Sr System Operator

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Consumers Energy’s Senior System Operators lead the monitoring, control, and support of the company’s 24/7 electric power distribution operations to meet power demands. The role is responsible for the reliability of the high- and low-voltage distribution systems, including compliance with applicable NERC standards. It involves analyzing and monitoring transmission, substations, lines, equipment, and interconnection points during normal operations and emergency restoration conditions. The operator administers switching and tagging, monitors SCADA and ADMS, directs field personnel to make system adjustments or de-energize malfunctioning equipment, and coordinates safe restoration after repairs. The position 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. The role supports operator qualification and certification, continuing education, emergency and storm readiness, and workforce development through classroom, virtual, simulator-based, and on-the-job instruction. It partners with engineering, performance and standards, technology, and field operations teams to identify training needs and incorporate lessons learned. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work 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 live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate; a relocation package is available to those who qualify. The role has a 36-month commitment period during which the employee is ineligible to apply for another internal job posting. The position is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, and candidates using CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT are not eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of experience in Switching & Tagging on Consumers Energy’s electric system; or an associate’s degree and at least six years of experience, including at least four years in Switching & Tagging on Consumers Energy’s electric system; or a high school diploma or GED and at least eight years of experience, including at least four years in Switching & 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 integrated Tools for Operations Application (iTOA), Outage Management System (OMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Advanced Distribution Management System (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.
Ability to work onsite at the assigned Jackson or Grand Rapids location at least Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with additional onsite attendance as needed; must be within commuting distance or willing to relocate.
Must not require current or future immigration sponsorship; CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT candidates are not eligible.
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

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.
Identify skill gaps and provide training related to new technologies, procedures, operating practices, safety, reliability, and compliance.
Maintain required training, qualification, compliance, and audit documentation.
Participate in event investigations, root cause reviews, and lessons learned to identify workforce development needs.
Identify and analyze complex data, and isolate and restore service on the Consumers Energy high- and low-voltage electric system.
Administer switching and tagging on the Consumers Energy high- and low-voltage electric system to ensure outages are executed safely, efficiently, and reliably in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Operate OMS, GPS, SCADA, ADMS, GIS, iTOA, Microsoft Office tools, and other complex computer systems, and communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
Monitor SCADA and ADMS operating conditions and adjust or direct workers to adjust lines and equipment as conditions warrant.
Lead repair and restoration of failed equipment.
Formulate, write, and approve complex switching plans.
Support operator qualification, certification, continuing education, and emergency and storm readiness through classroom, virtual, simulator-based, and on-the-job training.
Partner with Operations Engineering, Performance & Standards, Technology, and field operations to identify and address training needs and support workforce readiness.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.