System Operator Trainee

Under the supervision of the GSOC Power Delivery Training group and in conjunction with certified Transmission & Generation System Operators this journeyman position (with no authority to act independently) will be trained on the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to become a NERC Certified System Operator. Training will include a combination of classroom, field, online and control center exposure. The primary goal of the Trainee program will be to successfully prepare for and obtain NERC Certification.

After completing the Trainee program and successfully obtaining NERC Certification a Trainee will then begin an initial training program which upon completion enables them to enter into more advance training to support either Generation, Transmission, or both as a GSOC System Operator. Completion of the Trainee role and obtaining NERC Certified System Operator will prepare Trainee to transition to progressive levels within the GSOC System Operator family of jobs.

These positions, varying in required experience and level of complexity, have responsibility for the 24x7 real-time operation of the member owned transmission and generation system. System Operators write switching orders and issues clearances, work to restore customer outages in a safe and reliable manner and respond to alarms to maintain awareness of the system. System Operators work with neighboring utilities to schedule power into and out of the system as well as forecast system conditions and dispatch generation and transmission resources to maintain an economic and reliable balance of power on the system.

Job Duties:

Develop and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to obtain NERC System Operator Certification designation while simultaneously developing a deep understanding of the electric utility business and specifically GSOC's member owned model. Work directly with Power Delivery Training and in conjunction with certified Transmission & Generation System Operators through classroom training, field visits to substations and generating plants to become fully versed in the system operations requirements for both the Transmission System Operator and Generation System Operator positions.

All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

A high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Experience:

One to 3 years of work in a related field such as distribution operations, substation construction, relay maintenance or testing substation equipment, generation plant operations preferred. Equivalent

Experience:

One to 3 years of technical training in a related field such as distribution operations, substation construction, relay maintenance or testing substation equipment, generation plant operations preferred. Specialized

Skills:

Required:

Must obtain and maintain Bulk Electric System Cyber Authorized Status as defined in GSOC's CIP Cyber Security Policy 301 and NERC Reliability Standard CIP 004 - Personnel Risk Assessment." Ability to use Microsoft Office suite of products:
Outlook, Word, Excel (Power Point a plus). Must have sound decision making skills under stressful conditions. Must be able to communicate effectively, both oral and written. Desired - but can be trained: AC/DC theory Ability to read one-line diagrams.

Licenses/Certifications:

Must obtain a NERC System Operation Certification within six months after the Trainee's hire date. Management has the right to review and extend the time frame if needed on a case by case basis. NERC System Operator Certifications accepted:
Reliability Coordinator Operators (RC) Balancing, Interchange, and Transmissions (BT/BIT) Transmission Operator (TO)

Physical Requirements:

Some shift work will be assigned to gain a specific understanding of the requirements of 24x7 operations for the System Operation role for both transmission and balancing obligations. Additional Information:
The System Operator Trainee is required to obtain NERC Certification through in-person instructions and on-line training. A NERC Certification test will be coordinated at least by month four of the training process. Subsequent tests, should they be required, will be scheduled at management's discretion. Obtaining NERC System Operator Certification is a requirement for successful completion of the Trainee program. Rotating shift (including Days/Nights/Holidays) will be assigned during the training period and will be required of a successful candidate after completion of this training program.