Distribution System Operator I/Trainee

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)