Associate Technical Operations Jobs in Waukee, IA

This is a multi-level posting and will be filled at the appropriate level based on related experience and education.

Under the direction of a transmission operator, the associate transmission operator monitors and operates the bulk electric power system (345 kV and 161 kV systems), based on standards provided by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation regional transmission operator operating procedures and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's standards of conduct for normal, emergency and restoration conditions. The associate transmission operator provides support to the transmission operator in the area of preparing and instructing switching, alarm response, dispatching, and other areas as directed. This position is intended to be a training position until the employee is fully qualified to operate the system independently as a transmission operator. After 8-12 months as an associate transmission operator, the employee's performance will be reviewed to see if he/she meets the minimum qualifications and performance standards before becoming a transmission operator. The associate transmission operator will be required to achieve proficiency and move to the transmission operator position within 12 months of starting training. Failure to meet these performance standards within 12 months will result in a six-month remedial period. At the end of the remedial period, the associate transmission operator will be evaluated for possible advancement to the transmission operator position. Proficiency will be determined by testing, observation, and ability to acquire NERC certification.

The transmission operator monitors and exercises independent judgment in the operation of the bulk electric power system (345 kV and 161 kV systems) based on standards provided by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation , regional transmission operator operating procedures and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's standards of conduct for normal, emergency and restoration conditions. This position ensures the safe, reliable and economic operation of the bulk power transmission system by taking appropriate steps to maintain and monitor system operating limits.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) 

Five years of experience in electric operations. 

Must achieve and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation certification status at a level of Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator Operator. North American Electric Reliability Corporation requires certification at either of these levels prior to allowing the individual to assume the responsibility of operating the bulk power (345 kV and 161 kV) electric system within North America. 

Must have a high degree of technical knowledge related to the operation of the interconnected bulk power (345 kV and 161 kV) electric system under normal, emergency and restoration conditions. 

Effective oral and written communication skills to clearly articulate the key points of an issue, keep attention of others, take recipients needs into account when speaking or writing. Ability to train various size groups on a highly technical subject. Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills in order to systematically analyze problems and issues; identify causes; anticipate implications and identify effective courses of action. Ability to coordinate construction or maintenance projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring continued reliability. Ability to resolve conflicting demands in a diplomatic manner while maintaining system integrity and reliability of service to our customers during outage periods. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

The associate transmission operator responsibilities include completion of training to become fully qualified as a transmission operator within 12 months of starting the training program. The associate transmission operator works under the direction of a transmission operator. 

Operate the transmission system according to department policies and procedures and standards set by North American Electric Reliability Corporation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Regional Reliability Organization. (35%) 

Ensure safe, reliable and economic operation of the (345 kV and 161 kV) bulk power electric transmission system by monitoring and responding to system disturbances involving substation and transmission equipment and taking appropriate steps in conjunction with the reliability coordinator when an operating security limit violation is detected. (15%) 

Maintain proper voltage ampere reactive loading and voltage levels on the transmission system. Initiate actions to achieve optimum voltage levels by switching capacitors, reactors and lightly loaded transmission lines by adjusting tap positions on power transformers and by requesting voltage changes at power plants and adjoining power systems. (20%) 

Coordinate requests for equipment outages to ensure reliability of the inter-connected system. Utilize network applications ranging from dispatching power flow, state estimator and contingency analysis. (10%) 

Provide training within the system operations department as well as to field personnel. (10%) 

Responsible for the effective transfer of necessary information as required by North American Electric Reliability Corporation standards. This requires the transfer of information among adjacent control areas as well as with those entities responsible for regional reliability coordination (Mid-continent Independent System Operator/Midwest Reliability Organization.) (10%) 

Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%) 

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0-5%) 

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of human performance improvement techniques. Evaluate present practices and implement processes, concepts, training and tools to prevent, detect and correct human errors that may adversely impact the safe, reliable operation of the electric transmission and distribution system.