System Operator Trainee

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AES Ohio serves approximately 500,000 customers in a 6,000 square-mile service area in Southwest-Central Ohio.  This includes 1,800 miles of transmission lines and over 150 substations.  Under limited direction, the System Operator controls and operates the Company's transmission, substation and mainline distribution resources and monitors resources from a reliability perspective.  Also achieves and maintains operating standards in compliance with all existing NERC, PJM and PUCO regulations, plus company safety and operating standards.  Operates the transmission system, which includes responsibility for VAR flow, maintaining acceptable voltage levels, and monitoring for first contingency loading and voltage violations.  Coordinates and directs all switching operations on the transmission, substation and mainline distribution system.  This is a rotating shift work position that requires around the clock coverage.  The current 12 hour schedule does will include some nights, weekends and holidays. 

System Operator

This position is covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards.  Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes verification and a criminal background check.  Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, responsible for the safe, stable, reliable, economical and environmentally correct operation of the Bulk Electric System. This responsibility extends from the generating station substations through the distribution substations to the first interrupting device.  The System Operator Trainee is responsible for successful completion of the System Operator Training Program and complying with FERC, NERC, PJM, and RF requirements.

Key Responsibilities (list up to 10 critical responsibilities which will be performed by this position)

1)Promote a safe working environment both inside and outside the department.

2)Accountable for completion of the System Operator training requirements and passing the NERC and PJM certification tests.

3)Posses a working knowledge of computer software such as MS Office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implements real-time actions, up to and including shedding firm load, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System
Directs all actions for safety and reliability of the electric grid, including field crews, electrical equipment, and customers in matters that affect electric grid reliability
Directs all switching and tagging activities to achieve LOTO isolation on transmission, substation and mainline distribution equipment for both scheduled and outage situations

First line of communication for real time operations with PJM and interconnected utilities to assure reliability of the transmission network

Ensures compliance with strict Standards of Conduct, plus NERC and PJM protocols for transmission services
Operates the system on a minute-by-minute basis to assure frequency is maintained by meeting load requirements

Responds to transmission and distribution disturbances within established regulatory, industry, and company standards to assure a continuous supply of electricity to customers
On point to communicate to co-workers and management the status of abnormal system conditions
Monitors and utilizes reactive reserves to ensure system reliability

Mentor System Operator Trainees thru the Operator training game plan

Annually review and update department Standard Operating Procedures

Utilize the system model to simulate removing transmission elements from service and review resulting contingency analysis to prevent any real time violations which may occur

Responsible for being knowledgeable of the procedures to transfer operations to the Back-up Control Center and implementing if necessary
COMPETENCIES:
Develops and maintains knowledge of the Company’s substation, distribution and transmission systems, relay protection schemes, safety requirements, electrical theory, field equipment capabilities and associated operating procedures and guidelines
Shows a strong desire for additional training and progresses towards Lead System Operator position
Strong sense of ambition, motivation, and confidence
Ability to work in a stressful and fast-paced environment
Ability to make sound judgments and crucial decisions in short amounts of time
Ability to understand and assimilate complex technical information
Ability to build and maintain relationships with teammates and external utility contacts
Ability to work with little supervision and only general guidelines at times

QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline is desired.  Associates degree showing an aptitude for math and electrical theory, to include previous work experience demonstrating basic electrical utility knowledge, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES REGISTRATIONS:
Must already have or obtain the appropriate North American Electric Reliability Corporation Certification within one year of employment and prior to independently performing the Reliability functions.  This Certification must be maintained with continuing education hours.

Must already have or obtain the appropriate PJM Certification within one year of employment and prior to independently performing the Reliability functions.  This Certification must be maintained with continuing education hours.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos
Strong oral and written communication skills
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry, and basic electrical theory
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Working knowledge of various database, spreadsheet, and word processing software
Ability to use various computer systems
ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY: 
Gathers and analyzes many complex variables to recommend decisions on complex issues under rapid and severe time constraints.  Combines complex data sets including weather, grid conditions, electrical voltages, customer load, power plant capabilities, system disturbance data, interconnected utility conditions, etc. to determine actions required to ensure continuous operation and reliability on the electrical grid.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

DECISION MAKING:
Has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions, without obtaining approval from the higher-level personnel within own operating authority vicinity.  During emergency operating conditions, has additional independent authority to shed firm load to prevent or alleviate Operating Security Limit violations without higher-level approval. 

SCOPE AND IMPACT:
As the authority in charge of control room operations, any errors in switching procedures, miscommunication, or errors in analysis could result in serious injury or death to field employees and damage to valuable equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to stand up to 2/3 of the time.  Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Ability to accept the mental and physical rigors of rotating shift work, constantly changing system conditions, and varying operating guidelines. 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Control room environment.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through and . Respecting all backgrounds, and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , and/or expression, , , , , , marital status, physical or mental , , childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.