System Operator Trainee Jobs

Responsible for gaining a comprehensive working knowledge of all aspects of System Operations through formal training courses, on-the-job training, field training and self-study. The Trainee will progress through a phased training program to teach the Trainee all of the aspects of System Operations including scheduling, electrical fundamentals, transmission system switching, transmission system reliability, and emergency response. The training is to be completed within 24 months. Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the power system.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes:

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 50%, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

System Operator Trainee

Hiring Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the power system.
• 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. Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance programs within the company.
• 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.
• Learn and comply with safe work and clearance procedures as they apply to routine and emergency situations.
• 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.
• Become competent on various computer applications for data entry, report writing, and data exchange.
• Complete and pass TSGT System Operator Trainee training course designed for System Operations.
• Learn the basic fundamentals of coal fired, combined cycle and combustion turbine generation, hydroelectric, and renewable generation technologies (i.e. wind and solar) to include terminology, characteristics and limitations.
• Gain a working knowledge of power scheduling, power contracts, and learn basic power marketing principles.
• Become competent on all communications equipment to include radio and telephone equipment and other associated devices.
• Develop a working knowledge of the EMS/SCADA (Energy Management System/Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition) system and become competent in its operation including the performance of real-time system studies.
• Develop a working knowledge of the electrical transmission system to include transmission lines, substations, telecommunications, and all other major related components.
• Complete field assignments with Tri-State crews in order to learn transmission, substation, and generation job functions. Minimum of one week with each field discipline, or as required.
• Develop a working knowledge of all WECC major transmission paths and their impact on the interconnected system (i.e. TOTs).
• 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.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform other related duties as assigned

SUCCESS FACTORS/JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Time management: ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines and work schedules.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal direction as a highly motivated self-starter.
• Computer proficiency in operating a personal computer and standard business office applications including Microsoft Office suite, databases, and other related applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values
• Strong team player: accomplishes tasks by working with others and being a good team player. Recognizes how his/her decisions may impact others; seeks input from others.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels.
• Planning: ability to think ahead and plan within timelines and resources; develop scopes, plan and schedule work; set priorities and goals; anticipate and adjust for problems; evaluate workloads; measure and evaluate performance against established goals.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:

• High school education or equivalent. Associate degree in electronics or electrical technology or equivalent. Completion of technical training/schooling such as military A school training, desirable. Working knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic principles of physics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Ability to work under stress.
• Must be able to distinguish full range of colors; position duties involve the use of computer monitor which displays color-coded electric system diagrams.
• Must become NERC System Operator Certified prior to testing out of the Trainee Program to become a Transmission System Operator.
• Ability to learn electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits and the fundamentals of power flow.
• Working knowledge of safety rules and equipment.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and written.
• Must maintain NERC System Operator Certification by obtaining the required continuing education hours.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts.
• Ability to use or learn computer terminal.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Experience:

• Zero (0) to two and one half (21/2) years of related experience.

Other:

• 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.
• Utility experience in power plant or field maintenance is desired or military equivalent.

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• NERC Certification

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS : The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work Environment : While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is exposed to a moderate level of noise. All of the duties are performed indoors and at a desk, operating office equipment.
• Physical demands : While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is required to sit for long periods of time and occasionally stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach above and below shoulder level and push/pull objects of varying weights, and lift up to ten pounds. Incumbent is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, or controls, talk and hear.
• Mental demands: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to read, write, perform basic math, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, and present information to others and work under pressure.

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Tri-State: Join the people behind the power. Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes medical, dental, retirement and life insurance. Please visit our careers site at www.tristategt.org/careers/ for more details.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran