Senior Electric Transmission System Operator

Colorado Springs Utilities•Colorado Springs, CO

30d

About The Position

Colorado Springs Utilities is hiring a Senior Electric Transmission System Operator to help ensure the safe, reliable, efficient, and economical operation of its electric transmission and generation systems. The role carries significant operational authority and decision-making responsibility for maintaining Bulk Electric System stability, directing day-ahead and real-time operations, and responding to changing grid conditions. The position works under general supervision and requires independent decisions in a fast-paced, potentially stressful environment. It provides 24/7/365 coverage and follows a 12-hour rotating shift schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. Relocation assistance to Colorado Springs is available. Starting pay is $68.42, increasing to $71.82 after successfully completing six months of probation.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in electric generation, transmission, and/or distribution, preferably in a system operator capacity.
Possess a NERC Reliability Operator Certification or be able to obtain and maintain one within six months of hire.
Ability to prioritize safety while balancing reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Monitor and control the power grid using SCADA, EMS, State Estimator (SE), and Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) tools.
Conduct real-time and day-ahead power flow studies to anticipate system needs and address potential reliability concerns.
Coordinate with Reliability Coordinators, Balancing Authorities, and neighboring Transmission Operators to support grid stability.
Develop and implement strategies to mitigate system risks and respond to changing load conditions, generation availability, and emergencies.
Perform short-term load forecasting and ensure generation, reserve, and reliability obligations are met.
Dispatch generation resources manually and through Automatic Generation Control (AGC), coordinating RTO market needs, regulatory compliance, and system reliability.
Review and approve operational requests, including transmission service requests and planned outages.
Lead outage coordination and hold final approval authority for transmission, generation, protection, controls, and communications asset outages.
Direct transmission system switching and restoration, including issuing clearances and operating instructions and coordinating with field and plant personnel.
Take decisive action during abnormal and emergency conditions, including measures to prevent or mitigate System Operating Limit (SOL) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) violations.

Benefits

Vacation starting at 13 days annually and increasing to 24 days with tenure.
Three personal leave days per year.
Twelve paid holidays per year.
Twelve sick leave days per year for personal or family health needs.
Option to purchase up to 40 additional vacation hours annually.
Three medical plan options, including a $0-premium HDHP with HSA eligibility.
Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost through Zero Health.
Two dental plans and one vision plan.
Family-building support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy.
Voluntary wellness program with the opportunity for employees and spouses enrolled in a medical plan to earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions.
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Health Savings Account available with the HDHP.
Colorado PERA pension plan.
Supplemental retirement plans, including PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available.
Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental plans.
Employee Assistance Program providing confidential mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance support.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.