System Operator - 2 Openings

Employment Type:

ALLETE - Non-Union

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, is an electric utility headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. We provide electricity in a 26,000-square-mile service area in northeastern Minnesota to 150,000 customers, including 14 municipal systems and some of the nation’s largest industrial customers. Minnesota Power is committed to a sustainable future for the climate, our customers and our communities while delivering safe and reliable energy. We play a unique and significant role in ALLETE’s sustainability-in-action strategy. Our culture drives excellence through our shared values of integrity, safety, people, and the planet.

Minnesota Power is currently looking for two System Operators who will operate the Minnesota Power Transmission System in a safe and secure manner. This position has the responsibility and authority to ensure the reliability of the Minnesota Power Interconnected Electrical System.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Under general direction, monitors and operates the Minnesota Power Transmission, Distribution, Generation and MP Control Area Systems to maintain reliable, secure electrical energy systems, to meet customer needs and economic requirements.

- Coordinate and communicate operations with interconnected systems, including Reliability Coordinators, Balancing Authorities, neighboring Transmission Operators, Generator Operators, and Distribution Providers.

- Operate the MP electrical power system in compliance with the standards, procedures, and guidelines established by FERC, NERC, OSHA applicable RROs, MISO and MP.

- Utilize the Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor, control and direct the safe and reliable operation of the MP electrical power system.

- Directs and coordinates activities during normal, emergency and restoration conditions.

- Ensure detailed records and logs are maintained to satisfy internal reporting and regulatory requirements.

- Perform and analyze real-time assessments (including contingency analysis and power flows) and develop real time and contingent action plans from these studies.

- Issue Operating instructions and switching to field personnel in a safe and reliable manner following MP switching procedures.

- Complete an annual training plan to maintain NERC certification and meet operator training program requirements.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

- Associate's degree (or higher) in computer technology, electrical technology, mechanical technology, engineering technology or equivalent.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

- Two years or more of related utility experience.

- Related experience should include power systems operations, engineering, utility operations, power marketing, industrial or production operations, electrical fundamentals, or energy accounting.

- Experience in the related electrical utility industry, such as generation operations, system protection, distribution and transmission operations, substation maintenance and SCADA, is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Pre-Interview Requirement: To be considered for an interview, applicants must either:

o Successfully complete the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator/Power Dispatcher II test, or

o Hold a valid NERC System Operator Certification.

Qualified candidates will be invited to test within a scheduled date range, at a testing center. Applicants who already have a valid NERC certification or have passed the EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher II test within the past five (5) years are exempt from retesting.

- This position will report regularly in person to Duluth, MN.

- This position requires rotating shifts and working weekends.

- Valid driver's license required.

- Must pass color perception testing.

- NERC System Operator Certification must be obtained and maintained after hire. Completion within 12 months of hire is strongly preferred.

- Requires interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships inside and outside the Company.

- Must possess effective computer skills.

- This position may be subject to assessment of skills, job match and/or aptitude.

BENEFITS:

- The expected annual compensation range for these positions is $124,600 – $155,800. Salary progression is based on successful completion of each phase of the four-year training program. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will vary depending on relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position qualifies for a comprehensive benefits package, including an Incentive Program, Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision Plans, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

Employer will not sponsor Visas for position.

External applicants must apply online via www.allete.com/careers.

This job posting will be available for application until the position has been filled OR the posting close date noted herein, whichever date is earlier.

ALLETE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, please contact our Human Resources department at 218-723-7553.

EEO/AA/F/M/Vet/Disabled