Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Apprentice

Nebraska Public Power District•Kearney, NE

9d•$47 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

Nebraska Public Power District is hiring an apprentice to train for critical tasks that support the safe and reliable operation of its jointly operated sub-transmission system (<115 kV) and distribution retail system (<15 kV). The role involves executing and directing real-time actions with sophisticated software tools, including the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), to monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve complex emergent scenarios. It also requires precise communication and coordination with NPPD’s Joint Sub-Transmission Customers. The apprentice is expected to complete classroom and on-the-job training under NPPD’s Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program and Operator Training Design, and qualify as a System Control Operator within one year. The position is based at the Kearney Operations Center. The employee is expected to live within 30 minutes of the Kearney Control Center to support emergency call-ins and may travel up to 25%, typically within Nebraska with no or minimal overnight stays.

Requirements

A technical school degree in a related electrical field, or a 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 roles.
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.
Must be expected to live within 30 minutes of the Kearney Control Center for emergency switching call-ins.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to three years of the required related electrical experience.
Other relevant work experience or demonstrated performance showing the ability to perform the duties may be considered in place of specified education or experience requirements.
Computer aptitude and the ability to operate complex, multi-monitor software environments.
Analytical and technical skills, including the ability to navigate 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 the applicable progression program.
Coordinate, write, review, and execute switching of sub-transmission and distribution lines and associated substation equipment while protecting personnel and equipment and using human performance tools and checks.
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 load variations.
Monitor line and substation equipment, respond to changing system requirements and load conditions, and operate equipment within established limits and guidelines.
Respond to emergency conditions, including loss of transmission, sub-transmission, or distribution lines and substation facilities, and remain informed about high-voltage transmission system conditions that affect sub-transmission and distribution systems.
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 radio emergency traffic, detect emerging events, verify field conditions, issue urgent customer notifications, prepare outage reports, and maintain accurate outage tracking details.
Verify that electronic switching maps in outage management and SCADA systems remain accurate, current, and synchronized with actual switch and device configurations.
Implement and optimize distribution load control functions and associated settings.
Be available for emergency switching call-ins and perform other duties as assigned.