Outage Communications Specialist

4 weeks ago


Portland, Oregon, United States Portland General Electric Company Full time
Summary

The outage communications role, referred to as OCS (Outage Communications Specialist), is a newer role to PGE. Created in 2022, the focus of the OCS is to manage and summarize communications both internally and externally regarding outages. Internally they are a single source of truth' for what's happening in the field and the status of restoration efforts, including managing estimated restoration times (ERT's). Externally, they support our ability to give our customers a better overall sense of what is happening and when they can expect their power to be restored. The team tracks planned and unplanned outages until power is restored to affected customers. By watching over these activities and managing accurate communications on the status of the outage, cause codes, and ERT's, affected customers and PGE employees involved in the restoration work can more easily track the status and progress of the work. Beyond outage communications the team also support critical Wildfire and outage data validation functions.

The end goal for this team is to better the overall experience for our customers in outage situations. The communications role is a 24/7 staffed role from within the Distribution Control Center, on site at our Integrated OperationsCenter in Tualatin, OR. The Outage Communications Specialist will go through a multi-week onboarding and qualification period with capability asessments.

*We're hiring for a position open to both entry and assoicate level candidates. The level will be determined based on the successful applicant's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills during the interview process.

Responsibilities for the Entry Level position:

  • Uses the Distribution Outage Management System (OMS) to schedule distribution planned customer outages from Crew Coordination.
  • Uses OMS to manage Estimated Restoration Times (ERT) which involves reviewing assigned ERT assigned by the system, validating the assets associated with the outage, confirming resource (material/human/equipment) availability and assignment, and forecasting appropriate ERTs based on scenario analysis.
  • Uses the OMS to prepare, review & update distribution planned customer outage switching sheets involving secondary voltage for accuracy and schedule according to Crew Coordination and Work Order Owners request.
  • Contacts customers regarding same day changes associated with planned outages.
  • Issues, monitors, and updates planned outage status, in the Outage Management System, in real time, to capture accurate outage duration and customer impact.
  • Notifies PGE Mapping Department of device mapping corrections needed.
  • May be required to perform real-time updates in OMS for secondary voltages for unplanned outages. May assist with customer callbacks.
  • Works closely with Distribution Control Center staff including Distribution System Operators and Repair Dispatch to interpret the situation and pull relevant information together.
  • Prepares communication updates on outages to inform PGE employees as well as customers through OMS and the outage log.
  • Communicates unplanned outage/emergency condition details to various entities, including customers, Corporate Communication, Key Customer Management, Crew Coordination and Repair Dispatch.
  • First point of contact for PGE's Key Customers experiencing and outage, reporting, tracking, and monitoring outage and providing updates until services have been restored.
  • Reviews records, logs and summaries and verifies and validates outage data; verifies data is properly entered into applicable systems or records and corrects as needed; prepares formal reports and/or provides feedback on results of review; recommends improvements.
  • Monitors and communicates 24/7 wildfire conditions such as enhanced wildfire system setting change requests to various teams within the, System Control Center such as Distribution System Operators, Transmission System Operators and Repair Dispatch.
  • Monitors and provides level I wildfire support for IRWIN and NIFCI wildfire alerts escalating scenarios as appropriate.
  • Communicates distribution planned outage switching sheet information to Crew Coordination, Customer Relations, Work Order Owner(s) and the Key Customer Group, Distribution System Operator, Line Crew, etc. when applicable
  • Monitors Outage Management System for de-energization and re-energization activities associated to distribution service point and transformer device planned outages to ensure safety, reliability, efficiency, and compliance requirements are met with NERC, WECC, FERC, OPUC, DOE and other applicable government and industry criteria, as applicable to the position.
  • Interact with Crew Coordination, Work Order Owners, Repair Dispatch, Key Customer Group, Business Continuity & Emergency Management, Corporate Communications, Project Management Office, Engineering, and other appropriate parties for both planned and unplanned outage events.
  • Documents processes and or relevant procedures.

