Provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Monitor/control transmission system, ensure grid reliability and manage market operations.
14 days ago ago
$39 - $53
Entry-level
Full Time
Butte, MT
Hybrid
Company Size
2,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Energy Services
Utility Operations
Energy Distribution
Grid Management
Sustainability Services
Energy Efficiency Programs
Electricity Generation
Renewable Energy Solutions
Sector Specialisms
Electric Utility
Natural Gas Utility
Natural Gas Pipeline
Propane Utility
Energy
Renewable Energy
Solar
Wind
Role
Description
state estimation
switching plans
work authorizations
contingency reserves
system monitoring
dispatch functions
Work a rotating twelve-hour shift cycle with overtime, weekend, and night work
Utilize state estimation tools to identify grid reliability risks and develop operation plans
Develop switching plans and issue appropriate switching orders to field personnel
Issue and track transmission work authorizations including Clearances and Hot Line Holds to ensure public and field personnel safety
Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
Maintain NorthWestern Energy contingency reserves, enter NWE contingency events into EIM and coordinate NWE Reserve Sharing requests and deployments with Reserve Sharing partners
Communicate operational information with impacted utilities and agencies and complete required event reporting
Meet and operate within NERC, FERC, and WECC standards, requirements, and guidelines
Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
Coordinate switching and clearance procedures with field personnel
Monitor and control NorthWestern Energy's transmission system and associated tie-lines to ensure system voltages and energy flows remain within operational limits
Perform all necessary functions for maintenance and revision of the map board
Perform dispatch-related functions including monitoring and recording of energy flows, generator unit status, system load, and remaining load
Monitor Transfer limits and EIM energy flows for each Intertie with other EIM participants through BAAOP
Perform reliability based Energy Imbalance Market tasks to pass binding CAISO EIM Sufficiency Tests (Capacity, Balance, Flex Ramp) and take corrective actions for EIM Sufficiency Test failures
Implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system during system normal and emergency conditions
Monitor the EIM solution in Real-Time and evaluate results for Market Infeasibilities, generation data errors, communication errors and other Real-Time issues which impact generation operations and EIM solution quality
Requirements
nerc batop
pi software
scada
microsoft office
high school
decision making
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimal travel is required for training or other purposes - up to 10%
Must have personal computer operating experience
Experience with Plant Information (PI) software desired
Must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately
Must obtain NERC Certification (Balancing Authority Transmission Operator (BATOP) or higher)
Work 1 of 4 desks on demand (High Volt, Low Volt, Energy Imbalance Market or Scheduling) and progress to System Operator Electric Level III based on achieving certification on two desks and completing IBEW-44 Journeyman qualification, in approximately two years
Current NERC BATOP (or higher) certification highly preferred
Proficie tly perform Energy Imbalance Market tasks, Balancing Authority tasks or Transmission Operations tasks, and other duties as assigned
Must be able to quickly learn specialized computer applications
Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
Previous electrical utility control center operating experience is preferred in any or all of these areas: Balancing Authority (BA) interchange and scheduling operations with knowledge of OATI/OASIS systems; Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations with knowledge of BAAOP or similar programs; Transmission Operator (TOP) functions including electric transmission line switching, clearance procedures, voltage control, and other tasks required to maintain reliability of an electrical grid
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs
Complete System Operator Electric apprenticeship or a combination of previous experience in similar field (e.g. engineering, journeyman lineman, generation operator) in conjunction with advanced Apprenticeship training
Must have good oral and written communication skills
Get Into Energy -- Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus [getintoenergy.org] (click here to certify at no cost)
Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software desired
Must be able to think clearly and function appropriately in high stress situations
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Benefits
Information not given or found
Training + Development
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Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
Serving customers across Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming with reliable electricity and natural gas services.
A regional utility company focused on providing sustainable energy solutions to homes and businesses.
Committed to innovation in energy transmission, distribution, and generation, continually upgrading infrastructure.
Engages in a variety of energy-related projects, from renewable energy development to advanced grid technologies.
Has a long history of investing in the communities it serves and providing energy solutions that power local economies.
Focused on ensuring energy reliability while transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources, including renewables.
Pioneering initiatives in reducing operational costs while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
Culture + Values
Safety is our top priority.
We operate with integrity and transparency.
We are committed to being environmentally responsible.
We are accountable for our actions and results.
We work together to foster a culture of collaboration and trust.
We value innovation and continuous improvement.
Environment + Sustainability
2050
Net-zero Target
The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, marking a significant commitment to combating climate change.
1,100 MW
Renewable Energy Capacity
NorthWestern Energy's renewable energy capacity reached 1,100 MW in 2021, showcasing its growing investment in clean energy sources.
Committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing its renewable energy portfolio.
Improving energy efficiency in operations and grid management.
Inclusion & Diversity
34% Female Workforce
Diversity in Workforce
Percentage of women in the workforce reflects the company's commitment to gender diversity.
NorthWestern Energy is dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The company actively supports gender diversity through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
NorthWestern Energy tracks and reports diversity metrics as part of its commitment to inclusivity.