The Pasadena Water & Power department is excited to announce its vacancy for Apprentice Power Dispatcher in the Power Delivery division. The appointed Apprentice Power Dispatcher will assist journey-level Substation Operators/Power Dispatcher/Sr. Power Dispatchers in substation inspections, performance of switching operations, checking and reading of instruments, and meters; maintain a clean surrounding in electrical substations, centralized control of electric transmission and distribution lines, generation and other electrical equipment of an electrical system, and perform related tasks as assigned, while fulfilling the training and experience requirements of the Substation Operator Apprenticeship Standards of the City of Pasadena.

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  Drives a City vehicle to make daily checks of electric substations and receiving stations throughout the City.
• Assists in checking meters, protection relays, oil levels in equipment, temperature changes, load conditions, oil leaks,
• Assists in taking load and voltage readings of transformer banks, circuit, or lines.
• Assists in switching by energizing and de-energizing transformers, lines, busses, and circuits in preparation of paralleling, and for work to be performed by various electrical crews.
• Assists in receiving work assignments and instructions for switching from Power Dispatchers by telephone and/or radio, follows instructions and reports to Dispatcher when switching is completed.
• Assists in issuing of CLEARANCES and OK TO’s and enters record in switching log.
• Assists in cleaning substation and dusts instruments.
• Assists in reviewing switching procedures by plugging of the static board.
• Assists in writing inspection reports in order to document equipment in need of repair and GO174 inspection requirements.
• Assists in visual inspection of electrical substation for cleanliness, proper operation, and irregularities or malfunctioning equipment in order to ensure a safe working environment.
• Perform 1-10 independently upon completion of Step 3 of apprenticeship program
• Assists in isolation and restoration of faulted circuits
• Assist in writing switching procedures.
• Assist in centralized control of electric transmission and distribution lines, generation, and other electrical equipment of an electrical system.

Candidates for this classification must be at least 18 years of age.

Competencies

• Actions & Results Focus: Under direction and supervision, initiate tasks and focus on completion and accomplishment.
• Attention to Detail: Focus on the details of work content, work steps and final work product for the safety of self and others.
• Handling Stress: Maintain emotional control under pressure.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Adherence to policies and principles and displaying personal accountability.
• Informing: Proactively sharing information.
• Writing: Effective written communication.
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers.

Education and/or Experience

• Required High School Diploma or G.E.D. and:
• Ability to perform basic math, algebra, and trigonometry functions. Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical example of this would be: Two years of recent progressive experience working with electrical and electronic equipment and/or successful completion of course work in algebra, trigonometry, and basic electrical and electronic theory or
• One recent year of paid full time progressive experience working with electrical and electronic equipment such as found in an electric generating plant or receiving and distribution stations, or electrical distribution systems, including those of major industrial facilities such as oil refineries, chemical plants, or water treatment plants.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Read and understand manuals, blueprints, and schematic diagrams.
• Working knowledge of computers and related software.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
• Knowledge and application of safety practices and procedures while working near potentially hazardous energized equipment.
• Ability exercise timely, independent, and sound judgement for the purpose of personnel safety, protection of equipment, and customer service.
• Willingness to work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain)
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity, transmission, and distribution.
• Ability to lift, pull and lower up to 50 lbs., bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands.

Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license and comply with the City’s Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.

An Apprentice Power Dispatcher enters into a written 3-year Apprenticeship Agreement recognized by the State of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards, the I.B.E.W. and the City of Pasadena. Employees in this classification are required to attend job related classes sponsored by Los Angeles Trade Tech outside of normal work hours as outlined by the Apprenticeship Agreement.

An Apprentice Power Dispatcher is subject to emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, and therefore must have a telephone.

Successful completion of CPR and First Aid Certification is required as a condition of continued employment per OSHA regulations.

Successful obtainment of NERC Reliability Coordinator certification at the completion of the Apprenticeship program.

Must be able to work rotating shifts.

Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CALPERS' reciprocity or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPER (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2% @ 62 benefit formula.

Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula.

Click link below to review the City's excellent benefits package https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/human-resources/employee-benefits/