What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power System Trainer/Operator position at City Utilities?
Power System Trainer / Operator - ( 24000238 )
Description
PURPOSE OF POSITION :
Under the direction of Manager – Power Systems Operations or designee, develops and administers the training requirements for Power System Control according to NERC reliability standards, SPP Criteria, and the City Utilities Training Plan for Power System Control. This position will be responsible for designing, delivering, and documenting all Federally required training for all Power System Operators and trainees. Training will consist of a mix of course material designed, developed, and delivered “in house” as well as from outside sources.
In addition, this position will be required to perform all duties of the Power System Operator / Dispatcher position including maintaining certification and readiness to perform those duties.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :
Follows the NERC Standards Development process to provide feedback to management concerning training and personnel related standards.
As a SME, annually reviews all Electric Reliability Compliance 691 documents related to Power System Operations.
Develops new plans, processes, procedures, and guides as required for new applications or new / revised NERC Standards.
Participates in the SPP Operations Training Users Forum and other forums or working groups to stay current with industry trends and changes affecting System Operator Training.
Maintains NERC Continuing Education Provider Status
Coordinates with Southwestern Power Administration to host annual System Restoration training for each operator.
Maintains Back-up Control Center annual Functionality Test and Performance Checks for each operator.
Learns and follows City Utilities Standards of Conduct concerning treatment of transmission operating information.
Schedules and tracks training requirements for each certified System Operator in Power System Control to ensure that all regulatory and safety requirements are met, and certifications and qualifications are maintained.
Maintains their own NERC System Operator Certification through self-study and participation in mandatory training courses.
Uses Microsoft PowerPoint to design and develop written course materials.
Performs all duties of the Power System Operator / Dispatcher vacancies during emergencies or during operator training.
Power System Operator Dispatcher duties will include :
a. Taking responsibility and authority to operate City Utilities’ electric system in a safe and reliable manner, in accordance with NERC reliability standards. This authority includes directing City Utilities’ personnel to take actions to protect the integrity of the bulk electric system.
b. Operating computerized Energy Management System (EMS) to include data input, changeover, and recovery during malfunctions. Many specific tasks are accomplished through the EMS system. Monitoring and reporting any changes or inconsistencies in maps and / or operating information.
c. Observing load and voltage to ensure adequate supply and distribution of electricity to meet power demands. Contacting power stations for increase or decrease in watts and vars.
d. Following a schedule of power transfer with interconnected balancing authority areas to ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards during normal and emergency operations.
e. Ensuring generators are loaded in accordance with economic dispatching principles to produce power at minimum cost, consistent with operational constraints.
f. Keeping constantly informed via telemetry of conditions throughout the system. Records on daily log sheet or Energy Management System the hourly system readings. Ensures hourly electronic transmittal to The Energy Authority, City Utilities’ marketing affiliate, of information regarding the availability and costs of City Utilities’ generation resources. Preparing monthly operational reports. Keeping other necessary records.
g. Coordinating connection / disconnection of generating units with applicable power station personnel and with the Reliability Coordinator (SPP). Communicating with field personnel and maintaining action logs for hold and clearance logs.
h. Controlling and monitoring all high voltage switching to include the removal from service and restoration to service of lines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance. Responsibility includes reporting all transmission outages for all BES facilities to the Reliability Coordinator.
i. Taking trouble calls and coordinating corrective action with field personnel during off-hours for the electric system.
j. Taking all prudent action to restore service in a timely manner following outages and to minimize the effect of emergencies. Ensuring, on a real-time basis, that the system is operated safely. Ensuring all switching procedures are implemented per plan to ensure safety of the public and City Utilities’ crews and maintain system integrity.
k. Initiating appropriate emergency procedures, when directed or when necessary, based upon own judgment. Initiating Emergency Control Center operation when conditions warrant. Notifying appropriate duty personnel when additional assistance is needed.
Maintains awareness of cybersecurity and completes routine cybersecurity training.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS :
Education and Experience :
A bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical field or business is required. Two or more years of college or vocational / technical courses and exceptional experience in electricity and / or electric power systems may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis. Computer proficiency is required. Four years of recent progressively responsible experience in power generation or transmission and distribution operation is required.
Licensing / Certification :
NERC System Operator Certification for Balancing & Interchange and Transmission Operator or higher is required or the ability to obtain and pass applicable certification test(s) within 12 months of employment.
Must complete training requirements within 24 months of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
- Familiar with :
o Current NERC reliability standards—particularly (PER) personnel and training standards, SPP Reliability Criteria, and City Utilities’ Power System Operating Procedures.
o NERC System Operator Certification Process and Continuing Education and training requirements.
o Maintain good relationships with others and promote teamwork.
o Make prudent and prompt decisions and take corrective action.
o Perform all duties of the Power System Operator / Dispatcher.
o Maintain awareness of cybersecurity and threats.
o Make sound judgment in stressful situations.
o Work courteously with customers, co-workers, and regulatory agencies.
o Demonstrate a commitment to quality beyond meeting the essentials of training.
o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.
Working knowledge of controlling a power system.
Strong technical writing skills.
Maintain adherence to all company policies.
Physical Requirements :
Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and / or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Ability to differentiate the colors red and green on a computer monitor in order to detect energized and de-energized equipment. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication.
Working Conditions :
Duties are primarily performed in a normal office environment. During emergencies, there can be substantial noise from various alarm devices, radio transmissions, and telephone calls.
Miscellaneous Requirements :
Shift work may be required.
Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
Must be able to pass a NERC background check.
Employees must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
TESTING :
Testing may be required.
Full / Part Time : : Full-time - Regular
Work Schedule : : 8AM To 4 : 30PM MON-FRI
Work Locations : MO-Springfield
Department : Electric Dispatch
Supervisor's Title : : Manager Power System Operations
Pay Range : : Grade 59 Minimum : $1,744.83 / weekly Midpoint : $2,181.03
Job Posting : Jan 30, 2025, 11 : 26 : 55 AM
Req ID : 24000238
Salary : $1,745 - $2,181
