc.) during pre- and post- disturbance events, as needed.
• Issues status updates on Estimated Time of Restoration (“ETR”), crew status, and traffic issues based on real-time data and information.
• Acts as the clearinghouse from supervisors or crew leaders on outage status updates, delays, etc. Updates the ETR accordingly.
• Provides system status and conditions report (internal operations only) at the conclusion of each shift.
• Communicates critical information with safety personnel.
• Creates, tracks, manages, and closes trouble tickets and work orders using OT systems.
• Notifies key personnel (such as the Senior Supervisor Control Center) of persistent trouble.
• Notifies appropriate department personnel (such as Field Supervisor, etc.) of repairs needed.
• Models routine and emergency switching, temporary elements and places appropriate tags (such as clearance) using OT, drawings, and other tools and systems.
• Communicates and coordinates with personnel for switching procedures.
• Creates and updates Interruption Reports (“IR”), as needed. Maintains internal communications with control room personnel during routine and emergency conditions.
• Maintains trouble calls, repair orders, operation logs, scheduled distribution work, field personnel, and OT systems and other databases or tools.

Emergency Response

• Monitors and addresses call(s) from emergency agencies including police & fire hotline relating to system events and customer outages.
• Performs critical functions of the emergency management response, as assigned, and performs specific assignments or functions, as needed, in the event of an emergency, not to include routine trouble calls/callouts.
• Participates in emergency response drills and exercises. Participates in control room evacuation/relocation exercises.
• Assists field personnel with awareness of special conditions (e.g., environmental concerns, access to areas, etc.).
• Contacts affected customers to confirm power outage and restoration.
• Troubleshoots and directs distribution field personnel (such as PTMs) for single-phase and/or single customer power outages and conducts restorations, network trouble and conducts restorations.
• Responds immediately to abnormal or emergency conditions, including system operating limit violations.
• Identifies faulted equipment and location using available OT tools.
• For circuit outage, uses available data and tools to identify source or cause of trouble (i.e., distribution relay targets and lockout information).
• Issues, receives, and acts upon emergency holdoff requests on sub-transmission distribution circuits and/or equipment.

Switching

• Uses 3-part communication to issue operating instructions.
• Operates remotely controlled devices using OT including Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, ADMS, etc.
• Maintains system state updates and device tagging in the EMS and OMS Model.
• Writes and verifies routine and emergency switching procedures using available tools. Uses available tools (such as OMS, ADMS, or similar) to analyze switching issues.
• Performs scheduled distribution and sub-transmission switching by directing field personnel and/or remote-control operations.
• Issues, receives, and acts upon scheduled holdoff requests on sub-transmission and distribution circuits and/or equipment.

System Operating Tools

• Identifies critical customers using available tools (such as but not limited to OT systems (OMS, SCADA, ADMS, meter data interfaces), GIS, and Single-line Diagrams).
• Monitors system status, analogs, and alarms, using OT resources systems such as OMS, SCADA/EMS, ADMS, meter data systems, etc. to provide outage locations and accurate information to affected stakeholders (e.g., customers, media, PUC, etc.).
• Monitors and addresses inquiries via email or other communications (Sys Ops Inquiries) related to system events, as directed. Defers for further investigation, as needed.
• Creates, tracks, and closes trouble tickets.
• Creates work orders.
• Verifies OT system models and map accuracy and initiates revisions, as applicable.
• Maintains situational awareness. Reviews daily field work schedule and creates limited holdoff list.
• Operates 2-way radio console to transmit orders or communications to field personnel with radio-equipped vehicles and/or portable handhelds.
• Utilizes system electrical maps, schematics, such as OMS, ADMS, SCADA, EMS, Customer Information Systems (CIS), Meter data systems, company database and applications.
• Supports and adopts new OT and system tools, as assigned (e.g., ADMS, FLISR, MDMS, DERMS, DRMS, CIS/EAM/ERP etc.). Applies new tool integration into work process.
• Responds to underground facilities locating (toning) requests.

