Associate Transmission Operator/Transmission Operator

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Job Function)
Under the direction of a transmission operator, the associate transmission operator monitors and operates the bulk electric power system (345 kV and 161 kV systems), based on standards provided by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation regional transmission operator operating procedures and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's standards of conduct for normal, emergency and restoration conditions. The associate transmission operator provides support to the transmission operator in the area of preparing and instructing switching, alarm response, dispatching, voltage control, unscheduled outage response and other areas as directed. This position is intended to be a training position until the employee is fully qualified to operate the system independently as a transmission operator. After 12 months as an associate transmission operator, the employee's performance will be reviewed to see if he/she meets the minimum qualifications and performance standards before becoming a transmission operator. The associate transmission operator will be required to achieve proficiency and move to the transmission operator position within 12 months of starting training. Failure to meet these performance standards within 12 months will result in a six-month remedial period. At the end of the remedial period, the associate transmission operator will be evaluated for possible advancement to the transmission operator position. Proficiency will be determined by testing, observation, and ability to acquire NERC certification.

An Associate Transmission Operator must complete training to become fully qualified as a transmission operator within 12 months of starting the training program. A Transmission Operator must achieve and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation certification status at a level of Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator Operator.

Under direction, operate the transmission system according to department policies and procedures and standards set by North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Regional Reliability Organization.

Under direction, ensure safe, reliable and economic operation of the (345 kV and 161 kV) bulk power electric transmission system by monitoring and responding to system disturbances involving substation and transmission equipment and taking appropriate steps in conjunction with the reliability coordinator when a operating limit violation is detected.

Under direction, maintain proper reactive power loading and voltage levels on the transmission system. Initiate actions to achieve optimum voltage levels by switching capacitors, reactors and lightly loaded transmission lines by adjusting tap positions on power transformers and by requesting voltage changes at power plants and adjoining power systems.

Under direction, coordinate requests for equipment outages to ensure reliability of the interconnected system. Utilize network applications inluding state estimator and contingency analysis.

Responsible for the effective transfer of necessary information as required by North American Electric Reliability Corporation standards. This requires the transfer of information among adjacent control areas as well as with those entities responsible for regional reliability coordination (Mid-continent Independent System Operator/Midwest Reliability Organization.)

Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning.

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of human performance improvement techniques.

Evaluate present practices and implement processes, concepts, training and tools to prevent, detect and correct human errors that may adversely impact the safe, reliable operation of the electric transmission and distribution system.

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Typically, six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

Five years of experience in electric operations is required for the transmission operator level.

Must obtain (within 12 months for Associate Transmission Operator) and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation certification status at a level of Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator Operator. North American Electric Reliability Corporation requires certification at either of these levels prior to allowing the individual to assume the responsibility of operating the bulk power (345 kV and 161 kV) electric system within North America.

Must have a high degree of technical knowledge related to the operation of the interconnected bulk power (345 kV and 161 kV) electric system under normal, emergency and restoration conditions.

Effective oral and written communication skills to clearly articulate the key points of an issue, keep attention of others, take recipients needs into account when speaking or writing. Is able to train various size groups on a highly technical subject.

Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills in order to systematically analyze problems and issues; identify causes; anticipate implications and identify effective courses of action.

Ability to coordinate construction or maintenance projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring continued reliability. Ability to resolve conflicting demands in a diplomatic manner while maintaining system integrity and reliability of service to our customers during outage periods.

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.