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Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. · 3 months ago

System Operator: Trainee, I, II, or Senior

Westminster, CO

Full-time

Hybrid

New Grad, Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$110K/yr - $151K/yr

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. is a wholesale power supply cooperative providing reliable electricity to its members across several states. The System Operator role involves real-time operation of the Tri-State interconnected transmission system, ensuring compliance with reliability standards and coordinating switching and outage requests.

Natural Resources

Responsibilities

Prepare/approve transmission switching programs in advance of requested date of execution

Using advance Energy Management System (EMS) simulation tools model all switching programs to identify and mitigate any reliability issues

Direct and coordinate routine and emergency switching including issuing clearances and other protective orders to field personnel and coordinate with interconnected utilities

Coordinate routine and emergency activities with Member systems and other interconnected utilities

Monitor transmission system events and conditions utilizing EMS, to include but not limited to line trips, system voltages, line loading, and equipment status, and take actions to maintain transmission system reliability as dictated by company specific reliability related tasks in accordance with NERC, RRO, and company guidelines

Monitor network applications, including State Estimator and Real-Time Security Analysis, for potential Transmission System reliability issues and take action to mitigate any reliability issues

Develop, Approve, and Implement mitigations for Real-Time Transmission System emergencies

Perform tasks of the Transmission Service Operator as required including validating Transmission Service Requests, e-Tags, performing congestion management, and underground locates

Assist with training activities of new employees, System Operator I & II, and Transmission System Operator Trainees as needed

During emergency system conditions coordinated and execute decisions to restore load and generation balance, and provide emergency assistance as requested or required to ensure system reliability, as required by the NERC Standards, and provided for under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct

Perform Senior System Operator duties at the Backup Control Center (BCC) as needed during emergencies and during periodic BCC drills and exercises

Participate in Regional System Blackstart system restoration drills

Operate voice and radio communications systems to communicate with interconnected utilities and field personnel

Coordinate at various internal and external corporate levels to exchange information and coordinate reliable operations

Coordinate with System Operating Engineers and assist with system studies and related matters

Assist the Transmission Service Operators as needed.Coordinate with the Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS) desk to ensure all real time changes to Available Transmission Capacity (ATC) is communicated

Maintain operational records and logs

Post information on reliability messaging tools as required, and monitor these messages for incoming reliability information

Participate in all required training to maintain a valid NERC Certification

Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements.Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards and best practices applicable to the functional area including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety.Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance

Demonstrate behavior consistent with Tri-State’s culture embodied in the Cooperative principles and spirit and core values of technical competency, respect and dignity, accountability, integrity, trustworthiness, and servant leadership to empower or otherwise enable others to optimally perform their job responsibilities. Demonstrate and promote ethics and behaviors consistent with Tri-State’s culture, Board policies, and business practices

Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job

Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job

Qualification

NERC CertificationElectrical utility systemsTransmission operationsAlgebraGeometryElectricalMechanical theoryACDC circuitsStress managementJudgmentDiscretionCommunication skillsTeamwork

Required

High School diploma or equivalent

Completion of Tri-State System Operator Trainee Program or other qualified System Operator Trainee program

Working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and basic principles of physics including electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC currents, and the fundamentals of power flow

NERC Certification and maintain certification by obtaining required continuing education hours

Working knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic principles of physics

Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits and the fundamental of power flow

Extensive knowledge of electrical utility systems, equipment and all phases of transmission operations

Extensive knowledge of corporate security and fire alarm system and related procedures

Extensive knowledge of safety rules and equipment

Ability to direct the work of other System Operators and assist in training new employees and/or trainees

Ability to distinguish full range of colors in order to be successful with completing duties involving the use of computer displays to monitor color-coded electric system diagrams

Ability to use and learn various computer applications

Excellent communication skills, both orally and written

Ability to work under stress

Ability to maintain good working relationship both internal and external

Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in routine and emergency situations

Willingness to work rotating shifts with extra and/or irregular hours including holidays

Willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)

Must be able to demonstrate that he/she can perform all of the essential functions of the position