SWITCH MODEL COORD-ASSOC - STAFF

Company Overview

El Paso Electric (EPE) is a regional energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission, and distribution service to power approximately 460,000 customers in a 10,000-square mile area of the Rio Grande Valley in west Texas and southern New Mexico. We invite you to visit epelectric.com to learn more about EPE and our strategic initiatives. Join our EPE Team, and TOGETHER, we will transform the energy landscape.

DATE POSTED: 01/07/2024 CLOSING DATE: 01/21/2025

GRADE LEVEL: 52 - 53

DEPARTMENT: Distribution Operations

STARTING SALARY: $67,400 - $104,000 Salary is commensurate with experience.

Key Job Responsibilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate with or without a reasonable accommodation that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Education And/Or Special Training

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or other analytical/technical field with basic knowledge of electric theory or power systems; or an equivalent combination of related training and experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of utility distribution power systems, electrical principles, procedures, components, and electrical safety policies.
• At least 3 years electrical utility experience, with Distribution Operations experience preferred.
• Experience preparing or executing switching orders preferred.
• Knowledge of Graphical Information Systems (GIS)
• Experience with Distribution Management Systems, preferred.
• Knowledge of utility reliability indices preferred.
• Experience with electrical system schematic/model management, such as updates, revision edits, quality assurance and quality control.
• Working knowledge in the use of personal computers with the ability to maneuver through various software applications.
• Ability to learn specialized software applications.
• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze data and model warning and errors.
• Experienced in cooperate Office tools such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, TEAMS).
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with officers, managers, fellow employees, representatives of other utilities, 3rd party consultants, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to build relationships and foster coordinated teamwork.
• Ability to make decisions with time restraints.
• Ability to travel for training, seminars, and to represent EPE at industry-related meetings.
• Ability to respond after hours (24/7 coverage as assigned), as required for high system activity events, such as storms and other emergencies.
• Ability to maintain a strong sense of propriety concerning confidential matters.
  
  

Essential Job Functions

• Adhere to established Distribution Operations procedures regarding switching and model management.
• Assist in the establishment of Distribution Operations procedures regarding switching and model management.
• Works with Distribution System Operators to safely re-configure the Distribution System as required for maintenance, load management, and emergency switching.
• Write, review and/or approve switching and tagging orders for the Distribution electric system equipment, applying industry accepted and corporate standards for safety and operating procedures (EPE Switching Standards guidelines).
• Delegate the writing, reviewing, and approving of switching orders to Operators as required.
• Monitor and updated the Switch Order Management software for new switching requests and ensure proper processing of switch order life cycles, to include time restraints and limitations.
• Coordinate the scheduling of switching procedure and orders (clearance and Hot Line Holds) with various departments.
• Ensure the DMS model management update process is executed per the establish procedures.
• Update the DMS model management update process as needed, to ensure a reliable model for Operational use.
• Coordinate all DMS model updates as a result of Distribution System switching.
• Execute all GIS feeder/circuit imports into the DMS as needed.
• Ensure proper DMS model quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) is applied to all feeder/circuit imports.
• Monitor and track all DMS model changes, such as temp changes, tags, notes, abnormal conditions and data issue work-arounds.
• Provide weekly updates of Distribution System switching and modeling activities.
• Acquire and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of EPE’s distribution system including EPE’s modeling processes.
• Work with Distribution Systems Engineers to ensure reliable operation and modeling of the Distribution System during planned switching, non-planed switching and customer interruptions.
• Valid driver’s license and be in compliance with the Company’s Driving Program policy.
• Complies with all applicable Company policies, procedures and code of ethics as well as all applicable governmental laws and regulations to include employment, safety and environmental standards and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks that are not included but are within the context of the duties defined.
  
  

Work Environment

• The incumbents in this classification are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; primary work environment is typically of an office or administrative nature.
• May work non-standard hours.
• May require travel to Company work sites.
• May require out of town travel.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently, or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. This position will require sitting most of the time.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Must convey detailed and/or important information through oral communication.
• Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and really correct information to co-workers.
• Fingering: Picking, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arms as in handling.
• Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Visual acuity: Color, depth perception and field of vision to include measurement devices for close inspection and analysis.
  
  

If interested in applying for this position, you must apply on-line by 5:00 PM, January 21, 2025. (Please scroll back up to the “Apply Now” button)