Electric System Operator Trainee

Overview

Operate and monitor NW Energy's transmission grid, ensuring safe, reliable power flow.

Key Responsibilities

• transmission monitoring
• energy imbalance
• dispatch scheduling
• contingency reserves
• switching operations
• event reporting

Tasks

The Electric System Operator Trainee is responsible for operating the NorthWestern Energy electrical grid safely and reliably. They are responsible for scheduling, monitoring and control of energy flows on the transmission system and associated tie-lines with other utilities. They have the authority and responsibility to implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system. They are responsible for monitoring and control of NorthWestern Energy resources and load to ensure uninterrupted electrical service to the customers. They are responsible for monitoring and operating Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) functions impacting NorthWestern Energy's Balancing Authority (BA) and Transmission system (TOP). -Maintain NorthWestern Energy contingency reserves, enter NWE contingency events into EIM and coordinate NWE Reserve Sharing requests and deployments with Reserve Sharing partners. -EIM Desk - operational desk responsible for monitoring and control of NorthWestern Energy's Energy Imbalance Market participation including Sufficiency Tests, participating units and market transmission energy flow -Scheduling Desk - operational desk responsible for NorthWestern Energy's Balancing Authority functions including generation dispatch, contingency reserves and tie-line schedules -Perform all necessary functions for maintenance and revision of the map board -Meet and operate within NERC, FERC, and WECC standards, requirements, and guidelines -Communicate operational information with impacted utilities and agencies and complete required event reporting -High Voltage Desk - operational desk responsible for monitoring and control of all Bulk Electric System (BES) transmission functions -Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives -Transmission Operator (TOP) functions including electric transmission line switching, clearance procedures, voltage control, and other tasks required to maintain reliability of an electrical grid -Work a rotating twelve-hour shift cycle with overtime, weekend, and night work -Monitor and control NorthWestern Energy's transmission system and associated tie-lines to ensure system voltages and energy flows remain within operational limits. Utilize state estimation tools to identify grid reliability risks and develop operation plans. Implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system during system normal and emergency conditions. -Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record -Coordinate switching and clearance procedures with field personnel. 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. -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. -Low Voltage Desk - operational desk responsible for monitoring and control of all non-BES transmission functions -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. Monitor Transfer limits and EIM energy flows for each Intertie with other EIM participants through BAAOP. -Perform dispatch-related functions including monitoring and recording of energy flows, generator unit status, system load, and remaining load

Requirements

• nerc batop
• scada
• pi software
• oati/oasis
• ibew-44
• apprenticeship

What You Bring

Drug Test: Required The Electric System Operator Trainee will be required to complete a minimum of two desk qualification, NERC Certification and IBEW-44 Journeyman testing to complete the trainee program. Trainees will advance to a Journeyman Electric System Operator Level III position upon completing the training program. Background Check: Required Health History Questionnaire - Required Electric System Operator Trainee -High school diploma or equivalent -Must be able to think clearly and function appropriately in high stress situations -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 systemsEnergy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations with knowledge of BAAOP or similar programsTransmission Operator (TOP) functions including electric transmission line switching, clearance procedures, voltage control, and other tasks required to maintain reliability of an electrical grid -Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost) -Minimal travel is required for training or other purposes - up to 10% -Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures -Balancing Authority (BA) interchange and scheduling operations with knowledge of OATI/OASIS systems -Must have good oral and written communication skills -Proficiently perform Energy Imbalance Market tasks, Balancing Authority tasks or Transmission Operations tasks, and other duties as assigned. -Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented -Must be able to quickly learn specialized computer applications -Must obtain NERC Certification (Balancing Authority Transmission Operator (BATOP) or higher) Current NERC BATOP (or higher) certification highly preferred -Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software desired. -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. -Experience with Plant Information (PI) software desired -Must have personal computer operating experience -All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics -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 be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs -Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations with knowledge of BAAOP or similar programs -Must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately

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Benefits

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable Pay range: Union Rate $39.53 to $53.52 per hour depending on qualifications to meet level classification -Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health) -Paid parental leave -Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays -Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.) -401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7% -Paid bereavement leave -Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available) -Continuing education reimbursement -Paid training opportunities -Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) -Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities

About Northwestern Energy

-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.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-background check required -drug test required