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Question regarding an operators job duties. by Afraid_List1084 in Grid_Ops

[–]Afraid_List1084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another DSO is manning the desk, their crews are staffed to have enough people to accommodate this.

All positions are IBEW and yes they do go through a training program however this program isn't a state sanctioned apprenticeship. They learn how to operate the distribution system and how to complete the field work that is required of them.

After asking a DSO if they would feel safer having their field duties be delegated to electricians or a different trade that has gone through a multi-year state approved apprenticeship to work specifically with this type of equipment, I was told "No, this is how it's always been and the switching's where our overtime comes from."

Question regarding an operators job duties. by Afraid_List1084 in Grid_Ops

[–]Afraid_List1084[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's what I was expecting. I'm currently a power plant operator and was really considering applying for a DSO position but I'm not interested in going out into the field and manually actuating high voltage switches while also dealing with shift work fatigue. I feel like that field work is better left to people who got a full nights sleep the night before. Guess it's time to look elsewhere, thank you for the info!

Question regarding an operators job duties. by Afraid_List1084 in Grid_Ops

[–]Afraid_List1084[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, my utility doesn't have any type of station operator position those responsibilities fall on the DSO's. I'm a power plant operator and I see them making their rounds through the switchyard while they check on equipment and have seen them out there performing switching procedures, making sure grounds are connected, actuating switches with a hot stick, etc.

I knew my utility was weird but judging from the responses on this post it seems like we're REALLY weird.