Power Dispatcher

Full Job Description

The City of Pasadena Water & Power Department is seeking an experienced Power Dispatcher to sustain continuity of service demands through transmission and distribution lines and equipment. Additionally, the successful candidates will operate the Pasadena Water Department's SCADA system.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a proactive, dependable professional with strong technical judgment and a commitment to safety.

They will confidently coordinate the safe restoration and maintenance of electrical service, demonstrating sound decision-making and steady composure—even in emergency situations.

The ideal candidate will also effectively develop, adjust, and carry out plans and schedules for removing lines and equipment from service, ensuring reliable system operations for the community.

To learn more about the Pasadena Water and Power Department, please visit Water and Power Department.

Requirements

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the complete job description for Power Dispatcher.

• Controls by observation, the safe and reliable operation of the City's electric generation, transmission and distribution system; communicates with Substation Switchers and field personnel.
• Makes changes to maintain economical, reliable and safe operating conditions.
• Operates analogue, digital and computer terminal equipment and computer software programs related to centralized control of the City's Electrical System to assure proper and reliable exchange schedules and efficient operation.
• Coordinates necessary station and distribution switching to protect repair personnel; isolates and restores to operation faulted circuits and equipment.
• Plans, writes and schedules switching procedures to place new lines and equipment in service; removes lines and equipment out of service; maintains switching log records of orders issued to and reports received from field personnel; in accordance with general and specific instructions, verifies, acknowledges and resets alarms; starts, stops and transfers control of various units of equipment; takes prescribed corrective action; takes readings and logs; maintains paper and ink; understands and uses Microsoft 365 software; prepares written reports.
• Interprets information from the SCADA Outage Management System and Calls Manager and performs appropriate operations.
• Revises equipment data and circuit maps for dispatching use; makes temporary and permanent changes to system; documents system changes; participates in refresher training of all phases of central load dispatching techniques; assists in training Substation Operators.
• Performs Substation Switching operations and may perform duties of Senior Power Dispatcher when required and qualified.

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail - Takes extra care and detail to allow for the ability to manage own work with a high level of accuracy.
• Communication - Communicates with clarity and in a manner that is approachable.
• Decision Making - Ability to maintain focus on goals when determining the best course of action.
• Professional Integrity - Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization and displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Professional and Technical Expertise - Technical expertise to sustain continuity of service demands through transmission and distribution lines and equipment.

Safety Focus - Recognition of the dangers and potential problems that exist in this field of work.

Demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance of keeping others safe by knowing about and adhering to relevant state and local safety regulations and health regulations, policies and procedures.

• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals. Handles conflict recognizing, understanding and managing strained situations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• (3) Three years’ experience performing electrical operational activities in a power substation or equivalent.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written or performance exam, interview panel, and/or department-level interviews.

Applicants may also be required to complete a brief soft-skills assessment during the selection process.

The candidate assessment provides insight into core interpersonal skills, behavioral traits, and preferred work environment, helping us support your success in the role.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently (1) one vacancy in the Water and Power Department. The resulting eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.

This position is part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) labor group.

Additional Information

Must have or obtain a valid Class C California driver's license as required at time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment.

Must obtain a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification with a Reliability Operator credential within (12) twelve months of appointment and maintain the certification as a condition of employment.