City of Idaho Falls
Power - Lead Distribution Dispatcher
City of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States, 83401
The City of Idaho Falls Power Department is accepting applications for a Lead Distribution Dispatcher. In this position you will oversee 24/7 dispatch operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Idaho Falls Power’s electric distribution and transmission system.
Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of the Power Supply Manager.
Supervision Exercised:
Provides operational oversight to the Distribution Dispatchers.
Key Responsibilities
Grid Operations Management – 24/7 real‑time electric system operations including 161 kV transmission, 46 kV transmission loop, 12.5 kV distribution, and 11 substations; coordinate real‑time dispatch of hydroelectric and gas peaking plants; make operational decisions to maintain reliability, voltage, and frequency; coordinate with Balancing Authority and neighboring utilities; respond to and manage system emergencies, outages, and disturbances.
Switching & Clearance Management – review and approve switching orders; issue and track hotline permits and clearance numbers; verify safety procedures; coordinate planned outages with engineering, T&D, and generation departments; maintain switching logs and documentation; ensure compliance with safety regulations and internal policies.
Outage Management & Emergency Response – direct outage restoration, prioritize crew dispatch; coordinate with Outage Management System (OMS) for troubleshooting and customer communications; serve as incident commander during major events or storms; coordinate mutual aid with neighboring utilities; participate in after‑action reviews for significant outages or disturbances.
SCADA & Technology Management – operate and maintain ADMS system; coordinate IT and vendor upgrades and troubleshooting; maintain grid modeling and system data accuracy; implement new monitoring and control capabilities; ensure cybersecurity compliance for SCADA and control systems (NERC CIP).
Regulatory Compliance & Safety – ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards (GOP, IRO, VAR, CIP); maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements; contribute to NERC compliance reporting and audits.
Personnel Supervision & Training – develop and implement training programs; ensure dispatcher certification and continuing education; manage dispatcher schedules and on‑call rotation; assist with recruitment, interviewing, and selection; conduct safety training; maintain emergency response plans and conduct drills; investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Procedure Development & Documentation – develop and maintain operating procedures and switching protocols; create and update emergency response procedures; document best practices and standard operating procedures; review and update procedures based on system changes or lessons learned; coordinate with engineering on as‑built documentation and system updates.
Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent; plus two (2) years of training related to electrical/mechanical applications, computer operations, electronics or related field, with preference for completion of an electrical or mechanical applications program from a technical school or college.
One (5) five years of experience performing above duties; OR NERC Certified Operator plus five (5) years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of electric power system operations including transmission, distribution, and generation.
Thorough understanding of NERC reliability standards and utility industry regulations.
Strong understanding of electrical theory, protective relaying, and system protection.
Excellent decision‑making skills with ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to coordinate multiple activities and prioritize competing demands.
Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and technical documentation software.
Ability to read and interpret single‑line diagrams, relay settings, and technical drawings.
Demonstrated experience with SCADA systems and real‑time grid operations.
Experience with transmission and distribution switching operations.
Experience with hydroelectric generation operations preferred.
Must be able and willing to work evening, weekend, and holiday shift work and rotation in the schedule; some travel will be required.
Desired Qualifications: Valid Idaho driver’s license; Distribution System Operator Certification through Bismarck National Energy Center of Excellence, NERC certification, or an equivalent program.
Incumbent will perform in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls and periodic field work in variable weather and in the vicinity of energized power systems. Tasks require a variety of physical activities such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing; no task requires muscular strain over 10 lbs. The position requires management of 24/7 operations and availability for on‑call emergencies. Work will be in 12‑hour shifts requiring extended time sitting at a workstation while maintaining focus and concentration in a high‑stress, dynamic environment. Rapid work speed is required to perform keyboard and software system operations. Common eye, hand, finger, and dexterity requirements apply. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, and discriminating thinking. May be exposed to seasonal weather extremes.
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Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of the Power Supply Manager.
Supervision Exercised:
Provides operational oversight to the Distribution Dispatchers.
Key Responsibilities
Grid Operations Management – 24/7 real‑time electric system operations including 161 kV transmission, 46 kV transmission loop, 12.5 kV distribution, and 11 substations; coordinate real‑time dispatch of hydroelectric and gas peaking plants; make operational decisions to maintain reliability, voltage, and frequency; coordinate with Balancing Authority and neighboring utilities; respond to and manage system emergencies, outages, and disturbances.
Switching & Clearance Management – review and approve switching orders; issue and track hotline permits and clearance numbers; verify safety procedures; coordinate planned outages with engineering, T&D, and generation departments; maintain switching logs and documentation; ensure compliance with safety regulations and internal policies.
Outage Management & Emergency Response – direct outage restoration, prioritize crew dispatch; coordinate with Outage Management System (OMS) for troubleshooting and customer communications; serve as incident commander during major events or storms; coordinate mutual aid with neighboring utilities; participate in after‑action reviews for significant outages or disturbances.
SCADA & Technology Management – operate and maintain ADMS system; coordinate IT and vendor upgrades and troubleshooting; maintain grid modeling and system data accuracy; implement new monitoring and control capabilities; ensure cybersecurity compliance for SCADA and control systems (NERC CIP).
Regulatory Compliance & Safety – ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards (GOP, IRO, VAR, CIP); maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements; contribute to NERC compliance reporting and audits.
Personnel Supervision & Training – develop and implement training programs; ensure dispatcher certification and continuing education; manage dispatcher schedules and on‑call rotation; assist with recruitment, interviewing, and selection; conduct safety training; maintain emergency response plans and conduct drills; investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Procedure Development & Documentation – develop and maintain operating procedures and switching protocols; create and update emergency response procedures; document best practices and standard operating procedures; review and update procedures based on system changes or lessons learned; coordinate with engineering on as‑built documentation and system updates.
Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent; plus two (2) years of training related to electrical/mechanical applications, computer operations, electronics or related field, with preference for completion of an electrical or mechanical applications program from a technical school or college.
One (5) five years of experience performing above duties; OR NERC Certified Operator plus five (5) years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of electric power system operations including transmission, distribution, and generation.
Thorough understanding of NERC reliability standards and utility industry regulations.
Strong understanding of electrical theory, protective relaying, and system protection.
Excellent decision‑making skills with ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to coordinate multiple activities and prioritize competing demands.
Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and technical documentation software.
Ability to read and interpret single‑line diagrams, relay settings, and technical drawings.
Demonstrated experience with SCADA systems and real‑time grid operations.
Experience with transmission and distribution switching operations.
Experience with hydroelectric generation operations preferred.
Must be able and willing to work evening, weekend, and holiday shift work and rotation in the schedule; some travel will be required.
Desired Qualifications: Valid Idaho driver’s license; Distribution System Operator Certification through Bismarck National Energy Center of Excellence, NERC certification, or an equivalent program.
Incumbent will perform in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls and periodic field work in variable weather and in the vicinity of energized power systems. Tasks require a variety of physical activities such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing; no task requires muscular strain over 10 lbs. The position requires management of 24/7 operations and availability for on‑call emergencies. Work will be in 12‑hour shifts requiring extended time sitting at a workstation while maintaining focus and concentration in a high‑stress, dynamic environment. Rapid work speed is required to perform keyboard and software system operations. Common eye, hand, finger, and dexterity requirements apply. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, and discriminating thinking. May be exposed to seasonal weather extremes.
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