Salary: $38.31 - $60.84 Hourly Location : Grand Island, NE Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 8070-0924 Department: Utilities Division: Transmission Opening Date: 10/01/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Description Systems Operators are responsible for overseeing the electric power grid and controlling electricity flow through distribution and transmission lines. Responsibilities include assisting in monitoring and controlling power generation resources for the City of Grand Island and ordering transmission to cover loads; participate in the dispatching of electric and water service personnel; and participate in a variety of technical tasks related to the assigned area of work. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey level class within the power dispatcher series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Power Dispatcher by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This position is manned 24/7/365. Essential Functions Assist with the maintenance of appropriate power flows and power availability; monitor generation of power; purchase transmission as necessary to cover loads. Participate in dispatch activities; receive trouble calls regarding electric or water service problems; dispatch appropriate utility personnel. Assist in determining electric power requirements and load control equipment settings; maintain hourly records regarding generation, voltage, vars, load and interchange on the electric system. Participate in recording and entering information into the computer regarding hourly power information, locations, trouble calls and other assorted data; participate in various programming and data-entry projects; assist in working with SCADA/EMS, database, and Load Management systems. Check equipment at substations including breakers, counters, tap changers, and relay flags. Operate breakers, switches, reclosers, etc. for line crews or other personnel. Assist with the strategic planning and execution of routine and emergency switching orders. Gather and organize data regarding loads, power generation and WHM readings for reports. Assist in maintaining related facilities, grounds, and equipment associated with utility operations. Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required. Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: Safe work practices appropriate to work assignments. Mathematical principles including some trigonometry. Operational aspects of computers and communications equipment. Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, primarily Excel spreadsheets. Principles and procedures involved in record keeping. Various substation equipment. General water and electric distribution systems. Substation equipment and related relays. Basic electronics. Ability to: Respond to requests and inquiries from internal and external customers. Acquire new skills through on-the-job training. Adjust to changing operating conditions. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Work a rotating schedule including days, nights, and some weekends. Learn from educational material consisting of instruction manuals, commercial audio-visual presentations, contracts, and operating handbooks. Read, interpret, update, and verify maps, drawings, and schematics. Operate a variety of testing equipment and meters. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Supplemental Information Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Experience in dispatching of water or electric distribution operations is preferred. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional training in electronic, computer programming, mathematics, communications, or power systems is preferred. License or Certification: Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click to view our driver eligibility requirements. Working Hours: Must be able to work in a 24/7 environment. Shifts will rotate between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. or 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Must be able to work days, evenings, nights weekends and holidays. Residency: Must live within 30-minute distance of 1116 W. North Front Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. Residency required by date of hire. Salary: Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications. Other: Candidates are subject to a background check. Rates Effective January 1, 2024 and aresubject to change. This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment. HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available. The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3200/$5700 deductible)
- Employee only $ 29.75
- Employee 2/4 $ 85.07
- Employee and Family $ 173.55
The semi-monthly premiums for the Traditional PPO Plan: ($1000/$2000 deductible)
- Employee only $120.82
- Employee 2/4 $227.14
- Employee and Family $353.53
DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $4.65 for Single, $8.78 for Emp. 2/4 or $14.09 for Family semi-monthly. VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions. LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction. RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan. 7.5% of gross earnings matched by the City. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City. DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,000/year. LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled. CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare. VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Post-employment plan for money to be used for post- employment medical expenses. Contributions made by the City. PAID VACATION: Upon completion of six months of continuous service, an employee is eligible to take 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (80 hours in year 2 - 4; 125 hours in years 5 - 9; 138 hours in years 10 - 14; 160 hours in years 15 - 19; 180 hours in years 20 - 24; and 200 hours in year 25 and thereafter.) PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays and three personal leave days. If hired after April 1st, personal leave will be available October 1st. MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 8 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,106 hours. 01 The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates' meet the qualification requirements and/or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.
- I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
02 Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position. 03 Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
04 I understand I must maintain a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
- I understand the requirement.
05 Have you had any major driving violations within the last 5 years or any minor driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.
06 Systems Operators work a rotating schedule including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. I understand that if offered this position, I will be required to work these shifts on a continuously rotating basis.
07 The position has a residency requirement which must be met by the date of hire. If hired for the position, I understand I will be required to meet the residency requirement.
- I understand the requirement.
08 Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment/post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?
- I understand the requirement.
- I do not understand the requirement.
Required Question