Operator in Training

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

- Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities

- Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

- Relocation bonus (if applicable)

- Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible

- Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

Compensation Information

The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Operator in Training -

$ 49,900 - $ 61,100

Join our team as an Operator in Training!

As an Operator in Training, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliable operation of the dynamic state bulk electric system. Working as part of a team, you will acquire the experience needed to make timely and informed decisions regarding real-time operations and customer interactions with transmission services and real-time ancillary service markets under the SPP transmission tariff. In case of a system emergency, you will be responsible for solving complex problems by analyzing relevant data and making sound decisions. The role involves a rotating shift schedule, which brings additional stress and fatigue in the operation of a dynamic power system. This position is eligible for overtime.

Key Responsibilities

- Support system operations by adhering to specific procedures and governing documents.

- Assist Reliability Coordinators with administrative tasks, reports, and customer interactions.

- Assist RTBM Operator with administration of the SPP Tariff and scheduling-related activities.

- Support RTBM and WEIS Operators with Real-Time Balancing Market case setup and approval, verification of unit trips, and monitoring generation for dispatch compliance.

- Assist the Balancing Operator with unit commitment study case setup and execution.

- Gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the electric industry.

- Complete scheduled training tasks as coordinated by the SPP Training Department and/or Management.

- Prepare to take and pass the NERC Reliability Coordinator exam to become NERC Certified.

- Adapt between rotating shift work and regular business week schedules as needed.

- Understand, comply with, and enforce all SPP Policies and Procedures.

To be successful as an Operator in Training, we're looking for:

- High school diploma or GED equivalent

- Ability to work under pressure and manage high-stress situations, particularly during system emergencies.

- Flexibility to transition between shift work and business week schedules.

- Must be able to work a rotating shift schedule.

- Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization

- Ability to follow directions and learn new tasks and analytical tools quickly

- Ability to work in a team environment

- Ability to address issues as they arise

Preferred

- Understanding of transmission system dispatch and/or operations

- Degree or professional certification in a field related the electrical utility industry

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Position Type And Expected Hours Of Work

This is a full-time position. This position works on a rotating shift schedule.

Travel Requirement

This position requires minimal travel approximately 5%.

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool. Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.