Electric System Operator I, II, III

Lansing Board of Water & Light • Lansing, MI

4d • $86,900 - $131,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Electric System Operator carries out or directs normal and emergency electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system operations. The role coordinates, regulates, and distributes electricity across generating stations, substations, and overhead power lines, while ensuring that proper switching procedures and safety rules are followed. Responsibilities and operational authority vary by level (ESO I, II, or III). ESO I performs operations under the direction of ESO II, III, or IV. ESO II and ESO III have full operational authority to direct and implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operation of the BWL portion of the Bulk Electric System under NERC and Reliability First operating standards, including firm load shedding.

The position works in a temperature-controlled Control Room environment, using real-time control systems and computer applications to monitor system activity, document operations, communicate with field personnel and other stakeholders, and support restoration during emergencies. Operators work rotational shifts of 8–12 hours and may respond to or dispatch personnel for after-hours emergencies.

The position has no management or supervisory responsibilities as stated in the general job specifications. It requires knowledge of electric transmission and distribution systems, the ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations, and strong communication and computer skills. The job also involves safety training, compliance with BWL policies and work rules, and participation in continuous improvement of asset and work management processes.

Requirements

• Knowledge of electric transmission and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of electrical disciplines equivalent to experience as an Electric Substation Inspector, Bulk Power Controller, electric T&D journey worker, or Power Plant Control Room Operator.
• Ability to handle and resolve high-pressure situations and make decisions concerning stable and reliable system operation.
• General computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to constantly monitor, track, and document real-time system activity using technology.
• Ability to work rotational 8–12-hour shifts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated management and project management skills.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• For ESO I: Knowledge normally acquired through a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, a journey worker certification in electric transmission and distribution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For ESO I: At least four years of electric transmission and distribution experience in the electric utility industry or equivalent knowledge.
• For ESO II: Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, journey worker certification in electric transmission and distribution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; at least one year as BWL ESO I or completion of internal BESOC training modules and tests; minimum NERC certification as Transmission Operator.
• For ESO III: Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, journey worker certification in electric transmission and distribution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; at least three years as BWL ESO II, or five years outside BWL as a NERC-certified Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator plus one year as ESO II. Depth and breadth of experience will be considered.
• Ability to remain in a sit/stand position for most of the working day and move about inside the Control Room.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment and adjust focus while concentrating on a computer screen.
• Ability to communicate frequently with other departments and employees verbally and in writing.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, reach items at floor or below-knee level or above head, and occasionally use stairs.

Nice To Haves

• For ESO II: NERC certification as a Reliability Coordinator is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Write, check, perform, and document normal and emergency distribution switching and clearance operations according to established procedures and safety rules.
• Monitor, communicate with, and dispatch T&D field personnel using the BWL radio and other communication systems.
• Provide after-hours facility supervision, including building and grounds check-downs, security verification, and response to building emergencies and evacuations.
• Assist with coordinating system restoration during emergencies and storms.
• Generate, maintain, monitor, and track applicable records and reports.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal and external personnel and customers to complete work assignments.
• Respond to and dispatch on-call personnel for after-hours emergency calls for BWL business units and outside entities as required.
• Read and interpret circuit diagrams.
• Use and become proficient with BESOC real-time control systems, including EMS and OMS, and BWL computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Track sketches involving the transmission and distribution system and update operations primary prints as needed under the direction of ESO II, III, or IV.
• Follow the BWL Safety Manual and use required personal protective equipment as needed.
• Attend safety-awareness or skills-improvement training as required by a supervisor, BWL, or a governmental or reliability agency.
• Participate in continuous improvement of the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.
• Comply with BWL policies and work rules and maintain reliable, predictable attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required.
• For ESO II and III, direct normal and emergency electric T&D operations and take real-time actions to maintain stable and reliable operation of the BWL portion of the Bulk Electric System, including firm load shedding when necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, employee development, and professional growth opportunities.
• Vacation, free choice time, sick leave, parental leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• Medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and employee assistance program coverage.
• Voluntary vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long-term care, tuition reimbursement, and a home purchase plan offering a forgivable $5,000 loan for a home purchase in Lansing.
• 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with company contributions of up to 9.5% of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% for NBU positions.
• 457 Deferred Compensation matching up to $2,500 per year.
• Post-retirement benefits at the applicable coverage, co-pay, and health care premium levels offered to active employees.
• Two on-site fitness centers open 24/7, a work-life balance program, and free parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level