Apprentice Systems Operator

Position Summary and Qualifications

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Salary is just one component of FPUA's excellent total compensation package. As an organization, one of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer market leading benefits as summarized under the “Benefits” tab above the Description within this job posting. The salary range shown represents the minimum to midpoint salary for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on qualifications and experience.

The System Operator Apprentice training program is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to qualify to be a Licensed System Operator. Upon completion of the Apprenticeship, will perform the highly skilled technical work in the operations and maintenance of the high voltage Transmission & Distribution System and assume responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of the power system, including the SCADA computer system and the restoration of service to our customers. Training includes study and work in the field of Electric Operations and performs dispatching duties for electric, water, wastewater, and natural gas utilities as well as take customer service calls on nights, weekends, and holidays under the general supervision of a Licensed System Operator and reports directly to the Electric Operations Superintendent.

The following skills must be obtained over the course of each of the four years as follows:

Must be at least 18 years of age, possessing a High School diploma, GED, or equivalent from an accredited educational institution. Associate Degree preferred with considerable knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and mathematics. An understanding of the basic principles of electricity and physics as applied to electrical systems is desired. Must possess knowledge of basic Microsoft Office applications with ability to pass Microsoft Word and Excel exam with 70% or greater score. Some experience in electric systems operation is desirable. Ability to obtain NERC Transmission Operator Certification within 36 months of placement into the Apprentice Operator position and obtain Gas Operator Qualification within 12 months of placement into the Apprentice Operator position. Educational and general qualifications must be such to be capable of progressing to an Electric System Operator at the Distribution and Transmission control center within 48 months of taking this position.

(NOTE: There are also secondary functions, which the employee will be required to perform.)

Assigned course work must be completed and turned in on time. The employee must demonstrate satisfactory progress as evidenced by test scores, completed on-the-job training, and evaluations from System Operators.

At the completion of each year of the apprenticeship, the employee must successfully pass written exams and complete demonstrations as outlined in the program curriculum to progress to the next level.

Develops operational knowledge of the Electric Distribution and Transmission systems, as well as gas, water, and wastewater systems and is able to demonstrate through application of such knowledge.

Utilizes multiple software applications simultaneously, along with maps, schematic/operating diagrams and information provided from the field to make difficult and sometimes confusing decisions with limited information.

Complies with all applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and requirements, Southeast Reliability

Coordinating Council (SERC) reliability standards requirements and all FPUA reliability standards.

Will be required to; prepare, check for accuracy, and perform switching operations on overhead and underground circuits, understand circuit drawings and one-line schematics, keep records both written and electronic, receive and dispatch calls by telephone and radio dealing with service to customers.