Energy System Operator

Tampa Electric Company•Lutz, FL

About The Position

The Energy System Operator position consists of three general functions: Transmission, Generation, and Interchange. Within each of these functions, the Energy System Operator has the authority to take the appropriate actions to ensure the stable and reliable operations of the Bulk Electric System, up to and including the shedding of firm load. The Transmission function involves monitoring, taking appropriate action and directing the switching/clearances on lines of 69KV voltage and above. The Generation function involves balancing resources to the load. The Interchange function involves arranging, scheduling, monitoring and accounting for all interchange transactions. The Interchange function also is responsible for evaluating and approving transmission service requests. All functions require directing the activities of other TEC personnel. The Energy System Operator must be able to successfully perform all three functions (transmission, generation, and interchange). The Energy System Operator performs all of these functions in compliance with NERC and FRCC Standards.

Requirements

Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
Current NERC RC or BIT certification OR the ability to pass the NERC System Operator Certification exam within six months of hiring is required. This certification must be maintained.
Experience in ONE of the following is required: Engineering Degree with a minimum of one year of power plant or transmission/substation experience; Minimum of two years as a Control Center Operator; Minimum of three years as a Distribution System Operator III; Minimum of three years of direct experience working rotating shifts through the Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission functions, performing the Duties & Responsibilities of a NERC-Certified BIT Level Operator with technical proficiency in interconnected operation; Minimum of five years of experience, working the Control Room, as a Combined Cycle Specialist or an IGCC Process Specialist; Minimum of five years of experience as a Power Trader; Minimum of five years of experience as a Journeyman Substation Electrician with switching, troubleshooting, and relay & control experience;
Must demonstrate sound judgment, and excellent leadership and communication skills.
Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in related field
Previous experience in interconnected system operations as a NERC-Certified System Operator (Balancing Authority/Transmission Operator or higher); Power Plant, Substation, or Transmission Operations experience.
Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards.
Energy Management System (EMS), Florida Transmission Management System (FTMS), integrated Tools for Operations Application (iTOA), Open Access Technology International’s (OATI’s) WebSmart and WebTrans/WebScheduler, and Energy Accounting (EA) Online.

Responsibilities

Transmission Function Monitor power system and respond to alarms.
Direct switching activity of the transmission system and issue Clearances to work on tagged and grounded equipment.
Ensure rapid recovery from loss of transmission facility and stabilize the power system to prevent further decay of system. This includes shedding of firm load.
Monitor Advanced Applications and respond to contingency violations.
Review and update load forecast for next hour.
Dispatch available generation resources to minimize production cost and maintain security of the power system.
Ensure rapid recovery from generation loss or loss of transmission facilities and stabilize the power system to prevent further decay of the system.
Monitor and control natural gas usage.
Arrange, schedule, monitor and account for all interchange transactions.
Respond to Transmission Service request.