Power System Operator/Dispatcher

City Utilities of Springfield • Springfield, MO

1d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager-Power System Operations or designee, the Power System Operator/Dispatcher controls generation and monitors tie-line flow to meet Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Integrated Marketplace demands. The role monitors City Utilities’ transmission and distribution systems and performs switching functions to ensure safety and continuous service.

The operator uses the Energy Management System and situational awareness tools to monitor and operate the electric system, maintain bulk power system reliability, coordinate with power stations and interconnected utilities, manage outages and emergencies, and record and report system conditions. The position requires a NERC System Operator Certification at a minimum Balancing, Interchange and Transmission (BIT) Operator level, and successful completion of City Utilities’ Power System Operator/Dispatcher training program within one year of employment.

The work is performed in a control room with office environment conditions. The position requires rotating 12-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Relocation assistance and/or a key recruitment allowance may be offered to eligible candidates depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• A bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical or business field; at least two years of college or vocational/technical coursework in electricity or electric power systems, together with exceptional experience, may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in power generation, transmission, or distribution operation.
• Successful completion of the Power System Operator/Dispatcher training program within one year of employment.
• NERC System Operator Certification at a minimum Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator (BIT) level.
• Computer operating familiarity.
• Working knowledge of generation control to match load, power station operation, transmission and distribution system operation, and generator operating characteristics.
• Ability to work with numbers; identify, analyze, and solve system malfunction problems; and communicate solutions.
• Ability to work courteously with customers, coworkers, interconnected utility partners, and regulatory agencies, and provide exceptional customer service across phone, in-person, and other communication channels.
• Ability to make sound judgments under stress and work well under pressure.
• Ability and willingness to use digital tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, AI-enhanced applications, and self-service systems, and to learn and adapt to emerging technologies relevant to utility operations.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for prompt, prudent decisions and corrective action.
• Willingness and ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain awareness of cybersecurity and threats and adhere to company policies.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
• Must pass a NERC background check.
• Ability to remain alert and aware of surroundings and respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
• Ability to pass the Ishihara color vision test and/or visually differentiate and identify colors on a computer monitor, including red and green energized/de-energized indicators.
• Ability to communicate orally and receive detailed information; substantial wrist, hand, and/or finger movements and close visual acuity to operate a computer.

Responsibilities

• Learn and follow NERC reliability standards and retain NERC Operator Certification at a minimum BIT Operator level.
• Operate City Utilities’ electric system safely and reliably in accordance with NERC standards, including directing personnel when needed to protect the bulk electric system.
• Follow City Utilities’ Standards of Conduct regarding transmission operating information.
• Operate the Energy Management System to input data, maintain bulk electric system reliability, restore power after disturbances or outages, mitigate equipment overloads, maintain voltage, and monitor operating diagrams, maps, alarms, and related information.
• Observe load and voltage and make operational decisions to ensure adequate electricity supply and distribution; contact generating stations to adjust output as needed.
• Monitor the SPP Integrated Marketplace interface for unit commitment notices and Automatic Generation Control modes, and promptly notify power stations of status changes.
• Monitor and control power transfers with interconnected balancing authority areas to ensure NERC compliance during normal and emergency operations.
• Ensure generators are dispatched economically, consistent with operational constraints.
• Monitor system conditions, record readings and status in daily logs and the Energy Management System, transmit hourly information electronically to SPP and interconnected utility partners, prepare monthly operational reports, and maintain other records.
• Coordinate generating-unit connections and disconnections with power station personnel and SPP; communicate with field personnel and maintain hot-line hold and clearance logs.
• Report known and suspected Energy Management System problems to support staff and cybersecurity personnel.
• Control and monitor high-voltage switching, including taking lines and equipment out of service and restoring them; report bulk electric system facility outages to the SPP Reliability Coordinator.
• Take electric-system trouble calls and coordinate corrective actions with field personnel during off-hours.
• Restore service promptly after outages, minimize the effects of emergencies, operate the system safely in real time, and implement switching procedures according to plan to protect the public, crews, and system integrity.
• Initiate appropriate emergency procedures when directed or when necessary based on judgment; initiate Backup Control Center operation when warranted and notify duty personnel when additional assistance is needed.
• Maintain awareness of cybersecurity policies, standards, requirements, and threats, and complete routine internal cybersecurity training.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned by management.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be offered to candidates joining from outside the Springfield metropolitan area, depending on circumstances and final offer details.
• A key recruitment allowance may be offered depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.

What This Job Offers

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