Electrical System Controller

Job Description:

Electrical System Controller

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Electrical System Controller

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position performs tasks in electric system control and switching by monitoring the electric utility grid, dispatching field crews, performing switching and resolving customer outages.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Dispatches service and trouble calls to field service personnel by monitoring the electric utility grid; troubleshoots and provides solutions to problems in electric transmission and distribution system.
  
• Analyzes data to discover patterns and or discrepancies and determines appropriate action
  
• Monitors instrumentation control panels; operates substation switching equipment by remote control, computerized electric control system, and radio and pager systems for communication with work crew to resolve outages; and m onitors weather conditions for system operation needs, operates radio and pager systems for communication with work crew to resolve outages.
  
• Responds to customer complaints of a moderate nature by troubleshooting outages and determining if dispatch of crew is required. Answers citizen questions about electrical service
  
• Records data on appropriate form and/or log for tracking of crew and work assignments and electric utility grid systems monitoring. Provides calculations for reports.
  
• Discusses simple division and section operations with others.
  
• Reads maps and schematics to determine minor system problems. Resolves routine problems in generation dispatch.
  
• Coordinates routine division and section activities with other divisions, sections, and utilities.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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

• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in construction and maintenance of high voltage electric utility transmission and distribution systems.
  
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
  
• Knowledge of modern electronic equipment for controls on boilers, turbines and generating systems.
  
• Knowledge of meters relays transformers and other equipment used in receiving and delivering electrical power.
  
• Knowledge of switching equipment procedures and regulations governing its operation.
  
• Knowledge of electric utility system restoration procedures.
  
• Knowledge of procedures and methods used in energy control center operations.
  
• Knowledge of City overhead and underground power transmission and distribution systems, inter-ties and critical areas.
  
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
  
• Skill in the use of equipment required to control generation levels.
  
• Skill in reading instruments, charts and schematic drawings.
  
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.
  
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Skill in directing others in procedures designed to correct outages or safely reroute power.
  
• Skill in operating various control systems to affect necessary switching and routing of electricity.
  
• Skill in maintaining and analyzing records.
  
• Skill in solving generation transmission and distribution problems.
  
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
  
• Ability of conflict resolution
  
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years' experience in a field related to performing electric generation, distribution, substation, construction tasks.
  
• Associate's degree focused on GIS, Power, and Computer Technology or other related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Must obtain NERC Operator’s certification within two years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Electric Utility Transmission and Distribution system.
  
• Knowledge of NERC reliability standards
  
• NERC transmission operator's or reliability coordinators certification or the ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
  
• Distribution, Transmission, Reliability coordinator or general control room experience
  
• Proficiency with basic computer skills and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location
  

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: Entry: $40.55 - Mid: $51.71

Schedule: 12-hour shift rotation Dupont Schedule

Location: 2500 Montopolis Dr, Austin Texas 78741

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held.
  
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the ‘Experience’ section of the main application.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  
• To ensure a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, please answer all applicable questions in the questionnaire section completely. Incomplete, brief, or one-line responses may not provide enough detail and could impact your eligibility to move forward in the selection process.
  
• Current City of Austin employees must submit their application through ‘Job Hubs’ in Workday to be considered.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution
  
• This position may require a criminal background investigation.
  

Good Standing Employees

Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Essential:

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA non-exempt. Non-exempt employees will be compensated for any additional hours worked when such compensation is required by law.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system" at the end.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-12