Associate System Operator

AES•Dayton, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The AES Corporation is a leading global power company with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ethical business practices. AES Ohio serves a large customer base in Southwest-Central Ohio, managing extensive transmission and distribution infrastructure. This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, stable, reliable, and economical operation of the Bulk Electric System, adhering to strict regulatory standards and company protocols.

Requirements

Must successfully complete the System Operator Training Program.
Must comply with FERC, NERC, PJM, and RF requirements.
Position is covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards.
Must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, including identity verification and a criminal background check prior to hiring, promotion, or transfer.
Must attend cyber security training before being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas.
Annual cyber security training is required.
Must complete the System Operator training requirements and pass the NERC and PJM certification tests.
Develop and maintain knowledge of the company’s substation, distribution, and transmission systems, relay protection schemes, safety requirements, electrical theory, field equipment capabilities, and associated operating procedures and guidelines.
Ability to work in a stressful and fast-paced environment.
Ability to make sound judgments and crucial decisions in short amounts of time.
Ability to understand and assimilate complex technical information.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with teammates and external utility contacts.
Ability to work with little supervision and only general guidelines at times.
Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry, and basic electrical theory.
Working knowledge of various database, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
Gather and analyze many complex variables to recommend decisions on complex issues under rapid and severe time constraints.
Combine complex data sets including weather, grid conditions, electrical voltages, customer load, power plant capabilities, system disturbance data, interconnected utility conditions, etc., to determine actions required to ensure continuous operation and reliability on the electrical grid.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions, without obtaining approval from higher-level personnel within their own operating authority vicinity.
During emergency operating conditions, has additional independent authority to shed firm load to prevent or alleviate Operating Security Limit violations without higher-level approval.
Ability to stand up to 2/3 of the time.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to accept the mental and physical rigors of rotating shift work, constantly changing system conditions, and varying operating guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another technical discipline is desired.
An Associate's degree showing an aptitude for math and electrical theory, including previous work experience demonstrating basic electrical utility knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

Responsibilities

Controls and operates the Company's transmission, substation, and mainline distribution resources.
Monitors generation resources from a reliability perspective.
Achieves and maintains operating standards in compliance with NERC, PJM, and PUCO regulations, as well as company safety and operating standards.
Operates the transmission system, managing VAR flow and maintaining acceptable voltage levels.
Monitors for first contingency loading and voltage violations.
Coordinates and directs all switching operations on the transmission, substation, and mainline distribution system.
Implements real-time actions, including shedding firm load, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System.
Directs all actions for the safety and reliability of the electric grid, including field crews, electrical equipment, and customers.
Directs all switching and tagging activities to achieve LOTO isolation on transmission, substation, and mainline distribution equipment.
Serves as the first line of communication for real-time operations with PJM and interconnected utilities.
Ensures compliance with Standards of Conduct, NERC, and PJM protocols for transmission services.
Operates the system to ensure frequency is maintained by generation meeting load requirements.
Responds to transmission and distribution disturbances within established standards.
Communicates the status of abnormal system conditions to co-workers and management.
Monitors and utilizes reactive reserves to ensure system reliability.
Mentors System Operator Trainees through the Operator training game plan.
Annually reviews and updates department Standard Operating Procedures.
Utilizes the system model to simulate transmission element removal and review contingency analysis.
Transfers operations to the Back-up Control Center if necessary.
Promotes a safe working environment.