Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice

Nebraska Public Power District • Doniphan, NE

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level training position preparing the employee for a critical role in Nebraska Public Power District’s transmission and generation operations. The apprentice trains to implement real-time actions that support stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System; monitor the NPPD high-voltage transmission system (115 kV and above) through the Energy Management System (EMS); assess complex power-system problems and take appropriate actions to maintain a safe, reliable, and efficient system; operate the transmission system in accordance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Entity (RE) Reliability Standards; and monitor NPPD tie-line meter data. The position requires completion of the System Operator Progression Program.

The employee must be reachable by phone. Living within 60 minutes of the Doniphan Control Center is preferred but not required. Travel is estimated at up to 25%, generally within Nebraska, with no or minimal overnight stays; actual travel may vary with business needs.

The selected applicant must meet NERC certification requirements within 12 months of the starting date and complete NPPD’s Transmission System Control Operator written exam and review board within 24 months. The position requires passing a NERC Personnel Risk Assessment and continuing to meet access requirements for NERC High Impact BES Cyber Systems. Once NERC certification is obtained, the position is eligible for NPPD’s NERC Certification Premium program.

The starting hourly salary is $61.73. NPPD also offers an Annual Incentive Program that may supplement total compensation. The benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical leave, and training opportunities.

Requirements

• Associate degree in electrical or electronics technology plus 3 years of operations experience in a reliability coordinator, balancing authority, and/or transmission operator role, and NERC System Operator certification with Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator certification; or an associate degree in electrical or electronics technology plus 5 years of qualifying experience; or a high school diploma/GED plus 8 years of qualifying experience.
• Qualifying experience may include work as a substation technician, line technician, power plant operator, telecommunications technician, subtransmission and distribution control center operator, engineering technician, or system planner.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to 3 years of the related electrical experience requirement.
• Meet the requirements of the System Operator Progression Program.
• Successfully complete NPPD’s Transmission System Control Operator written exam and review board within 24 months.
• Obtain NERC System Operator certification with Transmission Operator, Balancing and Transmission Operator, or Reliability Coordinator certification within 12 months of the starting date to perform the position’s duties.
• Pass the NERC Personnel Risk Assessment and continue to meet requirements for access to NERC High Impact BES Cyber Systems.
• Be able to be contacted by phone.

Nice To Haves

• Reliability Coordinator certification is preferred.
• Living within 60 minutes of the Doniphan Control Center is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Train to prepare and issue switching for high-voltage (HV) and extremely high-voltage (EHV) transmission lines and equipment safely and in accordance with applicable NERC and RE Reliability Standards, including verifying switching orders before execution.
• Monitor and control system voltage and operate reactive devices to maintain the desired voltage profile and control VARs in accordance with applicable standards.
• Train to monitor and control HV and EHV transmission lines and substations as system requirements change, including training to respond to emergencies involving transmission, substation, or generation facilities.
• Use possible control actions, including shedding firm load, to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limit or Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit violations.
• Remain informed about the status of generation resources and high-voltage transmission components on NPPD and neighboring systems that affect the NPPD transmission system.
• Consider the risks and benefits of actions before taking appropriate action.
• Support safe and reliable maintenance and operation of electrical facilities to protect the public and the environment, following work priorities, safety programs, and applicable standards.
• Complete the requirements of the System Operator Progression Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid medical leave
• Training opportunities
• Annual Incentive Program may supplement total compensation
• NERC Certification Premium program eligibility after obtaining NERC certification

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree