System Operator / Apprentice

Northeast Power•Palmyra, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative (Northeast Power), a transmission cooperative delivering power to northeast Missouri and southeast Iowa, is hiring a System Operator at its Palmyra, Missouri location. This hourly, non-exempt position requires the employee to reside within 45 minutes of Northeast Power’s headquarters. The Control Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a secure, restricted work environment. The role requires rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, and availability to work the required schedule. The System Operator operates the electric transmission system using SCADA, overseeing voltages from 12.5 kV to 345 kV across Missouri and Iowa. Working in real time with field personnel, the operator monitors, operates and secures the system safely and efficiently during normal and emergency conditions. Candidates must hold or obtain a NERC System Operator Certification and complete on-the-job training tailored by Northeast Power. Candidates without prior System Operator experience may be considered for an Apprentice-level position and, if selected, enrolled in an apprenticeship program lasting up to 60 months depending on qualifications and experience. The position is suited to a detail-oriented, safety-focused individual with analytical and communication skills, a strong understanding of electrical systems, computer proficiency, and the ability to perform reliably in a 24/7 control-room environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
NERC Certified System Operator Reliability Certification (RC) or Transmission Operator (TO) Certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.
Experience with SCADA systems, breaker operations, voltage control and outage coordination.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and decision-making skills.
Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations and multitask accurately.
Availability to work rotating days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Residency within 45 minutes of Northeast Power’s headquarters in Palmyra, Missouri.
Ability to complete Northeast Power’s tailored on-the-job training.

Nice To Haves

Two-year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology.
Five years of related experience, or completion of Northeast Power’s Apprentice System Operator Program.
Prior System Operator experience; candidates without it may be considered for the Apprentice-level position.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze and control the electric transmission system using SCADA.
Coordinate and execute switching orders, outage schedules and system-protection procedures, including lock-out/tagout.
Create personal protection zones for crews, issue operating instructions and direct restoration efforts.
Perform system studies to maintain power-grid reliability and prevent overloads.
Log and maintain records of system activity, including outages, breaker operations, weather and security checks.
Manage after-hours calls from Member-Distribution Cooperatives, resolve outages and dispatch service personnel.
Report and coordinate responses to emergencies such as oil spills, security alerts or Mayday events.