TOps Training Spec (Sr - Prin)

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for coordinating the development and delivery of technical skills training in support of System Control Center and Transmission Dispatching activities and in support of operations engineering practices. Provides expert support in technical training development and delivery regarding initial and continuing training, monitoring of OSHA regulations, AEP safety practices, and NERC Reliability Standards to ensure the training program is in compliance with all OSHA, NERC, Regional, and Regulatory requirements and meets Transmission Operations goals for system reliability. Coordinates the determination of present and forecasted training needs and for coordinating activities to ensure the training program maintains NERC Continuing Education Provider status. Depending on area of expertise, the individual may be designated the lead for either System Control Center Operator training or for Transmission Dispatching Center Operator training support.

Requirements

Two-Year degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and five (5) years of experience in electric utility system operations, including two (2) years as a Transmission System Operator or Dispatcher or three (3) years as a TOps Training Specialist.
High School Diploma and six (6) years of experience in electric utility system operations, including two (2) years as a Transmission System Operator or Dispatcher or three (3) years as a TOps Training Specialist.
Must possess a NERC Certified System Operator certificate at the Transmission Operator, Balancing/Interchange/Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator levels or NERC certification in 18-months.
Valid state driver's license.
Attend internal/external training and/or meetings to enhance trainer’s skills and knowledge.
Familiarity and/or experience with NERC training requirements.
Working knowledge of NERC Standards and Operating policies, including HPI, and switching and tagging principles.
Strong communication skills both oral and written. Including past experience in making presentations to small and large groups.
Demonstrated ability to work within a team structure.
Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Nice To Haves

Certification as a trainer/instructor or training/instructional designer is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the development and delivery of technical skills training and the use of the Dispatcher Training Simulator in support of System Control Center activities, Transmission Dispatching activities, operations/support engineering practices, and Transmission Operations' goals.
Utilize classroom, simulation/simulator, self-study, e-learning, OJT and vendor provided training.
Take the lead as assigned to oversee and coordinate training activities (including drills/simulations) being developed and/or delivered by Training & Development staff or by support personnel outside the Training & Development section.
Maintain liaison with other AEP training organizations/individuals and with outside training consultants to develop adequate and cost-effective training solutions to meet training needs and requirements.
Consult with Transmission Dispatching and Operations Reliability management to determine present and forecasted training needs and delivery timeline requirements.
Coordinate the maintenance of the training/qualification databases (AEP Learning Management System and other tracking database systems as applicable) for all Transmission Operations personnel to allow for the tracking of training received and provide for training records documentation in accordance with NERC, Regional, and audit requirements.
Provide information and expert training support in at least one or more of the following areas: System Control Center operations; Transmission Dispatching Center operations and switching practices; NERC Reliability Standards; or utilization of Dispatch Training Simulators and simulation drills.
Stay abreast of all NERC Reliability Standards changes and ensure they are incorporated into the training program as appropriate.
Coordinate to ensure the Transmission Training & Development group maintains NERC Continuing Education Provider status and that applications are properly submitted and maintained for training activities that can qualify for Continuing Education hour credit.
Coordinate the auditing of training activities to ensure continuous process improvement in the quality of development, delivery and effectiveness of training program activities.
Provides feedback to develop annual training plan.