System Operator I, II or Senior

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association•Westminster, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for performing routine and emergency switching on the Tri‑State interconnected transmission system and monitoring transmission system parameters including voltages, line and transformer loads and taking corrective actions as required. This position is a shift position to cover 24 hours 7 days per week. This position is tasked with the authority and responsibility to operate the Tri-State transmission system in such a manner as to comply with all appropriate North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Reliability Organization (RRO) reliability standards. Note: There are two positions available and the positions will be filled at one of three job grade levels: System Operator I, job grade 8; System Operator II, job grade 9; or Senior System Operator, job grade 10. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected, and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Completion of Tri-State System Operator Trainee Program or other qualified System Operator Trainee program.
Working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and basic principles of physics including electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC currents, and the fundamentals of power flow.
NERC Certification and maintain certification by obtaining required continuing education hours.
Working knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic principles of physics.
Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits and the fundamental of power flow.
Extensive knowledge of electrical utility systems, equipment and all phases of transmission operations.
Extensive knowledge of corporate security and fire alarm system and related procedures.
Extensive knowledge of safety rules and equipment.
Ability to distinguish full range of colors to be successful with completing duties involving the use of computer displays to monitor color-coded electric system diagrams.
Ability to use and learn various computer applications.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and written.
Ability to work under stress.
Ability to maintain good working relationships both internal and external.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in routine and emergency situations.
Three (3) or more years System Operator II experience or an equivalent level of experience on an interconnected electrical system .
One (1) year on the Tri-State system at System Operator II level.
Willingness to work rotating shifts with extra and/or irregular hours including holidays.
Willingness to travel as required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Electricity, Mathematics, or other closely related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare/approve transmission switching programs in advance of requested date of execution.
Using advanced Energy Management System (EMS) simulation tools model all switching programs to identify and mitigate any reliability issues.
Direct and coordinate routine and emergency switching including issuing clearances and other protective orders to field personnel and coordinate with interconnected utilities.
Coordinate routine and emergency activities with Member systems and other interconnected utilities.
Monitor transmission system events and conditions utilizing EMS, to include but not limited to line trips, system voltages, line loading, and equipment status, and take actions to maintain transmission system reliability as dictated by company specific reliability related tasks in accordance with NERC, RRO, and company guidelines.
Monitor network applications, including State Estimator and Real-Time Security Analysis, for potential Transmission System reliability issues and take action to mitigate any reliability issues.
Develop, Approve, and Implement mitigations for Real-Time Transmission System emergencies
Validate Transmission Service Requests, e-Tags, performing congestion management, and underground locates.
Assist with training activities of new employees, System Operator I & II, and Transmission System Operator Trainees as needed.
During emergency system conditions coordinated and execute decisions to restore load and generation balance and provide emergency assistance as requested or required to ensure system reliability, as required by the NERC Standards, and provided for under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct.
Perform Senior System Operator duties at the Backup Control Center (BCC) as needed during emergencies and during periodic BCC drills and exercises.
Participate in Regional System Blackstart system restoration drills.
Operate voice and radio communications systems to communicate with interconnected utilities and field personnel.
Coordinate at various internal and external corporate levels to exchange information and coordinate reliable operations.
Coordinate with System Operating Engineers and assist with system studies and related matters.
Ensure the Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS) postings are updated to reflect real time changes to Available Transmission Capacity (ATC).
Maintain operational records and logs.
Post information on reliability messaging tools as required and monitor these messages for incoming reliability information.
Participate in all required training to maintain a valid NERC Certification.
Demonstrate and promote ethics and behaviors consistent with Tri-State’s culture, Board policies, and business practices.
Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance programs within the company.
Perform other related duties as assigned