Other Responsibilities:

• Supports and assists GSO and System Operation Shift Supervisor on shift where needed (e.g., logging, creating Repair Orders, information requests, updating OMS models and drawings to reflect current system state, etc.). Coordinates and informs other control room personnel.
• Performs clerical work processes such as paperwork archives, log maintenance, etc.
• Coordinates and informs other control room personnel.
• Perform similar and incidental duties, as required.
• Assume an emergency management role, as assigned, and perform specific assignments or functions, as needed, in an event of an emergency, not to include routine trouble calls/callouts.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Advanced degree or certificate in General Trade, Electronics, Automotive, highly desirable.
• Graduate of an Apprenticeship program, Technician, Substation, or completion of Control Operator training program.
• Ability to identify and distinguish the difference between colors, including shades, hues, and tints.
• Must pass the SRA Oral & Written Directions Test.
• Must pass the PSP System Operator/Dispatcher Test.
• Must pass the Company Job Sample Test.
• Must qualify through the established selection process.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for frequent required driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Required Driving Positions policy.
• A letter of acknowledgement outlining the details of the Distribution System Operator Training Program will be reviewed with applicants. In order to progress to the next step,
  • Must successfully complete each section of the Distribution System Operator Training Program within the prescribed timeframe AND
  • Must pass the Company Job Performance Test at the conclusion of each section.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be available to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends on a system operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
• Must be available for overtime work outside of their scheduled shifts.

Role: Non-Exempt

Number of Vacancies: 2 

Work Schedule: Rotating shift schedule to provide 24 hour, 7 days per week coverage

Location: Hilo  – Hawaii Island

Wage: $62.73 – $62.73 

About Hawaiian Electric Companies
Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs.

The demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands has been met by Hawaiian Electric Companies for well over a century. And as the next millennium unfolds, the company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses to come. Visit us at http://hawaiianelectric.com.

Interested individuals should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience/knowledge/skills/abilities the candidate possesses which specifically qualifies him/her for the position.

Applicant Certification
By submitting an application for the position, candidates:
1. Authorize the Hawaiian Electric Companies to confirm all statements contained in the application and/or any materials submitted and made a part of the application as they relate to the position and to the extent permitted by law;
2. Authorize and consent to, without reservation, the Hawaiian Electric Companies sharing any and all information regarding previous or present employment, educational training or personal information from their records and from any other source with the hiring department or subsidiary company;
3. Release, discharge, and hold harmless, Hawaiian Electric Companies, from any and all liability for any damage which may be claimed as a result of furnishing such information to the hiring department or subsidiary company;
4. Authorizes release and transfer of all personnel records to be maintained by the hiring company in the event of an inter-company transfer; and
5. Authorize, direct, and consent to Hawaiian Electric Companies and/or its authorized agents to conduct investigations into candidates' background. These investigations may include, but are not limited to searches for information about applicants; record of criminal convictions to the extent permitted by law, education records, professional certifications, personal character references, and employment history.

EEO Statement
Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. We actively seek diversity among our employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex/gender (including gender identity/expression), ancestry/national origin, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws. We further encourage individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply.

Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.

Affiliate Disclaimer
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Maui Electric Company, and Hawaii Electric Light (“Company”) are Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) regulated companies. The disclosure relating to Affiliate Transaction Requirements that follows is made pursuant to the PUC’s Decision and Order No. 35962, issued on December 19, 2018, and subsequently modified by Order No. 36112, issued on January 24, 2019 in Docket No. 2018-0065.

By submitting your application, you understand and acknowledge that, if you are hired by the Company and subsequently transferred, assigned or otherwise employed by an Affiliate, said Affiliate will be required to make a one-time payment to the Company in an amount up to twenty-five percent (25%) of your base annual compensation.  

In addition, if you are hired by the Company and subsequently transferred, assigned or otherwise employed by an Affiliate or an Affiliate-Related Entity, for a period of one year, you cannot appear in negotiations or otherwise interact directly with the Company or work on the same matter that you worked on while with the Company. 

Affiliate is defined as “any person or entity that possesses an ‘affiliate interest’ in a utility as defined by section 269-19.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”), including a utility’s parent holding company, except as otherwise provided by HRS section 269-19.5(h).”

Affiliate-Related Entity is defined as “a third party that provides electricity-related services in a regulated utility’s service territory that has a material financial, operational, or ownership interest with an unregulated affiliate of the utility and of whom the utility has reasonable knowledge.” 

For a current list of all Affiliates and Affiliate-Related Entities, please see:
https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/about-us/key-performance-metrics/financial/affiliate-transactions

This list may be amended, updated or revised from time to time without notice.