3rd Class 1st Class Power System Operator

3rd Class through 1st Class Power System Operator in Colchester

The System Operator is primarily responsible for ensuring the electric grid is operating safely, efficiently and reliably, taking lead on dispatching hydro, diesel and gas turbine units, performing switching, monitoring the grid, and answering after‑hour calls from Green Mountain Power customers, other utilities and emergency agencies.

Majority of duties are described below. The role may also include additional duties as assigned.

• Perform switching and monitor the electrical grid via supervisory control.
• Answer, evaluate and respond to after hour telephone calls from Green Mountain Power customers, other utilities, and emergency agencies.
• Formulate hydro schedules based upon current and projected river flows, unit capability, weather patterns, maintenance schedules, storage releases, minimum flows and basic dispatch guidelines.
• Follow and enforce Green Mountain Power's switching and tagging rules.
• Maintain various records by monitoring, recording, calculating, operating computer terminals, and other equipment (e.g., oil spills and distribution outages).
• Complete training programs as assigned by management.
• Willing and able to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime as needed.
• All System Operators are expected to progress via testing to First Class 1/C.

Under supervision, an Apprentice learns and performs the following:

• Basic understanding of GMP generators, watershed and minimum flows.
• Operate GMP hydro and fuel generators via SCADA.
• Receive and process customer calls, following T&D and customer procedures.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA operation and reporting functions.
• Basic knowledge of GMP electrical system.
• Basic knowledge of switching and tagging.
• Progress to System Operator 3/C by passing the test within one year of hire (may be taken after 3 months with recommendation of Lead System Operator and Supervisor).

Learned and performed under supervision:

• All duties of an Apprentice Power System Operator.
• Familiar with operating parameters of all generating facilities under the room's jurisdiction; monitor and suggest adjustments.
• Develop Day Ahead Forecast for generating facilities to send to Marketing Agencies.
• Understand Hydraulic, Substation and System One‑lines.
• Answer phones and resolve requests or collect information for proper issue direction.
• All aspects of GMP's OMS; dispatch crews to respond to outages and resolve calls when field workers clear off.
• Familiar with SCADA functionality and perform functions under supervision.
• Perform switching and tagging orders under a 1/C PSO supervision.
• Progress to System Operator 2nd Class by passing the test within one year; may be taken after six months.

Concentrations include continuity of service, basic equipment knowledge, reading prints, calculating loads, and understanding generation facilities.

• Perform all duties of System Operator 3rd Class without supervision.
• Responsible for continuity of service throughout the GMP service territory; may direct service restoration efforts.
• Regulate individual generating station's output according to schedule.
• Knowledge of all water systems and water management procedures.
• May work in power station or other departments with crews as part of training.
• Understand electrical diagrams and one‑line maps.
• Familiar with company safety rules and practices.
• Perform switching and tagging without supervision for routine maintenance and Yellow Tag work.
• Pass the switching and tagging test for all tags (except draw‑out list).
• Intermediate understanding of sectionalizing, fault isolation, and line restoration.
• Operational knowledge of SCADA operational and reporting functions.
• Familiar with emergency procedures, operating rules, and testing procedures.
• Familiar with operating procedures related to VELCO, ISO‑NE, NERC, and FERC.
• Understand system protection and basic fuse/relay protection.
• Progress to 2nd Class Second Year by passing the test within 12 months.

Qualified in all…