Power Distribution System Operator I - EXAM

Power Distribution System Operator I - EXAM

Salary

$31.51 - $48.70 Hourly

Location

Varies by position

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-3588-C1

Department

60 Columbus Water & Power

Division

Division of Power

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Definition

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for monitoring detection systems, such as the Outage Management System (OMS), and documenting the day-to-day operations of the power distribution and transmission control system; performs related duties as required

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Monitors and operates the Outage Management System (OMS) to detect and respond to power distribution outages;
• Troubleshoots and promptly acts on OMS incidents to locate the trouble; assists the field crews in troubleshooting outages by providing available information; calls in emergency utility locating tickets; assists in determining if possible damage/problem should be repaired on an emergency basis or during regular work hours;
• Enters trouble tickets and outage information into computerized work management system(s); monitors progress on trouble tickets and provides accurate restoration information, as needed;
• Answers questions and collects and relays information via phone and two-way radio to others;
• Responds, orally and in writing, to a high volume of communications from the public sector, general public, and emergency entities during normal and emergency situations;
• Dispatches field crews to identify, diagnose, and repair problems on the transmission and distribution system;
• Records and maintains up-to-date real-time reported power outages, problems in distribution of power supply, and crew locations;
• Prepares and maintains daily operations and crew logs; assists in the preparation of major outage reports for system reliability history and statistics;
• Performs call-outs for field crews, system operators, and/or supervisors during off-hours emergencies;
• Monitors the transmission and distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and notifies supervisor or management of unusual conditions and alarm statuses; learns to operate SCADA;
• Actively tracks locations of field personnel to serve as central control for the Divisions lock-out/tag-out system and to secure safety for crews and others working on or near energized circuits;
• Follows prescribed safety rules at all times;
• Monitors and responds to concerns in ancillary systems such as the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), telephone, radio, fire alarm, and security systems;
• Assists the GIS section in updating power system record maps;
• Manually takes readings in the field for controls of the distribution/transmission system in order to facilitate emergency operations and when SCADA is unavailable; may manually operate controls in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience in electrical work. Substitution(s): Significant college coursework (twelve (12) semester or fifteen (15) quarter hours) in power distribution, electrical systems, electrical engineering, or a closely related field may substitute for the experience. Proof of completion of the classroom curriculum for a vocational educational program in power distribution or electrical theory may substitute for the required experience. North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification may substitute for the required experience.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Test/Job Contact Information

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list for this classification. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439.

The examination process will consist of a 100 % computerized examination covering Reading Comprehension, Logic and Reasoning, Information Ordering, Electricity Distribution, Work Safety, Public Relations, Map Reading, and Microsoft Outlook 2016/2019.

The exam is expected to be administered in November 2026. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidates name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

01

Do you possess a valid motor vehicle operators license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have one year of experience in electrical work?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have 12 semester or 15 quarter hours of college coursework in power distribution, electrical systems, electrical engineering, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you successfully completed the classroom curriculum for a vocational educational program in power distribution or electrical theory?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification?

• Yes
• No

06

Did you include all of your relevant work experience and job duties that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications for the job? If no, return to the "Work" section of this application and add relevant work experience and job duties. Note: A resume attachment does not substitute for including the relevant information in the "Work" section of this application.

• o Yes, I listed every job and job duty in the "Work" section of this application that demonstrates that I meet the minimum experience qualifications for the job.
• o No, I do not meet all of the minimum experience qualifications for the job.

07

Did you attach official documentation of your education to this application? "Official documentation" is defined as a copy of an OFFICIAL transcript or copy of a certification. You MUST attach OFFICIAL documentation to the application to receive credit for education.

• Yes
• No, I meet the minimum qualifications through my experience.

Required Question

Employer City of Columbus

Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330

Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Phone (614) 645-8301

Website https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs