Operations Trainee Onsite

Job Description

Under the close supervision of the Manager, the Operations Trainee participates in a structured training program encompassing Bulk Electric System (BES) Operations and Market Operations in Electric Power Systems and Generation resource fundamentals, including renewable and intermittent resource effects on operations. This is a full-time training program of both classroom and hands‑on instructional training that typically takes six to twelve months to complete.

Upon successful completion and graduation from the program requirements, including acquired functional and behavioral competencies, the trainee is eligible to apply for a Control Room Operator or Reliability and Market Operations Engineer position based on the needs of the ISO and meeting the minimum qualifications of the position.

• Actively participates in a fast‑paced learning program of formal classroom instruction, power system simulation, on‑the‑job training, site‑visits, and self‑study, including review of Basic Electricity, Substation Operations, Power Plant Operations, Interconnected Power System Operations and ISO Market Operations.
• Completes training modules and additional required reading including books, training manuals and operating procedures within specified time frames.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in each area of study by qualifying scores on written and/or performance exams. Accountable for maintaining progress through the Program on a defined schedule and periodic proficiency testing.
• Attends supplemental programs and/or events as deemed appropriate by management.
• Learns strategies to best support reliability and business objectives.
• Learns fundamentals of generation and transmission maintenance, transmission system congestion and congestion mitigation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of operational goals, objectives, tools, EMS applications processes, and services.
• Actively participates in multiple challenging, complex and time sensitive projects and/or a work programs.
• Reviews, analyzes and learns appropriate responses to system conditions required to maintain the reliability and economic efficiency of the BES at the Control Center level.
• Successfully obtains the required NERC Reliability Coordinator Operator Certification prior to completion of the training program.

Fundamentals of Interconnected System Operations and Real‑Time Operations of the California ISO Balancing Authority and Transmission Operations Areas. Subjects of study include, but are not limited to: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved ISO Tariff, Integrated Forward Market (IFM) Operations, Real‑Time Market Operations, Business Practice Manuals, Operating Procedures, Participating Transmission Owner (PTO) Operating Procedures, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Western Electricity Coordination Council (WECC) Mandatory Reliability Standards.

Curriculum includes investigating, analyzing and solving a variety of operational issues on the Bulk Electric System (BES) through the use of Energy Management System (EMS) analysis applications such as the state estimator, dispatcher load flow, and contingency analysis. Use of Voltage Security Analysis (VSA) and other advanced applications will be introduced. Substantial on‑the‑job training under the guidance of System Operations personnel in preparation for specific job functions in a variety of Control Room Operations positions.

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or Computer Science or equivalent advanced technical military training combined with subsequent military service in related disciplines (e.g., Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) combined with subsequent military service).

No direct control room operations or power systems experience required. One or more years of related technical experience is desirable.

None. Must obtain required NERC Reliability Coordinator Operator Certification prior to completion of training program.

Recent Operations…