Co-op Careers: System Operations
Kish Browning, Lead System Operator
How long you have held this role, any previous roles within Nolin: Lead System Operator since March 2024
System Operator (formerly titled Dispatcher) from April 2015-March 2024
Primary responsibilities:
- Inside Nolin (employee facing) – The System Operator’s primary focus is to make sure that Nolin’s system is properly monitored and any needs are addressed. When issues arise, we develop the plan of action and assign out to the field personnel for corrections to be made. In severe weather, large outage events are our primary focus becomes restoring power to our members in the most efficient yet safest way possible. When these events occur, we direct all outside field personnel. Our department also interacts with all internal departments at some level as we field calls and concerns from our membership regarding various topics.
- Outside Nolin (member facing): Our department fields calls concerning a wide ranges of topics. In most cases, we can resolve issues and properly address questions, but in cases where we’re not able to, we forward along to the proper personnel. When the system is running perfectly, our call volume is small; however, things always pop up.
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How does your role fit into the organizational structure: I report to the Manager of Operations, but work closely with all departments
What employee roles report to you:
System Operators – In addition to the above comments, we monitor the security cameras on all Nolin facilities including Fort Knox, schedule work to be done in conjunction with outside contractors, organize a timely response to any and all emergencies. We wear lots of different hats and interact with all internal departments in some way.
- Brad Camp: System Operator
- John Owens: System Operator
- Tyler Sayers: System Operator
Knowledge, skills, abilities needed for your role:
Good organizational skills, patience and perseverance. The 12-hr shifts can be long especially in large outage weather related events. Communication skills are a must. Most interactions are pleasant, but occasionally some aren’t, and we have to properly address those.
Education needed for your role:
High School Diploma. 2-year associate degree with experience at an electric utility preferred. Once hired for the role, the employee is classified as an Apprentice System Operator. After the first year of employment, the employee is required to complete the “System Operator Certification” through Northwest Lineman College. They have 3 years to complete that and once completed they will graduate up to System Operator.
Most challenging part of your job: Storm-related, large outage events. We would love to restore power instantly after a storm. Unfortunately, that can’t always happen. Although we try the best we can.
Your favorite part of the job: Being with the team I have. Nolin is blessed to have an outstanding group of men and women who care deeply about their job and the membership. Storms and large outage events are never easy, but our group really comes together in those instances. It’s something to see.
