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System Operator

Responsible for performing routine and emergency switching on the Tri-State interconnected transmission system and monitoring transmission system parameters including voltages, line and transformer loads and taking corrective actions as required. This position is a shift position to cover 24 hours 7 days per week. This position is tasked with the authority and responsibility to operate the Tri-State transmission system in such a manner as to comply with all appropriate North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Reliability Organization (RRO) reliability standards.

Note: There is one position available and the position will be filled at one of three job grade levels: System Operator I, job grade 8; System Operator II, job grade 9; or Senior System Operator, job grade 10. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected, and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

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, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Senior System Operator Hiring Salary Range: $109,000-139,000

System Operator II Hiring Salary Range: $98,000-$124,000

System Operator I Hiring Salary Range: $88,000-$111,000 Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

Responsibilities

• Senior System Operator duties include :

  • Prepare/approve transmission switching programs in advance of requested date of execution.

  • Using advanced Energy Management System (EMS) simulation tools model all switching programs to identify and mitigate any reliability issues.

  • Direct and coordinate routine and emergency switching including issuing clearances and other protective orders to field personnel and coordinate with interconnected utilities.

  • Coordinate routine and emergency activities with Member systems and other interconnected utilities.

  • Monitor transmission system events and conditions utilizing EMS, to include but not limited to line trips, system voltages, line loading, and equipment status, and take actions to maintain transmission system reliability as dictated by company specific reliability related tasks in accordance with NERC, RRO, and company guidelines.

  • Monitor network applications, including State Estimator and Real-Time Security Analysis, for potential Transmission System reliability issues and take action to mitigate any reliability issues.

  • Develop, Approve, and Implement mitigations for Real-Time Transmission System emergencies

  • Validate Transmission Service Requests, e-Tags, performing congestion management, and underground locates.

  • Assist with training activities of new employees, System Operator I & II, and Transmission System Operator Trainees as needed.

  • During emergency system conditions coordinated and execute decisions to restore load and generation balance and provide emergency assistance as requested or required to ensure system reliability, as required by the NERC Standards, and provided for under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct.

  • Perform Senior System Operator duties at the Backup Control Center (BCC) as needed during emergencies and during periodic BCC drills and exercises.

  • Participate in Regional System Blackstart system restoration drills.

• General System Operations duties :

  • Operate voice and radio communications systems to communicate with interconnected utilities and field personnel.

  • Coordinate at various internal and external corporate levels to exchange information and coordinate reliable operations.

  • Coordinate with System Operating Engineers and assist with system studies and related matters.

  • Ensure the Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS) postings are updated to reflect real time changes to Available Transmission Capacity (ATC).

  • Maintain operational records and logs.

    • Post information on reliability messaging tools as required and monitor these messages for incoming reliability information.

    • Participate in all required training to maintain a valid NERC Certification.

• 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.

• 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.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Training

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Tri-State System Operator Trainee Program or other qualified System Operator Trainee program.
• Working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and basic principles of physics including electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC currents, and the fundamentals of power flow.

• NERC Certification and maintain certification by obtaining required continuing education hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Working knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic principles of physics.
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits and the fundamental of power flow.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical utility systems, equipment and all phases of transmission operations.
• Extensive knowledge of corporate security and fire alarm system and related procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of safety rules and equipment.
• Ability to direct the work of other System Operators and assist in training new employees and/or trainees.
• Ability to distinguish full range of colors to be successful with completing duties involving the use of computer displays to monitor color-coded electric system diagrams.
• Ability to use and learn various computer applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and written.
• Ability to work under stress.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships both internal and external.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in routine and emergency situations.

Experience:

• Three (3) or more years System Operator II experience or an equivalent level of experience on an interconnected electrical system.
• One (1) year on the Tri-State system at System Operator II level.

Other:

• Willingness to work rotating shifts with extra and/or irregular hours including holidays.
• Willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electricity, Mathematics, or other closely related discipline preferred.

Note : The above requirements describe the experience and education qualifications for the Senior System Operator. Those with less experience will be hired at the I or II job grade level.

About Us

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to nearly a million electricity consumers across roughly 200,000 square miles of the West. Founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity, Tri-State is now headquartered in Westminster, Colo., employing approximately 1,000 people across five states. Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. This power reaches members via a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and almost 6,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines. As a member-owned and