Transmission System Operator (Onsite)

Lower Colorado River Authority•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the real-time operation and control of LCRA transmission grid at the System Operations Control Center (SOCC). Coordinates and performs switching of LCRA TSC, customer, and leased transmission lines, working with maintenance personnel in restoration efforts to safely and efficiently restore power to the end-use customer. Performs routine engineering analysis and calculations necessary for real-time line loading functions and load flow functions in order to adapt to changing system conditions. You will be trusted to: - Monitors and controls (through SCADA) transmission and substation facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading within ratings, a reliable system voltage profile, and operation within first contingency limits. This includes maintaining/restoring acceptable generating unit reactive capacity, line loading, bus voltages, transformer load tap changes, switched capacitors/reactors and operation of transmission breakers/switches. This also includes monitoring and responding to station equipment alarms and grid element voltage/limit alarms. - Restores service (through SCADA and dispatch of field personnel) to transmission and substation facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity. - Writes, checks and issues switching orders for transmission and substation facilities consistent with the Transmission Services Safety and Health Handbook, LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual, and System Operations Procedures to ensure safety of field personnel while making transmission and substation facilities available for maintenance and construction activities. - Coordinates all switching activities with other utilities to make certain safety and reliability are upheld. - Ensures appropriate communications on all transmission events to LCRA System Operations management, LCRA Customers, and ERCOT. - Logs all activities (planned and unplanned events) in the System Operator Daily Log to provide current system status. - Monitors and reports all communication problems on RTU’s and the EMS to ensure vital communications are available for normal and emergency operations. - Utilizes one-line diagrams as a tool in writing and checking switching orders. - Coordinates and directs Black Start restoration activities between LCRA TSC field staff, LCRA QSE, LCRA generating units, Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating units, and ERCOT to restore service in the event of a state-wide blackout. - Maintains working knowledge of all System Operations procedures, manuals, handbooks, plans and technology systems. - Maintains NERC Certification (at the Transmission Operator level) to assure understanding of NERC policies and to meet NERC requirements - Provides recommendations to System Operations management on operating procedures, EMS enhancements, and training topics to improve processes and procedures. - Monitors weather conditions to ensure LCRA system operations readiness during adverse weather conditions. - Maintains working knowledge of Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) and State Estimator tools and applications. - Has the authority to shed firm load during ERCOT Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) event, or any events where shedding firm load is necessary to maintain the integrity of the transmission grid and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment. - Has the authority to restore load following force majeure and mandated load shedding events.

Requirements

Four or more years experience in real-time operation and control of electric transmission and/or distribution systems, transmission equipment field operations or power plant operations, or other relevant experience.
A degree(s) in electrical engineering technology, electrical technology, electronics or relevant field may be substituted per LCRA guidelines for certain years of experience.
Fluent in the English language
NERC System Operator Certification or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual
Knowledge of LCRA System Operations Procedures
Knowledge of basic electricity fundamentals and typical electrical systems and equipment
Knowledge of electric transmission and generation facilities
Working knowledge of system one-line diagrams
Knowledge of ERCOT Operating Guides
Knowledge of NERC Operating Policies and Reliability Standards
Knowledge of Black Start responsibilities including LCRA black start corridors
Comprehensive knowledge of EMS and associated communications systems
General understanding of field personnel operations
Advanced skill level in Energy Management System for transmission switching control
Skill in analyzing and solving complex problems
Advanced skill in reading and interpreting diagrams and prints
Skill in verbal and written communication
Basic skill level in office productivity applications (such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
Skill in communicating effectively with team members, supervision / management and external organizations under normal and emergency conditions
Ability to remain alert over a 12-hour period in order to respond to a variety of emerging events
Ability to keep current on changing policies, procedures, and regulations related to the transmission system
Ability to work in a team environment

Responsibilities

Monitors and controls (through SCADA) transmission and substation facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading within ratings, a reliable system voltage profile, and operation within first contingency limits. This includes maintaining/restoring acceptable generating unit reactive capacity, line loading, bus voltages, transformer load tap changes, switched capacitors/reactors and operation of transmission breakers/switches. This also includes monitoring and responding to station equipment alarms and grid element voltage/limit alarms.
Restores service (through SCADA and dispatch of field personnel) to transmission and substation facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity.
Writes, checks and issues switching orders for transmission and substation facilities consistent with the Transmission Services Safety and Health Handbook, LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual, and System Operations Procedures to ensure safety of field personnel while making transmission and substation facilities available for maintenance and construction activities.
Coordinates all switching activities with other utilities to make certain safety and reliability are upheld.
Ensures appropriate communications on all transmission events to LCRA System Operations management, LCRA Customers, and ERCOT.
Logs all activities (planned and unplanned events) in the System Operator Daily Log to provide current system status.
Monitors and reports all communication problems on RTU’s and the EMS to ensure vital communications are available for normal and emergency operations.
Utilizes one-line diagrams as a tool in writing and checking switching orders.
Coordinates and directs Black Start restoration activities between LCRA TSC field staff, LCRA QSE, LCRA generating units, Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating units, and ERCOT to restore service in the event of a state-wide blackout.
Maintains working knowledge of all System Operations procedures, manuals, handbooks, plans and technology systems.
Maintains NERC Certification (at the Transmission Operator level) to assure understanding of NERC policies and to meet NERC requirements
Provides recommendations to System Operations management on operating procedures, EMS enhancements, and training topics to improve processes and procedures.
Monitors weather conditions to ensure LCRA system operations readiness during adverse weather conditions.
Maintains working knowledge of Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) and State Estimator tools and applications.
Has the authority to shed firm load during ERCOT Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) event, or any events where shedding firm load is necessary to maintain the integrity of the transmission grid and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment.
Has the authority to restore load following force majeure and mandated load shedding events.

Benefits

Competitive salary & medical, dental, vision and legal insurance
Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
401(k) match up to 8% that includes a student loan 401(k) contribution program option
Life and disability insurance
Wellness program including wellness incentive
Extensive learning & development programs
And more - all to create a compelling and rewarding work environment.

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