System Operator Trainee

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

$87K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school education or equivalent; Associate degree in electronics or electrical technology preferred.
  • Completion of technical training, such as military A school training, is desirable.
  • Working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and basic physics principles.
  • Ability to learn electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits, and power flow fundamentals.
  • Must achieve NERC System Operator Certification within the first six months.
  • Must maintain certification through continuing education; ability to distinguish colors is required.
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts and ability to handle stress.

Responsibilities

  • Complete the System Operator Trainee training course.
  • Assist a NERC Certified System Operator in daily and emergency operations.
  • Learn to operate EMS/SCADA systems and perform real-time studies.
  • Familiarize with electrical transmission systems, including components like lines and substations.
  • Master communications equipment relevant to the role, including radios and telephones.
  • Engage in field assignments with transmission, substation, and generation teams.
  • Develop knowledge of regional transmission paths and their system impacts.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for extensive formal and field training within 24 months.
  • Hands-on experience in a variety of operations under expert guidance.
  • Exposure to various aspects of electric utility operations and compliance.
  • Comprehensive understanding of both traditional and renewable generation technologies.
  • Pathway to NERC certification, a valuable credential in the industry.
Full Job Description
Job Description

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.

System Operator Trainee
Hiring Wage: $42.00

Responsibilities

  • Complete and pass TSGT System Operator Trainee training course designed for System Operations.
  • Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the power system.
  • 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.
  • Become competent on all communications equipment to include radio and telephone equipment and other associated devices.
  • Become competent on various computer applications for data entry, report writing, and data exchange.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Develop a working knowledge of Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and/or Independent System Operator (ISO) reliability functions.
  • Gain a working knowledge of power scheduling, power contracts, and learn basic power marketing principles.
  • Learn and comply with safe work and clearance procedures as they apply to routine and emergency situations.
  • Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance programs within the company.
  • 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.


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

Experience:
  • Zero (0) to two and one half (2 ½) years of related experience.


Other:
  • Willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)
  • Utility experience in power plant or field maintenance is desired or military equivalent.


DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  • NERC Certification

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