Great Lakes Energy is looking for a focused and technically skilled Distribution System Operator I to help monitor and operate the electric distribution system that powers the communities we serve. In this role, you'll utilize advanced technologies to support system reliability, coordinate outage restoration efforts, communicate with field personnel, and help ensure the safe and efficient operation of our electric system. Your work will play a critical role in maintaining reliable service for our members while supporting emergency response and system operations activities. This position will be located in our Boyne City office and scheduled for second shift 4:00pm-12:00am.

Who We Are

For over 85 years, Great Lakes Energy has powered rural communities across 26 counties in western and northern Michigan. As the third-largest Michigan-based electric utility and the state's largest member-owned power company, we serve over 128,000 meters with pride. Beyond delivering reliable electricity, we are leaders in advanced fiber technology through Truestream, our communication solutions subsidiary.

At Great Lakes Energy, we prioritize enriching the lives of our community members and employees. With over 300 team members, we're more than just colleagues, we're a close-knit family, united by a shared vision of growth, innovation, and community service.

A Day in the Life of a Distribution System Operator I

As a Distribution System Operator I, your day may begin by reviewing system conditions, monitoring SCADA, OMS, and AMI applications, and assessing the status of ongoing operations across the electric distribution system. You'll maintain situational awareness of system performance while tracking outages, alarms, and operational activities that may impact our members.

Throughout the day, you'll coordinate with line crews, contractors, dispatch personnel, engineers, and other operations staff to support switching activities, outage restoration, and routine system operations. You'll help prepare switching orders, assist with system back-feed operations, and ensure operational processes are followed safely and accurately.

When outages or emergencies occur, you'll play an important role in dispatching field resources, supporting fault location and restoration efforts, processing emergency notifications, and communicating critical information to internal and external stakeholders. Your ability to remain calm, organized, and responsive during high-pressure situations will help minimize service interruptions and support member satisfaction.

Before the day ends, you may review outage records, analyze operational data, update system documentation, assist with maintaining operational procedures, and respond to member inquiries regarding outages or service concerns. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to support the reliability and resilience of our electric system.

Who You Are

You're a safety-conscious professional who enjoys solving problems, analyzing information, and supporting critical infrastructure operations. You understand the importance of accuracy, teamwork, and effective communication when managing activities that impact electric system reliability.

You thrive in fast-paced environments where priorities can change quickly, especially during outage events or emergency situations. You remain calm under pressure, think critically, and make sound decisions while balancing multiple responsibilities.

You take pride in delivering exceptional service, collaborating with others, and contributing to the reliability of the electric system. Whether you're coordinating restoration efforts, maintaining operational records, or communicating with field personnel and members, you're committed to supporting safe and reliable operations.

What You Bring

Education and Experience

Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electrical Power Technology, or a related utility operations discipline.
Minimum of two years of related experience.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Utility Operations Knowledge

Completion of a qualified electrical apprenticeship program or system operator certification program preferred.
Knowledge of electric utility operations, outage management processes, and distribution system practices.
Understanding of electrical switching requirements, one-line diagrams, fault location, and basic electrical principles.

Technical Skills

Experience working with SCADA, Outage Management Systems (OMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies.
Proficiency in keyboarding, operational software systems, and Microsoft Office/365 applications.
Ability to analyze operational data and adapt to emerging workplace technologies.

Communication and Coordination

Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively coordinate with field crews, contractors, engineers, emergency responders, and members.
Comfortable managing radio communications and relaying critical operational information.

Decision-Making and Reliability

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions during outage and emergency situations.
Commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.

What's in It for You?

You are valuable to us, and our benefits are here to show it. That's why we put employees first, your health, your family, and your development. We have a number of benefits, both traditional and progressive, to support you and your family through life's various stages. Here's just a taste of what we have to offer:

The Essentials - We cover the cost of comprehensive health insurance. You'll be hard-pressed to find better for you and your family...seriously!
Time to Spend - Generous paid time off (PTO) puts you in the driver's seat, letting you decide how to make the most of your time away from work.
Better Health Through Better Living - Healthy employees are happy employees. Our diverse wellness program supports your physical, financial, and mental well-being.
When Life Hands You Lemons - We know life doesn't always go as planned. That's why we offer life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance, fully paid by GLE to provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
More Time with Your Baby - New parents get time off to bond with their new bundle of joy. Parental leave benefits provide two weeks of family-friendly paid leave for moms and dads to bond and care for their growing families. Growing your family through adoption? You're awesome! We may be able to help you with related expenses up to $2,000.
Never Stop Learning - We hire talented people for a reason, and we want you to stick around. That's why we invest in your training and development. Whether it's advancing your education, learning new skills, or job shadowing another role, we're here to support your career growth.
Riding Off Into the Sunset - Your future is important to us, and we've got the numbers to back it up. We offer two retirement savings plans for eligible employees, a traditional pension and a 401(k) option. Our participation rates are through the roof!

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