System Operator

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

No Expiration Date

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.

Key Roles

Ensures the safe and reliable operations of the EKPC transmission system through timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions, and if necessary, shedding firm load to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limit (SOL) or Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) violations, without obtaining approval from any higher-level personnel within EKPC. Has full authority and accountability for maintaining safe and reliable operations during all switching related activities on the EKPC transmission system under normal and abnormal system conditions. Complies with all PJM directives and/or instructions to operate to protect against instability, uncontrolled separation, cascading outages, and IROL/SOL violations.

Key Responsibilities

- Directs and coordinates transmission system operations in conjunction with the PJM RTO.

- Directs and coordinates the actions of personnel from Power Delivery, Power Production, Member Systems, and qualified contractors during all switching related activities on the EKPC transmission system using the 3-part communications protocol.

- Complies with all PJM directives and instructions to operate to protect against instability, uncontrolled separation, cascading outages, and IROL/SOL violations unless such actions would violate safety, equipment, regulatory or statutory requirements.

- Uses EKPC's state estimator and contingency analysis tools to enhance real-time situational awareness of system conditions, as well as performing off-line power flow studies to determine best course of action to mitigate real-time reliability issues.

- Ensures the Transmission System is operated in a safe and efficient manner with priority given to the safety of all personnel, equipment, customers, and general public.

- Maintains continued system operations during a loss of functionality of the primary control center.

- Maintains thorough understanding of operating the EKPC transmission system within the PJM RTO, and in accordance with the rules and procedures outlined in the PJM Manuals, by keeping abreast of annual changes, additions, and updates to the manuals.

- Informs Member Systems of all transmission system conditions or control area situations that may impact the distribution system.

- Directs and coordinates plant voltage schedules with guidance from the PJM System Operator.

- Monitors system conditions for abnormal operating conditions and takes necessary actions, including the shedding of firm load, to restore the transmission system to normal operating conditions.

- Maintains a real-time transmission log which tracks field personnel work in process, work completed.

- Prepares emergency line and substation outage requests, as required, and notifies PJM accordingly.

- Coordinates the scheduling and transfer of load to and from the EKPC Transmission System.

- Complies with all applicable NERC, SERC, PSC, DOE, and PJM standards and procedures, as well as EKPC internal policies/procedures.

- Adheres to FERC Standards of Conduct and other confidentiality agreements.

- Provides guidance and relief for other system operators when system and staffing conditions require.

- Accepts and volunteers for assignments to meet team and process goals.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

Education:

- Associate's degree in a related area. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Experience:

- Five (5) years of related experience.

Skills and Abilities:

- Must obtain NERC System Operator Certification and PJM Transmission Certification within six months of official start date.

- Must complete the annual training requirements to maintain NERC & PJM certifications.

- Must be able to accept, demonstrate, and maintain full authority and accountability when issuing instructions to field personnel during planned/unplanned outages and system restoration efforts using the 3-part communications protocol.

- Must develop and maintain thorough knowledge of operating the transmission system within the PJM RTO and in accordance with procedures and requirements outlined in applicable PJM Manuals.

- Must be able to recognize abnormal system operating conditions and take appropriate action to return the system back to normal operating conditions in timely fashion.

- Must have knowledge of transmission system operations (technically and geographically), line switching, lock-out/tag-out procedures, transmission and substation equipment.

- Must have an understanding of industry practices as they relate to insuring the safety of personnel.

- Must understand operating risks and be able to recognize abnormal operating conditions.

- Must have a working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and the basic principles of electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC currents, and the fundamentals of real and reactive power flow.

- Must be able to use multi-tier phone and radio communication systems to manage multiple calls into the control center.

- Basic knowledge of power plant operations, both fossil fuel and hydro, is preferred.

- Knowledge of system control concepts, dispatching techniques, and area control error helpful.

- An understanding of AGC, unit governor relationship, and economic operation concepts helpful.

- Detailed knowledge of the interconnection agreements with other utilities helpful.

- Must have an effective working knowledge of the application of personal computers and resources necessary to use them effectively. Understanding of and experience with Microsoft Windows Operating system, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook is preferred Typing competence is helpful.

Competencies

- Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills

- Energy

- Decision Making

- Safety Awareness

- Customer Focus

- Contributing to Team Success

Working Conditions

- Must work a 12-hour rotating shift. Subject to 24-hour call in.

- This position requires regular lifting up to 20 lbs. and working at heights.