Director, Distribution Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness

Pedernales Electric Cooperative - Johnson City, TX

Full-time - Senior

Johnson City, TX

Utilities

About the position

The Director of Distribution Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all operational activities related to the Distribution Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness at Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC). This position ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of power to the Cooperative's members. The director will plan, direct, and implement the Automation and Distribution Operations Center program, aligning it with strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational reliability, efficiency, and data management. The role requires establishing and maintaining practices and standards for Automation and Controls technologies, ensuring effective communication with both internal and external customers. In addition to managing the operational aspects, the director will foster a culture of continuous improvement through knowledge sharing and collaboration among teams. The position involves investigating new technological opportunities that can provide innovative solutions and significant enhancements to existing processes. The director will collaborate with various operational and functional teams to achieve the planned Automation and Process Control business objectives, while also maintaining the security strategy and planning for Automation and Controls (SCADA). The director will be responsible for managing outage restoration planning and efforts, particularly during major emergency restoration scenarios. This includes developing and maintaining communication lines between the Distribution Operations Center and all relevant departments regarding Automation and Controls operations, especially during emergencies. The role also encompasses the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Emergency Operation Plan, serving as a subject matter expert in resolving complex restoration issues. Furthermore, the director will oversee the purchasing process for the Distribution Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness, ensuring compliance with established procedures and standards. Supervisory responsibilities include guiding and instructing employees, evaluating job performance, and managing departmental budgets. The director will establish work priorities, recommend personnel actions, and prepare monthly reports to track progress and performance metrics. The position requires a commitment to maintaining the security of confidential information and staying updated on technological advancements relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and implement the Automation and Distribution Operations Center program to match strategic initiatives for operational reliability, efficiency, plant and utility automation and data management.
• Establish, maintain, communicate and adhere to practices, standards, and dashboards for Automation and Controls technologies, internal and external customers.
• Create a continuous improvement environment via knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Investigate new technological opportunities that deliver innovative solutions and/or significant enhancements.
• Collaborate with operational and functional teams and leaders to deliver the planned Automation and Process Control business objectives.
• Maintain responsibility for Automation and Controls (SCADA) security strategy and planning.
• Ensure all safety procedures involved in the dispatch operation are followed to protect the public, Cooperative personnel and equipment.
• Manage outage restoration planning and efforts, including major emergency restoration efforts.
• Develop and maintain lines of communication between the Distribution Operations Center (SCADA) and all internal and external departments regarding Automation and Controls operations, including emergency and management level notifications.
• Develop, implement, maintain, exercises and revise the Emergency Operation Plan.
• Serve as subject matter expert in handling and resolving difficult, escalated or complex restoration issues.
• Establish, maintain, and manage the Distribution Operations Center and Emergency Preparedness purchasing process, in accordance with purchasing procedures.
• Implement cooperative and departmental policies, procedures and service standards in conjunction with management.
• Supervise the work of office, administrative or customer service employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines and proper procedures, correcting errors or problems.
• Provide employees with guidance in handling difficult or complex problems and in resolving escalated complaints or disputes.
• Discuss job performance problems with employees to identify causes and issues and work to resolve problems.
• Teach and instruct employees in job duties and company policies or arrange for training to be provided.
• Evaluate employees' job performance and conformance to regulations and recommend appropriate personnel action.
• Recruit, instruct and supervise subordinates.
• Interpret and communicate work procedures and company policies to staff.
• Develop and review operating procedures.
• Develop and manage department budget.
• Establish work priorities and activities.
• Recommend promotions, transfers, hires and other disciplinary action.
• Establish metrics and prepare monthly reports.
• Coordinate activities with other departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Ten years directly related electrical utility experience in the Operations Field, including five years leadership experience (24/7 Operations environment and/or system design).
• Valid Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

• Directly related experience may substitute for education.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Flexible scheduling options