Sr System Operator

Consumers Energy•Multiple Locations, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Consumers Energy is hiring a Senior System Operator to lead monitoring, control, and support of the company’s 24/7 electric power distribution operations. The role is responsible for the reliability of high- and low-voltage distribution systems, compliance with applicable NERC standards, and analysis of complex substations, lines, equipment, and transmission-provider interconnection points during normal operations and emergency restoration conditions. The Senior System Operator administers switching and tagging, monitors SCADA and ADMS, directs field personnel to de-energize or adjust equipment, and coordinates safe repairs and service restoration. The role also serves as a subject matter expert in electric system operations training and workforce development. It develops and delivers training in system operations, switching and tagging, outage restoration, emergency response, operational systems, and regulatory requirements; supports qualification, certification, continuing education, and emergency readiness; and partners with engineering, standards, technology, and field operations teams to identify and address training needs. This is a hybrid position with a minimum onsite requirement of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the assigned Parnall location in Jackson or the Grand Rapids Service Center. Additional onsite attendance may be required for business, operational, or training needs. The selected candidate must be within commuting distance or willing to relocate; relocation assistance is available for those who qualify. The role has a 36-month commitment period during which the employee may not apply for another internal job posting. The position is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or TN sponsorship, and does not accept candidates working under CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and four or more years of experience, including at least four years of switching and tagging on Consumers Energy’s electric system; or an associate’s degree and six or more years of experience, including at least four years of switching and tagging on Consumers Energy’s electric system; or a high school diploma or GED and eight or more years of experience, including at least four years of switching and tagging on Consumers Energy’s electric system.
Knowledge of operating an electric system, including SCADA operations.
Understanding of electric distribution systems, system components, work practices, and operating principles.
Ability to read substation wiring diagrams.
Knowledge of iTOA, OMS, SCADA, and ADMS.
Oral and written communication skills.
Broad knowledge of adult learning, instructional techniques, facilitation, operator qualification, and regulatory requirements.
Expert knowledge of translating complex technical concepts into effective classroom and simulator training.
Expert knowledge of coaching, mentoring, and developmental feedback.
Broad knowledge of change management and organizational learning.
Must be within commuting distance of the assigned Jackson or Grand Rapids location or willing to relocate.
Must be able to work without current or future immigration sponsorship; CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT candidates are ineligible.
Must accept the 36-month commitment period during which applying for another internal job posting is not permitted.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an instructor, coach, mentor, or subject matter expert supporting employee development.

Responsibilities

Identify and analyze complex system data, isolate faults, and restore service on the Consumers Energy high- and low-voltage electric system.
Lead the switching and tagging process to ensure outages are performed safely, efficiently, and reliably in accordance with company policies and applicable guidelines.
Monitor SCADA and ADMS for operating conditions of lines and equipment, and make or direct operational adjustments as conditions require.
Direct field personnel to de-energize malfunctioning equipment or adjust switches to protect maintenance crews and limit service interruptions.
Notify crews about the location and de-energization of troubled areas and verify workers are clear before directing circuit energization.
Lead repair and restoration of failed equipment.
Formulate, write, and approve complex switching plans.
Operate OMS, GPS, SCADA, ADMS, GIS, iTOA, and Microsoft Office tools, and communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
Serve as a subject matter expert in electric system operations training and workforce development.
Develop and maintain training materials, lesson plans, job aids, exercises, and qualification assessments.
Deliver technical instruction, simulator exercises, operational drills, knowledge checks, and competency evaluations.
Support operator qualification, certification, continuing education, and emergency and storm readiness through classroom, virtual, simulator-based, and on-the-job training.
Identify skill gaps and provide training on new technologies, procedures, operating practices, safety, reliability, and compliance.
Maintain training, qualification, compliance, and audit documentation.
Partner with Operations Engineering, Performance & Standards, Technology, and field operations to identify training needs, incorporate lessons learned, and support workforce readiness.
Participate in event investigations and root-cause reviews to identify workforce development needs.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.