Job summary
The Power System Operator – Transmission is responsible for the real-time monitoring and control of Platte River Power Authority’s (PRPA) transmission system in a safe, reliable, coordinated, and compliant manner.
We are seeking an experienced operator with three or more years of power systems operations experience and current NERC system operator certification in Transmission or Reliability to join our team. Coverage on the desk is required 24/7 year-round; and this position is required to work rotating 12-hour shifts (days, nights, holidays, weekends, inclement weather) and overtime when needed.
Transmission system operators are required to use critical thinking skills to make sound decisions in time-sensitive situations, while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. Our ideal candidate has strong people and communication skills and will leverage these abilities to effectively build relationships with internal staff as well as external parties.
This position works fully onsite at Platte River's headquarters campus in Fort Collins and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
Application deadline: Tuesday, April 30 at 11:59 pm ET
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Models the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization
- Monitors Platte Rivers transmission system and ensures it is operated in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner at all times
- Develops and or implements mitigation plans for system emergencies
- Develops and implements switching procedures to maintain a safe working environment for both personnel and physical property
- Maintains clear and open communication with other reliability entities, field personnel, and city/owner communities
- Coordinates and communicates scheduled and un-scheduled transmission outages with other reliability entities, field personnel, and city/owner communities
- Complies with applicable FERC Order, NERC Reliability Standards, WECC Reliability Standards, regional procedures/criteria, and specific plans, procedures and contracts
- Maintains transmission records
- Disseminates information regarding reliability related events to management and necessary personnel
- Reviews and implements Operating Plans and procedures as dictated by system conditions
- Communicates and coordinates operating procedures and processes with neighboring reliability entities, Reliability Coordinators, and owner communities
- Creates and submits identified reports to DOE, NERC, WECC and the Reliability Coordinator as required
- Maintains and monitors transmission requests and ATC postings
- Collaborates closely with internal team members and leaders to seek guidance and input regarding activities
- Familiar with and follows the FERC Standards of Conduct; this role is classified as a transmission function employee actively and personally engaged on a day-to-day basis in transmission functions
Other functions
- Provides power system transmission on-the-job training to Power System Operator trainees
- Evaluates and schedules real-time outage requests
- Maintains documentation for E&O and DRC control centers
- Maintains working knowledge of all tools and processes provided to perform their duties
- This role works in a 24-hour, 7-day a week office environment, on 12-hour rotating shifts and work overtime as needed
- Performs other duties as assigned
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Thorough working knowledge of safe and efficient system operations
- Ability to perform duties and problem solve during stressful, time-sensitive situations
- Must be able to read and understand complex contracts and materials and evaluate all available information to make independent decisions as necessary
- Ability to identify colors and various alarm sounds
- Strong math aptitude
- Ability to read and understand one-line electrical diagrams
- Extensive knowledge of high voltage electrical utility equipment and industry terminology
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must be able to work independently and in a team environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), SCADA/ EMS systems, OATI webTrans, eTag, OASIS and OSI PI historian
Qualifications
- Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
- Possess and be able to maintain certification as NERC Certified System Operator in Transmission (TO) or Reliability (RC)
- Current valid drivers license and ability to remain insurable under a vehicle liability policy
- Must have at least three years of power system operations experience OR have successfully completed the initial training program section of Platte River's Power System Operator - Transmission Training Program
Physical demands
Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
Hazards
Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident
Work environment
Exposure to routine office noise and equipment
Anticipated hiring range: $71.31 to $82.01 per hour
This is an hourly, non-exempt position; salaries are paid bi-weekly. Factors that may be used to determine actual salary include specific skills, years of experience, education and certifications.
Platte River Power Authority offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following:
- Health insurance options including a PPO and high deductible health savings account with prescription drug coverage
- Telemedicine
- Benefit advocacy
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending plan
- Basic life insurance
- Basic accidental death and disability
- Dependent life and supplemental life insurance options (voluntary)
- Accidental death and disability insurance (voluntary)
- Long-term disability insurance
- Retirement plans 401a defined contribution plan 457b deferred compensation plan
- Paid holidays (12 annually)
- Paid time off: personal and sick leave
- Wellness program
- In-house training opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
For additional information, please see our website careers page at: https://www.prpa.org/careers/benefits/
