System Operator Trainee

DREMC is seeking a System Operator Trainee.

BE A PART OF POWERING SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE! 

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving an area of approximately 2,500 square miles across 17 counties in southern middle Tennessee. Our amazing team at DREMC distributes safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost, promotes and facilitates economic development, and enhances the quality of life over 85,000 members across 6,500 miles of line.

Location:  Shelbyville, TN

Reports to: System Operations Supervisor

Job purpose:
The System Operator Trainee provides support for DREMC members and personnel managing outages by isolating system problems and restoring service, system and service monitoring and anomaly research, system load monitoring and switching as needed, directing switching to clear lines and equipment, and member support after normal business hours.

Job Responsibilities: 

Provide critical, safety-sensitive support to DREMC personnel via radio and phone by safely and efficiently managing outages, isolating system problems, and operating SCADA devices. Writing, checking, and directing planned, unplanned, and forced outage switching procedures for load transfer or line and equipment clearance. Monitoring system conditions, responding to alarms from the system, and performing corrective actions. Accepts/processes/posts member payments and answers member inquiries or complaints after normal business hours.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Step 1: 0 – 6 Months:

1. Assists the System Operator in their duties on daily system operations as instructed by the System Operator Lead or the System Operations Supervisor.

2. Studies procedures, techniques, safety precautions, and instructions for daily system operations as they assist the System Operator in these duties. Becomes able to mimic all Outage Management System (OMS) actions in Training Environment. 

3. Begins accelerated training of system and equipment as detailed in the Systems Operations Basics Training Guide.

4. Assist with the daily review of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system to identify abnormalities under the direction of the System Operator.

5. Assist in the daily review of Volt-VAR Optimization (VVO)systems and equipment as instructed by the System Operator.

6. Observes and follows all safety rules, studies the safety manual issued to them, and attends regularly scheduled job training and safety programs.

7. At three (3) months, under direct supervision, operates SCADA for caution orders, caution order tagging, and opening devices during emergency situations.

Step 2: 6 – 12 Months:

1. Begins operating SCADA unsupervised for caution orders, caution order tagging, and emergency equipment opening. Begins supervised SCADA close operation.

2. Operates as necessary and reviews daily the AMI and VVO systems looking for proper operation or abnormalities utilizing ANSI reports.

3. Study and develop a working knowledge of all system lines, feeders, sectionalizing equipment, voltage regulators, capacitors, substations, and other plant equipment and properties.

4. Develops elementary knowledge of transformers, sectionalizing equipment such as oil circuit and vacuum reclosers/breakers, sectionalizers, station breakers, regulating devices, control devices, capacitors and other supporting/related equipment.

5. Observes and becomes familiar with Duck River E.M.C. switching procedures and interruption records.

6. Knowledge of the Cooperative rules/regulations should be acquired along with an understanding of departmental goals and objectives.

7. Completes System Operator Certification Program module 1.

Step 3: 12 – 24 Months 

1. Begins to review switching procedures under supervision.

2. Develops a working knowledge of various technical drawings, pictures, wiring layouts/schematic diagrams, switching procedures, connection diagrams, and other data related to system equipment and components and their supporting devices.

3. Assists System Operator with Estimated Time of Restoration (ETOR) for unplanned outages. Begins assisting with development of viable back feed solutions for extended unplanned outages using contingency plans when available.

4. Become familiar with RUS/DREMC specifications and applicable NEC/NESC provisions. 

5. Performs such other duties as may be directed or assigned.

6. Successfully Completes System Operator Certification Program module 2.

Step 4: 24 – 36 Months

1. Begins supervised writing, reviewing, and directing as requested switching procedures for system planned and unplanned outages and restorations.

2. Becomes involved with consultations between the System Operator, System Operator Lead, and System Operations Supervisor for system performance and goals.

3. Stays aware of substation maintenance plans and activities by substation and district, in collaboration with the System Operator Lead, System Operations Supervisor, Field Services Manager, and/or Electrical Engineer; coordinate actual date for performing maintenance with Field Services for SCADA functional tests. 

4. Become familiar with and assist in performing necessary SCADA functional and communication tests. 

5. Understands functions and operational limitations of equipment utilized on the system.

6. Under the supervision of the System Operator, execute switching procedures necessary for safely back feeding load.

7. Continue to develop knowledge of system maps, electrical/mechanical diagrams and wiring schematics. 

8. Records, Reports and Related Information - Be familiar with all reports, records, time sheets, departmental goals, objectives and related information. Increasing knowledge of rules/regulations, applicable codes, policies, and related cost requirements should be gained.

9. Successfully completes TVPPA Certificate of Customer Service.

10. Successfully completes System Operator Certification Program.

Step 5: 36 Months

1. Performs switching assignments on the distribution system. Competently writes, reviews, communicates and executes switching procedures for system outages and restorations both planned and unplanned. 

2. Investigates and reports communications, equipment, and/or control malfunctions making an appropriate work order with suitable priority as necessary.

3. Trains and/or assists with the training of System Operator Trainee, or others as assigned.

4. Practice continuing education for related skills, software, and applications for the system.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: A High School diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience: Previous experience in utilities, analytics, electrical systems maintenance, or other related businesses is preferred.

Certification/License, etc.: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Tennessee Drivers’ License. Certificates relevant to customer service and electronics are preferred. (e.g. TVPPA Certificate of Customer Service).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Aptitude to gain an in-depth knowledge of the customer service, utility electrical systems, and customer billing functions related to the electric utility business model. Possesses excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to deal with members and teammates. Ability to work with technology at a high level, including billing software, outage management software, SCADA, automated metering infrastructure software, email, MS Office Suite or similar productivity software, etc. Ability to concentrate for long periods of time, work under intense pressure and possess strong attention to detail.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time while monitoring systems and responding to alarms or data irregularities. Requires use of hands and fingers to operate computer equipment, radios, telephones, and related technology tools. Visual acuity required to read screens, monitor SCADA/OMS/AMI systems, and identify alerts or abnormalities. Auditory ability to hear alarms, radio traffic, and verbal communications over the phone or radio. Must be able to occasionally lift and move materials up to 25 pounds. Ability to remain mentally focused and alert during long periods of low physical activity, including during overnight or extended shifts. May require walking short distances or standing occasionally, such as to review materials, attend training, or communicate with other departments.

Work Environment: Primarily indoor work in a secure, climate-controlled operations center with low lighting and multiple computer monitors. Fast-paced, high-concentration environment during system disturbances, outages, or emergency situations. Required to work a rotating shift schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays to support 24/7 operations. Occasional exposure to stressful situations requires calm, focused decision-making under pressure. May involve limited travel for training, safety meetings, or observation at field locations. Must be available for call-out or emergency duty as needed to support cooperative reliability and safety.

This job description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or management as needed. DREMC reserves the right to revise or change the job description as the need arises, or work schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

EEOC: 3-TECHNICAL | Non-supervisory | Pay Grade: 10 | Non-exempt | No residency requirement

Position Description Effective Date: March 2026

BENEFITS: DREMC provides a comprehensive program of employee benefits, including group medical, dental, vision, employer-sponsored medical clinic, life and long-term disability insurance programs, defined benefit retirement and 401K savings plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualified candidates should apply at www.dremc.com under careers. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and complete application form to be considered. 

DREMC does not accept resumes from third-party recruiters.

Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/AA M/F/D/V