Transmission System Operator (Onsite)

Job No: 500115 FT/PT: Full-time Regular/Project/Seasonal: Regular Location: Austin, TX 78744 City: Austin State: Texas Categories: Operations/Maintenance (Power, Water, Transmission, Telecom), On-site

Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the real-time operation and control of LCRA transmission grid at the System Operations Control Center (SOCC). Coordinates and performs switching of LCRA TSC, customer, and leased transmission lines, working with maintenance personnel in restoration efforts to safely and efficiently restore power to the end-use customer. Performs routine engineering analysis and calculations necessary for real-time line loading functions and load flow functions in order to adapt to changing system conditions.

You will be trusted to:

- Monitors and controls (through SCADA) transmission and substation facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading within ratings, a reliable system voltage profile, and operation within first contingency limits. This includes maintaining/restoring acceptable generating unit reactive capacity, line loading, bus voltages, transformer load tap changes, switched capacitors/reactors and operation of transmission breakers/switches. This also includes monitoring and responding to station equipment alarms and grid element voltage/limit alarms.

- Restores service (through SCADA and dispatch of field personnel) to transmission and substation facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity.

- Writes, checks and issues switching orders for transmission and substation facilities consistent with the Transmission Services Safety and Health Handbook, LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual, and System Operations Procedures to ensure safety of field personnel while making transmission and substation facilities available for maintenance and construction activities.

- Coordinates all switching activities with other utilities to make certain safety and reliability are upheld.

- Ensures appropriate communications on all transmission events to LCRA System Operations management, LCRA Customers, and ERCOT.

- Logs all activities (planned and unplanned events) in the System Operator Daily Log to provide current system status.

- Monitors and reports all communication problems on RTU’s and the EMS to ensure vital communications are available for normal and emergency operations.

- Utilizes one-line diagrams as a tool in writing and checking switching orders.

- Coordinates and directs Black Start restoration activities between LCRA TSC field staff, LCRA QSE, LCRA generating units, Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating units, and ERCOT to restore service in the event of a state-wide blackout.

- Maintains working knowledge of all System Operations procedures, manuals, handbooks, plans and technology systems.

- Maintains NERC Certification (at the Transmission Operator level) to assure understanding of NERC policies and to meet NERC requirements

- Provides recommendations to System Operations management on operating procedures, EMS enhancements, and training topics to improve processes and procedures.

- Monitors weather conditions to ensure LCRA system operations readiness during adverse weather conditions.

- Maintains working knowledge of Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) and State Estimator tools and applications.

- Has the authority to shed firm load during ERCOT Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) event, or any events where shedding firm load is necessary to maintain the integrity of the transmission grid and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment.

- Has the authority to restore load following force majeure and mandated load shedding events.

You qualify with:

- Four or more years experience in real-time operation and control of electric transmission and/or distribution systems, transmission equipment field operations or power plant operations, or other relevant experience.

- A degree(s) in electrical engineering technology, electrical technology, electronics or relevant field may be substituted per LCRA guidelines for certain years of experience.

- Fluent in the English language

- NERC System Operator Certification or equivalent

You are a great fit with:

- Knowledge of the LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual

- Knowledge of LCRA System Operations Procedures

- Knowledge of basic electricity fundamentals and typical electrical systems and equipment

- Knowledge of electric transmission and generation facilities

- Working knowledge of system one-line diagrams

- Knowledge of ERCOT Operating Guides

- Knowledge of NERC Operating Policies and Reliability Standards

- Knowledge of Black Start responsibilities including LCRA black start corridors

- Comprehensive knowledge of EMS and associated communications systems

- General understanding of field personnel operations

- Advanced skill level in Energy Management System for transmission switching control

- Skill in analyzing and solving complex problems

- Advanced skill in reading and interpreting diagrams and prints

- Skill in verbal and written communication

- Basic skill level in office productivity applications (such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)

- Skill in communicating effectively with team members, supervision / management and external organizations under normal and emergency conditions

- Ability to remain alert over a 12-hour period in order to respond to a variety of emerging events

- Ability to keep current on changing policies, procedures, and regulations related to the transmission system

- Ability to work in a team environment

- Work hours are spent in an office, industrial, electrical substation and/or plant environment

- Work involves weekends, holidays and non-standard hours

- Work involves a rotating shift schedule

- Work involves call-out as necessary

- Works in close proximity to energized high-voltage electrical equipment when participating in field training

- Work requires use of protective equipment

- Work is confined to a particular work space which requires relief to leave

Physical Demands:

- Work involves frequent finger/hand manipulation in using a keyboard and mouse

- Work involves constant sitting

You gain:

- Competitive salary & medical, dental, vision and legal insurance

- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave

- 401(k) match up to 8% that includes a student loan 401(k) contribution program option

- Life and disability insurance

- Wellness program including wellness incentive

- Extensive learning & development programs

And more - all to create a compelling and rewarding work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LCRA provides equal employment opportunities and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at LCRA are based on business need, job requirement and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state legal requirements governing nondiscrimination in employment.

LCRA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact LCRA Human Resources (512) 578-4004 or email lcra.benefits@lcra.org. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applications close: