Associate Dispatcher - Transmission (System Operator)

Duke Energy Corporation; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance provided

Job summary

Duke Energy Corporation in Florida invites applications for the Associate Dispatcher (System Operator) training role in the Florida Energy Control Center. This position is designed to develop proficiency in Dispatcher duties through classroom, on‑the‑job training, field experience, and power system simulation.

The program spans 12–15 months, preparing you for certification and ongoing 24‑hour system control.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology and 6 years of directly related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field may substitute the associate degree with 6 years’ experience.
• Military certifications may be accepted in lieu of the two-year degree.

Responsibilities

• Complete Duke Energy’s Dispatcher Qualification Program during the initial 12–15 months of employment.
• Operate and maintain the high voltage transmission system in a safe, reliable, and economic manner; coordinate switching for maintenance and power restoration; optimize resources to regulate voltage.
• The Balancing Authority classification includes Generation and Interchange desk functions; optimize generation and manage transmission requests for service and transfer.
• Work a 12-hour rotating shift in a 24-hour operation and be available for call-out as needed, including days, nights, weekends, or holidays.

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Technology

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field in lieu of the associate degree

Military certifications may be accepted in lieu of the two-year degree in electrical technology

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you’ll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Job Summary

The Associate Dispatcher (System Operator) is a training position for becoming a Dispatcher (System Operator) in the Duke Energy Florida Energy Control Center. The job responsibility of the Associate Dispatcher is to complete Duke Energy’s Dispatcher Qualification Program during the initial 12 -15 months of their employment. The goal of the program is to develop proficiency in all System Operator functions through the use of various training methods including the classroom, on-the-job training, field experience, and power system simulation.

Responsibilities

The Associate Dispatcher (System Operator) is a training position for becoming a Dispatcher in the Duke Energy Florida Energy Control Center. The Transmission classification will be responsible for all transmission desk functions.

The job responsibility of the Associate Dispatcher (System Operator) is to complete Duke Energy’s Dispatcher Qualification. The goal of the program is to develop proficiency in all Dispatcher functions through the use of various training methods including the classroom, on-the-job training, field experience, and power system simulation. The Associate Dispatcher (System Operator) functions includes operating and maintaining the high voltage transmission system in a safe, reliable, and economic manner; coordinating and directing high voltage transmission system switching activities for normal maintenance and power restoration; optimizing resources to regulate system voltage; continually analyzing the high voltage electric system to determine harmful contingencies; forming contingency plans to mitigate consequences and implementing contingency plans should the event occur. Controlling and monitoring a power system is a 24-hour operation and therefore requires Associate Dispatchers to work 12-hour rotating shifts.

The Associate Dispatcher is a training position for becoming a Dispatcher in the Duke Energy Florida Energy Control Center under two classifications (“Balancing Authority” and “Transmission”). The job responsibility of the Associate Dispatcher is to complete Duke Energy’s Dispatcher Qualification Program. The goal of the program is to develop proficiency in all Dispatcher functions through the use of various training methods including the classroom, on-the-job training, field experience, and power system simulation:

The Balancing Authority classification will include both the Generation and Interchange desk functions. An Associate Dispatcher – Balancing Authority must optimize all generation resources. Generating units must be controlled so that production costs are minimized. This optimization will include the purchase of supplemental energy to offset more expensive resources, or the sale of excess generation when resources are not fully utilized. The Associate Dispatcher must evaluate and manage requests for use of Duke Energy’s transmission system to ensure comparable treatment required by federal law for all transmission customers. In addition, the Associate Dispatcher calculates and posts remaining transmission capability that is for sale, and coordinates energy transactions with other electric utilities.

The Transmission classification will be responsible for all transmission desk functions. The Associate Dispatcher – Transmission functions includes operating and maintaining the high voltage transmission system in a safe, reliable, and economic manner; coordinating and directing high voltage transmission system switching activities for normal maintenance and power restoration; optimizing resources to regulate system voltage; continually analyzing the high voltage electric system to determine harmful contingencies; forming contingency plans to mitigate consequences and implementing contingency plans should the event occur. Controlling and monitoring a power system is a 24-hour operation and therefore requires Associate Dispatchers to work 12-hour rotating shifts.

Position has call-out responsibilities and must be available to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends, or holidays.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology and 6 years of directly related experience
• Bachelor’s degree in technical field in lieu of the associate degree and 6 years’ experience
• Military certifications may be accepted in lieu of the two-year degree in electrical technology.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering Discipline
• Transmission Maintenance, Relay Technician or Generation Plant Operator Experience preferred
• NERC Certification

Specific Requirements:

• The position requires a two-part pre-employment testing. The first part of pre-employment testing requires the candidate to pass the EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SOPD) Test. Upon SOPD recommendation, the candidate may be invited to a site visit for an industrial psychologist assessment and interview with Duke Energy employees.
• In addition, acceptance into this position requires that the candidate pass a 7-year background check and successfully complete training on critical infrastructure protection. Once accepted into Duke Energy’s Dispatcher Qualification Program, the Associate Dispatcher will be required to pass a North American Electric Reliability Corporation System Operator Certification Exam during the first year of employment.

Mobility Classification

• Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a company facility. On-site employees are also required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location, not greater than 50 miles one way.

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Yes

Represented/Union Position

Main IBEW Florida Union

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.