Electric System Operator II or Electric System Operator, Sr

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.•Bismarck, ND

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others. Responsible for learning procedures and developing skills and expertise therefore able to independently perform all duties of the electric system operations department in a manner compliant with all Federal, State, and Company standards, requirements, and guidelines. Directed by the Control Center Supervisor or the Electric System Operator, Sr. on shift. Other requirements include taking all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, no sponsorships considered. May be required to maintain a valid driver’s license. Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks. NERC System Operator certification or able to obtain NERC System Operator certification status within 6 months from date of hire and maintain a NERC RC Certification which requires 200 hours of continuing education every three years. Due to the need for unescorted access to security sensitive business locations and/or systems, must submit to periodic background checks. Must be trustworthy and discrete dealing with Montana Dakota information. This position is required to deal with a diverse array of emergency situations on a daily basis. This position must also coordinate efforts with several outside agencies and companies. Must be able to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, working nights, weekends and holidays. Highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and respond to emergency situations. Comprehensive understanding of power flow systems. Knowledgeable regarding Microsoft Office applications and other software applications, such as the EMS, TRES, PCI, and On-Call.

Requirements

Electric System Operator II: Familiarity with an electric system control center environment and processes normally acquired through one year of experience in a control center or five years of prior field leadership experience in a related field or equivalent experience.
Electric System Operator, Sr: NERC Certified System Operator with a minimum of three years of experience in an electric system control center environment OR two-year degree in an electrical discipline with seven years of prior field leadership experience in a related field or equivalent experience.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, no sponsorships considered.
NERC System Operator certification or able to obtain NERC System Operator certification status within 6 months from date of hire and maintain a NERC RC Certification which requires 200 hours of continuing education every three years.
Must be trustworthy and discrete dealing with Montana Dakota information.
Must be able to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, working nights, weekends and holidays.
Highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and respond to emergency situations.
Comprehensive understanding of power flow systems.
Knowledgeable regarding Microsoft Office applications and other software applications, such as the EMS, TRES, PCI, and On-Call.

Responsibilities

Initiates timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal operating conditions and emergency situations without obtaining approval from higher level personnel. These actions include, but are not limited to, the following: shedding firm load; declaring a Generation Reserve Sharing Pool emergency; rendering emergency assistance as directed by the MISO Reliability Coordinator; declaring a NERC Energy Emergency Alert; curtailing interchange schedules; callout of Company personnel; and directing the activity of Company personnel.
Must understand and implement 126 Emergency and Operating procedures, Job Aids, Operating Guides and CIP Procedures above and beyond Montana Dakota’s regular procedures.
Monitors electric generation resources and reserves and works to achieve optimum economic resource utilization while considering plant performance, regulatory compliance, and reliability of the interconnected system. Monitors MISO real time market dispatches to determine they are in agreement with submitted bids and offers.
Analyses hourly and daily interchange schedules and metered tie data with the MISO balancing authority and local balancing authorities, utilizing the MISO Physical Scheduling System (PSS). Imports hourly data into the scheduling spreadsheet, crosschecking this data with the EMS data. Submits necessary reports to appropriate entities and companies.
Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.