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What does a distribution system operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
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Distribution system operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real distribution system operator resumes:

  • Tabulate data and enter all events including problems into scanned PC database.
  • Train to perform IP functions and how to configure TCP/IP within the network.
  • Install, and operate natural gas, plumbing, water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Preform real-time and before the fact studies to insure stability of the system and compliance to NERC standards.
  • Implement and develop supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and outage management systems, including AutoCAD and SCADA.
  • Operate and maintain all pneumatic, DDC and VAV heating and cooling systems.
  • Conduct leak surveys along pipelines using flame-pak and CGI units.

Distribution system operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Distribution System Operators are proficient in Safety Procedures, Gauges, and Minor Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Math skills.

We break down the percentage of Distribution System Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Safety Procedures, 16%

    Supervised and trained subcontract employees on safety procedures.

  • Gauges, 10%

    Monitored gauges and ensured that safety practices and regulations are strictly enforced.

  • Minor Maintenance, 9%

    Maintained and did minor maintenance on our bulk storage yard for our cryogenic products.

  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%

    Performed preventive maintenance and requested repairs of terminal systems.

  • API, 5%

    Performed other duties such as gauging bags for fuel accountability and testing fuel for the proper API's.

  • Storage Tanks, 5%

    Directed unloading of fuel barges and transferring of fuel from one storage tank to another maintaining accurate logbooks.

Common skills that a distribution system operator uses to do their job include "safety procedures," "gauges," and "minor maintenance." You can find details on the most important distribution system operator responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a distribution system operator to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results." Distribution system operators often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "implemented and developed supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and outage management systems, including autocad and scada. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform distribution system operator duties is detail oriented. Distribution system operators responsibilities require that "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure everything is operating properly." Distribution system operators also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "studied engineering evaluations detailing recommended and alternative technical approaches to resolve design related issues or justify existing conditions. "

Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of distribution system operators is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday distribution system operator duties, as "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "interpret orders and compile system statistics for the shift and node. "

Mechanical skills. For certain distribution system operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a distribution system operator rely on this skill, as "water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators must know how to work with machines and use tools." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what distribution system operators do: "detected numerous bad fuel samples received from sub-contracting companies which prevented possible aircraft mechanical issues, pre-mature landing and crashes. "

All distribution system operator skills

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Compare different distribution system operators

Distribution system operator vs. Water treatment specialist

A water treatment specialist is responsible for supervising and installing water treatment equipment and ensuring that neat water is available whenever it is needed. They must have a minimum of a high school diploma educational and a specialized water treatment certification. They need to pay attention to details and be organized to ensure that the safety and cleanliness of stored and available water are guaranteed.

The annual salary of water treatment specialists is $6,036 lower than the average salary of distribution system operators.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between distribution system operators and water treatment specialist. For instance, distribution system operator responsibilities require skills such as "safety procedures," "gauges," "minor maintenance," and "preventive maintenance." Whereas a water treatment specialist is skilled in "environmental health," "waste water," "food products," and "water treatment equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that water treatment specialists earn slightly differ from distribution system operators. In particular, water treatment specialists are 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a distribution system operator. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Distribution system operator vs. Water treatment technician

Water treatment technicians work every day in observing agricultural plant functions, which includes obtaining the daily requirements and making suitable adjustments to satisfy those demands. They carefully implement process sampling to exactly gauge and keep track of levels. Also, they perform strictly with adjoining farming operations to form sure land implementation of treated wastewater is manageable. Additionally, they work with the operating management within the establishment and assist with the maintenance of environmental compliance procedures. Other duties include assisting them in transcribing and implementing technical regulatory obligations.

On average, water treatment technicians earn a $14,386 lower salary than distribution system operators a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Distribution system operators and water treatment technicians both require similar skills like "strainers," "safety practices," and "ppe" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, distribution system operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "safety procedures," "gauges," "minor maintenance," and "preventive maintenance." Meanwhile, a water treatment technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "water samples," "waste water," "plumbing," and "patients." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Water treatment technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than distribution system operators. In fact, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Distribution system operator vs. Water technician

Typically working at water treatment facilities, a water technician specializes in installing and repairing equipment to ensure the good quality of water and consumers' safety. It is their duty to operate tools and equipment, gather and analyze samples to detect any contaminants, participate in adjusting chemical levels, and perform regular maintenance checks on machines to ensure efficiency. They must also keep records of all operations, producing progress reports as needed. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth workflow.

An average water technician eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of distribution system operators. The difference in salaries amounts to water technicians earning a $20,062 lower average salary than distribution system operators.Using the responsibilities included on distribution system operators and water technicians resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "safety procedures," "preventive maintenance," and "scada.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from distribution system operator resumes include skills like "gauges," "minor maintenance," "api," and "storage tanks," whereas a water technician is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "hand tools. "

Water technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to distribution system operators. Specifically, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Distribution system operator vs. Utility plant operative

A utility plant operator monitors, operates, repairs, and maintains utility equipment and systems. Utility plant operators work on the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They operate and maintain a drainage and sewerage system as well as a neutralized acid waste system. The skills and knowledge they need include electronic control systems, underground cables, and the electrical generating system characteristics. Also, they are expected to know the basics of electrical practice.

Utility plant operatives typically earn lower pay than distribution system operators. On average, utility plant operatives earn a $16,532 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, distribution system operators and utility plant operatives both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "minor maintenance," "scada," and "routine maintenance. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A distribution system operator uses "safety procedures," "gauges," "preventive maintenance," and "api." Utility plant operatives are more likely to have duties that require skills in "plant equipment," "auxiliary equipment," "hvac," and "plant operations. "utility plant operatives reach similar levels of education compared to distribution system operators, in general. The difference is that they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of distribution system operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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