In addition to the Entry, the Associate level is responsible for:

  • Assists System Control Center (SCC) with processing complex permanent primary distribution system configuration changes for outage data validation and system configuration tracking and reporting.
  • Assist with training of new hires and or other key stakeholders.
  • Participates in outage After Action Reports (AAR) resulting in investigation and data analysis throughout several systems to compile lessons learned related to customers outages.
  • Compiles, analyzes, and reports on a variety of metric data related to departmental and system performance such as ERT forecasting efficiency, PSPS forecasting, system interruptions and outages tracking, etc.
  • Leads communication and meetings with Crew Coordination, Work Order Owners, Repair Dispatch, Key Customer Group, Business Continuity & Emergency Management, Corporate Communications, Project Management Office, Engineering, and other appropriate parties for both planned and unplanned outage events as needed.

Qualifications

Education Required:

  • Associate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Experience Required:

  • One or more years in operational occupations such as generation, transmission or distribution systems or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Excellent verbal and oral communication skills
  • Working knowledge of PGE's distribution system
  • Working knowledge of electrical principles and concepts
  • Working knowledge of PGE's safety procedures
  • Working knowledge of and skill in using PGE's Outage Management System, Maximo Asset Management System, GIS, Vehicle Locator System (AVL) and Company Radio System, Microsoft suite, and SharePoint,
  • Working knowledge of PGE's geographic territory
  • Working computer skills for routine office activities such as email and document preparation
  • Intermediate analytical thinking skills
  • Working business acumen
  • Intermediate decision-making skills
  • Intermediate interpersonal skills
  • Working organization and prioritization skills
  • Intermediate problem-solving skills

Read the full posting.



  • Portland, Oregon, United States Guardian Management Full time

    Become a Community Engagement Specialist at Guardian ManagementGuardian Management is seeking a dedicated Full-Time Community Engagement Specialist to enhance the experience at our dynamic residential community.In this position, you will serve as a liaison for residents, embodying the role of a leasing consultant, resident supporter, and community...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Gateway Communications, Inc Full time

    Join Our Team - Make a Positive ImpactAt Gateway Communications, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. We are currently seeking passionate individuals to join our team as Customer Support Specialists.Position Overview:Hourly Rate: $16Permanent, Year-Round EmploymentIn-Person Work EnvironmentAbout Us:Gateway...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States On-the-Move Community Integration Full time

    On-the-Move Community Integration is seeking individuals united and driven by our core values of social justice, diversity, inclusion, empowerment, personal health, environmental sustainability, and fun to be a Community Inclusion Specialist on our team. We envision a society that is prepared to include everyone. Communities are at their best when the...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity Full time

    Job OverviewPosition Title: Community Support SpecialistEmployment Type: Full-timeRole Summary:As a Community Support Specialist, you will engage with various programs within our residential services, embodying the principles of person-centered care in your designated area. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that individuals receive support tailored to...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States The Mental Health Association of Oregon Full time

    Position OverviewThe Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO) is seeking a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join our team in providing essential support to individuals facing challenges related to substance use and mental health.Compensation: $25 per hourEmployment Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)Benefits:...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States vTech Solution Full time

    Position Overview:We are seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to join our team at vTech Solution. This role involves providing essential support across various units, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of care.Key Responsibilities:Position will rotate between different units as necessary.No on-call duties required.Weekend...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Catholic Charities Full time

    Job OverviewPosition Title: Resident Services SpecialistDepartment: Supportive Services ProgramEmployment Type: Full Time (40 hours/week); Non-ExemptSupervisor: Permanent Supportive Housing SupervisorLocation: SE PortlandCompensation: $20.80 per hourOur Commitment to Employees:Comprehensive employer-funded health, dental, vision, and alternative care...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Opportunities Unlimited Full time

    Job OverviewOpportunities Unlimited is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Community Support Specialist. Our organization focuses on providing personalized assistance to adults with developmental challenges, ensuring they can engage in community activities and manage daily living tasks effectively.Key Responsibilities:Deliver individualized support...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Root Whole Body Full time

