System Operator II

Please apply on our website: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=123215&clientkey=7DC5760FDCA8788D51B7484894AA9230

Scope of the Role

The System Operator II primary purpose is to control and direct operation of the transmission system assets under Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (GSEC) operational responsibility. The position acts independently in accordance and in compliance with established procedures, guidelines and standards with minimum supervision, seeking guidance when clarification is needed. The position is expected to use sound judgement ensuring the transmission system is operated in a safe and reliable manner compliant with all Federal, State, and Company guidelines. Coordinates work with other departments of GSEC and other organizations including but not limited to Member Cooperatives of GSEC and their neighboring entities, ERCOT, SPP, and ACES.

The System Operator II is directly responsible for monitoring and dispatching distribution assets for participating GSEC Member Cooperatives. This position will operate and control distribution field devices (e.g. reclosers, capacitors, circuit breakers, etc.) at the direction of the Member Cooperative or as needed for reliability purposes.

Essential Job Functions

- Take timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal operating conditions and emergency situations without obtaining approval from higher level personnel. These actions include but are not limited to: shedding firm load, callout of personnel, and directing the activity of such personnel.

- Control electric transmission facilities in compliance with all applicable FERC, OSHA, NERC, TRE, and ERCOT procedures, rules, and standards.

- Monitor and control voltage levels and power flows on the transmission system to maintain reliability. Analyze system operating conditions, interpret system data, and take appropriate corrective actions as required. Take prompt action independently or at the direction of the Reliability Coordinator (ERCOT) to relieve real-time overloads.

- Provide work direction to field personnel and coordinate with neighboring entities during normal and abnormal system conditions for the safe removal and return to service sections of the transmission system in accordance with approved operating and safety procedures.

- Issue and/or receive Clearance/Hold requests to/from authorized personnel and schedule and coordinate switching. Prepare switching orders using established guidelines to safely and effectively carry out requests. Review and approve switching orders to ensure effectiveness and adherence to established guidelines. Execute switching orders to establish and provide Hot-Line Holds and/or Clearances for authorized field personnel.

- Monitor GSEC’s EMS/SCADA system. Acknowledge alarms and take appropriate action as needed. Report any EMS/SCADA abnormalities to the proper personnel in a timely manner.

- Operate with primary and backup communications as required.

- Maintain a complete and accurate set of records of all communications and operating actions during the shift. Document any and all system failures, mis-operations, disturbances, events, outages, and any other unusual conditions.

- Communicate with individuals/groups from other departments and companies outside the organization, in the office, and in field locations to obtain or provide information and handle operations related matters.

- Develop and enhance working relationships with individuals/groups from other departments and companies outside the organization. Must have effective communications with other utilities, regulatory bodies, and ERCOT & SPP on operations matters.

- Assist in the training of lower-level employees including signing off on the reliability related task list of operators in training.

- Manage operation and control of electric transmission facilities in a safe and reliable manner in full compliance with all applicable FERC, OSHA, NERC, TRE, ERCOT, MRO, and SPP procedures, rules, and standards.

- Maintain a complete and accurate set of records of all communications and operations activities. Ensure that all record-keeping and retention meets all applicable regulatory (FERC, OSHA, NERC, TRE, ERCOT, MRO, and SPP) requirements.

- Other duties as assigned.

Complexity of Problems

- Comply with all safety rules, and all applicable NERC, ERCOT, TRE, SPP, MRO reliability standards, operating rules and regulations.

- Comply with FERC Standards of Conduct.

- Pass Personnel Risk Assessment before hire and every seven years thereafter.

- Timely completion of required training, including but not limited to Annual Cyber Security training.

- Must be able to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and handle pressure.

Internal and External Contacts

Internal Contacts:

Director, Power Delivery, Operations Center Manager, SCADA Manager, SCADA Engineer, SCADA Technicians, Employees at all levels within the organization. Employees at all levels within the organization.

External Contacts:

Member Cooperatives, ACES, SPP, ERCOT, SPS, Neighboring Utilities’ Transmission Operators, consultants, vendors, legal support.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience Required

- High School Diploma or equivalent with sixty semester hours of college course work, or associate’s degree, with an emphasis in math, statistics, basic electricity courses preferred.

- Completion of specialized training for control room operator, plant electrician, relay or electronic technician, substation technician, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline may substitute.

- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in electricity transmission, distribution, or generation.

- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a transmission operations center environment.

- Must be NERC Certified and/or ERCOT Certified or be able to obtain one of those certifications within 1 year of hire.

- Intermediate computer skills. Ability to generate word processing letters/reports, create simple graphics, prepare basic spreadsheet reports, mounting tapes and/or operating printers and other peripheral devices.

- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively and timely in high stress, high pressure environments.

Working Conditions: Office, Amarillo, TX

- Requires sitting for long periods at a time.

- This position will work “day” shifts until fully trained as a System Operator. Once qualified, the incumbent will work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.  Must be available for on-call support including working overtime to fill shifts and during emergency or extenuating circumstances.

Competencies

- Collaboration – Core Competency

- Ethics & Integrity – Core Competency

- Delivery Results – Core Competency

- Problem Solving

- Decision Making & Judgement

- Attention to Detail

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt, Overtime will be required.