System Operator Associate

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The System Operator Associate assists in ensuring the efficient operation of the transmission system and coordinates its operation with various entities including the AEP SCC, Distribution Dispatching Centers, and Transmission Control Centers. This role involves arranging, approving, and directing routine and emergency switching/tagging operations for equipment removal and restoration during maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction, with limited instruction. The associate is responsible for receiving, recording, and maintaining logs of operating conditions, monitoring system voltages, transformer/line/equipment loadings, and applying corrective action in concert with the AEP SCC when parameters deviate from ratings or operating limits. Additionally, the position monitors metering and communication facilities, initiating corrective action upon malfunction. Key duties include assisting in monitoring and regulating system voltage levels and power flows, real-time operation of the AEP transmission system and distribution equipment within stations, preparing basic switching orders, assisting in directing emergency switching operations, and planning actions for quick restoration of service. The associate also maintains event logs, observes and assists with the SCADA System, monitors weather, and records station entry/exit activity.

Requirements

Entry-level candidates should have a two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field OR High School and 2 years of experience in a position that demonstrates the ability to operate a power system.
Valid state driver license.
Must pass System Operator/Power Dispatching (SO/PD) test to qualify.
Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and to deal with diverse situations simultaneously.
Ability to analyze information and communicate instructions clearly and concisely.
Work on a twelve-hour uninterrupted rotating shift schedule that consists of nights, weekends and holidays.
Must have the ability to report timely to worksite due to emergency events.
Thorough knowledge and use of safety procedures (due to exposure to hazardous situations).
Ability to effectively and professionally deal with co-workers and customers.
Must complete all required training and testing in established time frames by the Company to advance to the next higher classification within the line of progression or vacate the current classification.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of experience in substation operation, protective relaying, or distribution dispatching.

Responsibilities

Assist in monitoring and regulating system voltage levels, real and reactive power flows for the transmission system at all transmission voltage levels in cooperation with directives of the AEP SCC.
Assist in the real-time operation of the AEP transmission system in coordination with the AEP SCC and appropriate neighboring utilities.
Assist in the real-time operation of distribution equipment inside the station fence in coordination with regional distribution dispatch centers.
Prepare basic switching orders listing the switching steps and safety tagging to be carried out for the removing of equipment from service for maintenance, repair, or construction, ensuring the safety of the public, Company equipment, Company personnel and contract personnel.
Assist in directing switching operations under emergency conditions.
Plan and direct actions to quickly, safely and effectively restore equipment and customers to service.
Maintain a log of events and transactions relative to the operation of the facilities and equipment.
Observe and assist in operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and associated functions.
Monitor the operation of metering and communications facilities and report malfunctions to proper personnel for corrective action.
Monitor the weather information system for severe weather and notify proper personnel.
Acknowledging and inputting records of station entry/exit activity.