    Position Title: Community Engagement Marketing Specialist Company Overview: Root Whole Body Health is a premier health and wellness center dedicated to fostering optimal well-being through integrative and personalized care. We encompass a natural medicine clinic, wellness spa, movement studio, and healthy café, all designed to support our community's health...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Motusrecruiting Full time

    Community Engagement Specialist for BIPOC Families – NONPROFITOur client is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional and equitable education to marginalized children, their families, and their communities. Their mission focuses on closing significant racial achievement and opportunity gaps by nurturing confident, creative, and...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States DLR Group Full time

    DLR Group is a comprehensive design firm dedicated to enhancing the human experience through innovative design solutions. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of our clients, communities, and the environment. If this resonates with you, we invite you to explore this opportunity.The Marketing team at DLR Group is on the lookout for a dynamic...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Cascade Management Full time

    Schedule: Monday-Friday (8am-5pm)Property Type: HUD & Tax Credit Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx, PTO, 11 Paid Holidays, Short- & Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program. Accident/Cancer Plan, Medical and Dependent Care Flex Benefit Cascade Management, Inc. has been a leader in property and asset management since 1974,...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States CLEAResult Full time

    Job Overview At CLEAResult, we are at the forefront of promoting a sustainable, equitable, and carbon-neutral energy-efficient future for our communities and the planet. Our commitment is reflected in our people-first culture, which is built on trust, accountability, and transparency. We ensure that every employee, regardless of their position, role, or...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Pomeroy Technologies, LLC. Full time

    Job OverviewPosition Summary:The IT Support Specialist for Enterprise Services delivers technical assistance and direction in resolving end-user challenges related to desktops, laptops, servers, peripherals, telecommunications, mainframe systems, applications, and hardware components. Key Responsibilities: Technical Assistance:Respond to inquiries from...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States University of Portland Full time

    Position OverviewThis role is designed for a Community Service Work Study student. Candidates must possess Federal Work Study funding as part of their Financial Aid package.Role ResponsibilitiesThe Community Resource Engagement Specialist will be instrumental in ensuring the organization, cleanliness, and operational efficiency of the Resource Center. This...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Catholic Charities Full time

    Position OverviewJob Code: #CDH-012 - Community Housing Support SpecialistDepartment: Community Development & HousingEmployment Status: Full Time (40 hours/week); Non-exemptReports To: Vice President of Community Development & HousingLocation: SE PortlandSalary Range: $20 - $22 per hourEmployee Benefits:Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and alternative...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Catholic Charities Full time

    Position OverviewJob Code: #CDH-012 - Community Housing Support SpecialistDepartment: Community Development & HousingEmployment Type: Full Time (40 hours/week); Non-exemptReports to: Vice President of Community Development & HousingLocation: SE PortlandCompensation: $20 - $22 hourly wageEmployee Benefits:Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and alternative...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Catholic Charities Full time

    Position OverviewJob Code: #CDH-012 - Community Housing Support SpecialistDepartment: Community Development & HousingEmployment Type: Full Time (40 hours/week); Non-exemptReports to: Vice President of Community Development & HousingLocation: SE PortlandCompensation: $20 - $22 per hourBenefits Offered:Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and alternative care...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States Community Access Services Full time

    Job OverviewPosition Title: Community Living Area Relief Support SpecialistEmployment Type: Full-TimeLocation: Portland Metro AreaPosition Summary:We are in search of a dedicated and empathetic Community Living Area Relief Support Specialist to enhance our vibrant team. This role is crucial in delivering vital assistance to individuals with intellectual and...


  • Portland, Oregon, United States CAIRO Full time

    Job OverviewSalary: $27.00 per hour, based on experienceOrganization OverviewThe Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) is committed to promoting social equity and achieving fairness for the diverse African immigrant and refugee populations in Oregon and Central Minnesota. Our mission is realized through community mobilization,...