Senior System Operator

Eversource Energy•Manchester, NH

About The Position

The Senior System Operator has the authority and responsibility to make operational decisions and provide direction as required to ensure the safe, reliable, and economical dispatch of the New Hampshire interconnected bulk transmission and distribution systems in accordance with approved operating procedures and instructions. Plans, schedules, and coordinates activities associated for the minute-to-minute operation of the transmission and distribution facilities under the operating jurisdiction of the ESCC dispatch center. Coordinates equipment outage scheduling and the implementation of Emergency procedures with ISO-NE, Local Control Center (LCC) Participants, and adjacent Local Control Centers. Continuously monitors real time status of the transmission and distribution system and implements changes to the status of the system via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA) under normal and abnormal system conditions. Utilizes computer programs which simulate system conditions to determine transmission and distribution system reliability.

Requirements

Ability to provide guidance and direction to field personnel during off hour outage restoration response.
Make sound decisions regarding transmission and distribution system operations when conflicts arise.
Knowledge of generating unit loading, performance capabilities and their operating characteristics.
Knowledge of generation, transmission and distribution system operating characteristics.
Knowledge of applicable NERC Reliability Standards, NPCC Criteria, Procedures and Guidelines, and ISO-NE Operating Procedures, and Master/Local Control Center Procedures.
Knowledge of functions of the various components that make up the generation, transmission and distribution system.
Knowledge of functions and operating characteristics of the various types of protective relay schemes and special protection systems associated with generation, transmission and distribution facilities such as power lines, station busses, transformers and generators.
Knowledge of off-line and on-line load flow programs, and ability to perform and analyze load flows, and contingency studies.
Thorough knowledge of ESCC switching and tagging policies as outlined in the appropriate directives.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with personnel at various levels within the Master/Local Control Center, NEPOOL Participant companies, Local Control Center Participants and non-utility generators.
NERC Transmission Operator Certification is required.
Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required
Minimum of ten (10) years of related dispatching experience, including work in distribution dispatching, generation station operations, electrical maintenance, power system protection and control, or equivalent operations experience is required; or three (3) years of experience in the ESCC System Operator position with a proven leadership track record, including supporting needed shift coverage.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in engineering, business administration, related discipline or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

Responsible for complying with NERC reliability standards.
Responsible for providing guidance and oversight of on-shift System Operators.
Responsible for proper operational shift relief/turnovers for shift personnel including exchange of pertinent information required to maintain operational safety and reliability.
Authority to mobilize additional resources as necessary to respond to abnormal system conditions.
Plans, prepares, approves and issues orders for switching, grounding and tagging requirements of generation, transmission and distribution facilities under the ESCC jurisdiction in accordance with approved switching and tagging instructions and Participants’ safety rules.
Performs computer on-line and off-line security analysis studies to evaluate the status of the transmission and distribution systems. Develops plans to cope with possible or projected contingency conditions on the transmission and distribution systems.
Assists with the reception and processing of outage requests, including making the arrangements for authorized switching personnel.
Determines the locations of faulted equipment, sectionalizes via SCADA control faulted transmission and distribution system segments in order to restore customer loads. Isolate defective equipment to facilitate repairs and directs the restoration of impacted generation, transmission and distribution facilities.
Maintains system voltage profiles in accordance with prescribed voltage schedules by utilizing generator reactive resources, as well as reactors, load tap changing transformers, substation capacitors and pole top capacitors on the transmission and distribution systems.
Initiates emergency procedures as requested by ISO-NE or as required by Local Control Center procedures, including the shedding of load. Reports such actions to the appropriate member companies.
Analyzes and reports to the appropriate department, malfunctions or problems associated with equipment under the ESCC dispatching jurisdiction including telecommunications, protective relaying, ESCC computers, and EMS/SCADA system.
Disseminates to ISO-NE and neighboring companies’ data and pertinent information as required by contractual obligations, and procedures covering the operation of transmission and distribution facilities.
Safe and secure operation of transmission and distribution facilities under ESCC jurisdiction.
Safety of personnel and equipment through strict enforcement and application of protective switching and tagging procedures and rules.
Complete and accurate collection of pertinent operating data and information.
Compliance with FERC, NERC, NPCC, ISO-NE, Local Control Center, PUC and state regulatory requirements.
In the absence of non-union supervisory personnel, assumes shift responsibilities for proper and consistent application of all established operating procedures, guides, and instructions.
Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.