Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Apprentice

Nebraska Public Power District•Kearney, NE

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This apprentice position trains employees to perform critical tasks supporting the safe and reliable operation of NPPD’s jointly operated sub-transmission system (under 115 kV) and distribution retail system (under 15 kV). The role involves executing and directing real-time actions using software tools such as the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) to monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve complex operating scenarios, while communicating and coordinating with NPPD’s Joint Sub-Transmission Customers. The position includes classroom and on-the-job training through NPPD’s Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program and Operator Training Design. Employees must qualify as a System Control Operator within one year and obtain required switching and clearance holder certifications. The role is critical to NPPD operations and requires availability for emergencies. Employees are expected to live within 30 minutes of the Kearney Control Center for emergency call-ins.

Requirements

Technical school degree in a related electrical field, or high school diploma/GED plus three years of related electrical experience.
Related electrical experience may include utility line work, substation operations, commercial, residential, or industrial electrical work, utility power plant operations, electrical engineering, telecommunications, electronics, utility system control, power system planning, or electric utility engineering technician work.
Must pass the SOPDII Testing.
Must meet the probationary requirements of NPPD’s Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program and qualify as a System Control Operator within one year.
Must obtain NPPD switching and clearance holder certifications.
Must establish and maintain an acceptable NERC security background check.
Expected to live within 30 minutes of the Kearney Control Center for emergency call-ins.
Must be available in the event of emergencies.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to three years of required related electrical experience.
Other relevant work experience or demonstrated performance showing the skills and ability to perform the duties may be considered in place of specified education or experience requirements.
Computer aptitude and ability to operate complex, multi-monitor software environments.
Analytical and technical skills, including navigating advanced applications within an ADMS platform.
Patience, adaptability, and confidence working with intricate digital systems.

Responsibilities

Complete classroom and on-the-job training to become qualified as a System Control Operator under NPPD standards and progression program.
Coordinate, write, review, and execute switching of sub-transmission and distribution lines and associated substation equipment while protecting personnel and equipment safety.
Evaluate contingency conditions, validate 115 kV line paths, and use arcing kVA studies and phase-angle calculations to develop reliable switching strategies.
During loop-splitting operations, balance system voltage and VAR flow, manage load shifts within equipment limits, and account for historical load trends and seasonal variations.
Monitor line and substation equipment and respond to changing system requirements and emergency conditions, including loss of transmission, sub-transmission, or distribution lines and substation facilities.
Stay informed about high-voltage transmission system conditions on NPPD and neighboring systems that affect sub-transmission and distribution operations.
Assess and mitigate unplanned outages using SCADA-based fault interrogation, outage management platforms, and real-time telemetry; isolate abnormal conditions and coordinate restoration strategies.
Monitor statewide emergency radio traffic, verify field conditions, issue urgent customer notifications, prepare outage reports, and maintain accurate outage details.
Ensure electronic switching maps in outage management and SCADA systems are current, accurate, and synchronized with actual switch and device configurations.
Implement and optimize distribution load-control functions and settings.
Be available for emergency call-ins and live within 30 minutes of the Kearney Control Center.
Perform other duties as assigned.