Specialist, Transmission System Operator II

External - Posting Description

Specialist, Transmission System Operator II - 517428

Organization: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Transmission Operations, Reliability & SCADA

Work Location Requirements: This is an On-site position located at the Power System Operation Center in Georgetown, TN.

Relocation: Relocation benefits are offered for this position and will be aligned with federal travel regulations

Posting Open: 01/23/2025

Posting Close: 02/06/2025 at 11:59 PM EST

Salary: Competitive

Position Purpose

This position is responsible for the directing the safe and reliable real-time operation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the Bulk Electric System (BES). Operations include monitoring the transmission facilities, nuclear plant off-site electrical power supply and executing switching. Restores electrical power to customers following a disturbance and coordinates those activities with power distributors. Provides surveillance of the TVA transmission system to ensure all applicable North American Electrical Reliability Council (NERC) standards are followed. Evaluates, coordinates and directs all switching operations on the TVA transmission system to remove and return TVA and customer assets.

Principal Accountabilities

• Responsible to ensure TVA clearance procedure is followed to provide a safe work environment.
• Responsible for complying with NERC standards.
• Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level.
• Monitors system conditions to ensure the availability of off-site electrical power supply to nuclear plants.
• Develops and implements black-start and system restoration procedures.
• Monitors reactive reserve requirements to ensure availability meets system needs, both in real-time and anticipated.
• Ensures the safe and reliable real-time operation of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES by monitoring the operating limits, developing contingency plans and directing switching operations.
• Coordinates with TVA Reliability Coordinator to alleviate System Operating Limits (SOL) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) to protect the integrity of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES.
• Take real-time actions to restore customer and TVA transmission system assets to service following a disturbance.
• Coordinates and directs work with all TVA personnel, Corps of Engineers, power distributors, direct served customers and neighboring utilities.
• Write, review and direct all switching activities on the TVA transmission system.
• Coordinates with representative between Transmission, Fossil Power Group (FPG), River System Operations and Environment (RSO&E) and Nuclear Power (NP) organizations on all activities on the TVA transmission system.
• Writes and reviews scheduled outages to ensure FPG, RSO&E and NP scheduled outages have no impact on the generation needs of the TVA transmission system.
• Responsible for maintaining records of system data, system conditions, switching instructions, personnel arrival and departure from TVA substations and test performed.
• During normal and emergency conditions, has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions. Such actions shall include shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate SOL and IROL violations. These actions are performed without obtaining approval from higher level personnel within the Transmission Operator or Balancing Authority.

Minimum Requirements

Education — B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with 3-5 years of relay protection and field operations or equivalent experience in systems operations or Journeyman electrician or lineman with 3-5 years field experience.

Experience — Must have demonstrated satisfactory performance and experience as Transmission Operator trainee.

Certification/License, etc — Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level. Must be able to obtain and maintain FFD program Integrity Clearance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities — Thorough knowledge of electrical theory of large power transmission system; detailed operational knowledge of generators, transformers, power circuit breakers, relaying protection principles and switching practices. Knowledge and demonstrated ability to assess and implement operating procedures to ensure the transmission system remains in a stable and safe operating condition. Good communications skills both verbally and written. Proven leadership ability to work with others and take charge following emergencies. Required to work 12-hour rotating shifts. Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on position / access requirements and essential job functions.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed at a single physical TVA location. Employees are responsible for meeting the established reporting requirements of their business unit or position, which may vary based on business needs. Employees will not receive travel reimbursement to their TVA official duty station.

#LI-Onsite

Equal Employment Opportunity

TVA values and embraces diversity. We encourage all individuals to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sex, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status and age. We strive to be inclusive of all the people we serve across the Valley.

TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

How to Claim Vet Preference

If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.

How to Submit Documentation:

More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email Careers@tva.gov.