System Operator (Transmission)

MWResource, Inc.•Richmond, VA

2d•$100,000 - $104,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Transmission System Operator is responsible and authorized to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions, including shedding firm load, to maintain the reliability of the Bulk Electric System in normal and emergency conditions. The position is subject to the authority of PJM, which functions as Reliability Coordinator, Transmission Operator, and Balancing Authority. Critical reliability-related tasks are performed without approval from higher-level company personnel. The operator maintains knowledge of operating practices and procedures, monitors Bulk Electric System elements and responds to changes in status, weather, disturbances, emergencies, and other system conditions. The role also monitors voltage and reactive power flows, uses reactive resources to maintain voltage schedules, prepares switching orders to create safe work zones, provides switching instructions to field personnel, operates transmission and distribution equipment through SCADA as needed, monitors power flows among interconnected entities, and logs system activities for operational reporting. The operator is expected to respond to emergency storm-related events and operate a company vehicle or a vehicle on the company’s behalf. This is a contract-to-hire, onsite position in Richmond, Virginia, with 12-hour rotating shifts. The operator must obtain NERC Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator certification and PJM Transmission System Operator certification within six months of the start or transfer date, subject to a maximum of four total test attempts. The company’s System Operations Defined Operator qualification program must be completed within 18 months, or within 12 months for those already certified.

Requirements

At least 3 years of directly related electrical or mechanical experience in a utility, industrial, or production environment. A partial year of related experience of 6 months or more counts as one year; a master's degree can count as one year of experience.
At least 18 months in a System Operator role or a role performing the same functions as a Company Transmission System Operator.
Proficient-level knowledge of NERC regulations, mathematics, electrical principles, electrical control systems, substation equipment and operations, power station operations and generation, and industrial safety and emergency procedures.
Proficient-level skills in computer systems, including Microsoft Word, EMS, and OMS; verbal and written communication; interpersonal interaction; complex problem-solving; teamwork; and collaboration.
Ability to think critically, pay attention to detail, work effectively in high-stress situations, and be personable, flexible, dependable, honest, and ethical.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must obtain NERC Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator certification and PJM Transmission System Operator certification within 6 months of the start or transfer date, with no more than 4 total test attempts to obtain both certifications.
Must complete the Company Energy System Operations Defined Operator qualification program within 18 months of the initial start or transfer date; already-certified candidates must complete it within 12 months.
Must operate a company energy vehicle or a vehicle on the company’s behalf.
Must respond to emergency storm-related events.
Must work 12-hour rotating shifts.
Must pass a background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Current NERC Transmission Operator certification.
Current PJM Transmission System Operator certification.
Utility experience.
Proficient-level knowledge of PJM regulations.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering.
Associate’s degree in a technical discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, with an additional 2 or more years of related experience.
High school diploma with an additional 4 or more years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions, including shedding firm load, to maintain Bulk Electric System reliability during normal and emergency conditions.
Maintain knowledge of operating practices and procedures.
Monitor Bulk Electric System elements and respond to status changes.
Respond to disturbances, emergency events, weather changes, and other system conditions, and make appropriate internal and external notifications.
Monitor voltage and reactive power flows and use reactive resources to maintain voltage schedules.
Prepare switching orders that isolate work areas and provide a safe zone of protection for field personnel and equipment.
Provide verbal instructions to field personnel conducting switching operations and make appropriate internal and external notifications.
Control transmission and distribution equipment using SCADA as needed.
Monitor and regulate power flows among interconnected entities.
Log system activities for routine reporting and accurate operational records.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.
Report and respond to emergency storm-related events.
Operate a company energy vehicle or a vehicle on the company’s behalf.
Maintain relevant PJM Transmission Operator and NERC Transmission Operator/Reliability Coordinator certifications once obtained.