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# Distribution System Operator I

- **Company:** Great Lakes Energy
- **Location:** Boyne City, MI, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $81,411.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Software Documentation, Distributed Systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Microsoft Office, Operational Data Store, Software Systems, Reliability of Systems
- **Published:** October 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=618d84860bab07ee

## About the Role

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., * 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.

## Description

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.