Associate System Operator

Wabash Valley Power Alliance; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabash Valley Power Alliance in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a System Operator to support its Operations Center. The role coordinates communication between IOUs, WVPA members, and the operations team to ensure reliable energy delivery.

The position requires real-time monitoring, outage management, and adherence to reliability standards. It is an office-based, 12-hour shift role including nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• Association degree or equivalent experience in engineering or a technical field.
• Experience in an Operations Center, operating or managing transmission/substation equipment is preferred.
• Ability to obtain NERC and PJM certifications within nine months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Obtain NERC certification as a Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator and PJM Transmission Owner Operator certification within 9 months of hire.
• Serve as the primary contact for IOU/member communication, ensuring seamless restoration of service in planned and emergency situations.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with IOUs, REMC member staff, and WVPA personnel for various outage scenarios, using three-part communication for operational activities.
• Monitor transmission and distribution systems using EMS and SCADA systems.
• Develop and implement operational procedures in line with member cooperatives and IOUs.
• Ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards, the National Electric Safety Code, and Good Utility Practice.
• Coordinate system outage schedules and operational activities, including the use of mobile substations during planned or emergency events.
• Monitor storm activities and support the Operations Center as needed.

Skills

NERC standards knowledge

Certification readiness

Education

Associate degree in Engineering or a technical field

Tools

EMS

SCADA

Job description

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wabash Valley Power is a not-for-profit electric cooperative and wholesale provider of reliable, affordable electricity to our 21 electric distribution member cooperatives. These cooperatives in turn serve more than 280,000 homes, businesses, and farms in Indiana and Illinois.

As a not-for-profit co-op, we do things a bit differently—and that’s the point. Because we aren’t influenced by shareholders, we make our decisions with our members in mind. That means we value things like teamwork, and putting families first. It also means a business model that’s designed for stability and growth. It’s a Deliberately Different approach to the energy industry, and that’s great news for the people who count on us.

What You’ll Get

We believe what benefits our employees benefits our company. That’s why we put employees first—your health, your family, and your development. These aren’t just slogans: We offer continuing education, flex time, health benefits, a 401(k) match and pension plan, and much more. Here are just a few of the things that make our company culture unique:

• No Sweat - We offer a wellness program that includes a payroll credit for medical insurance, an on-site fitness center for your convenience and extra vacation days for participating. We’ll even throw in a fitness device reimbursement to keep you on track!
• Flex Time - Our flexible schedule means you can work in your appointments or family events and maintain a comfortable work-life balance.
• Stay in School - We value employees who have a desire to learn, so we provide funds for continuing education. We also offer in-house training and ongoing development through our internal GROW program.
• Keep it Casual - When you work for us, you work in comfort. Blue jeans are the norm in our office and we make them look good!
• Work Hard, Play Hard - We reward our employees with generous vacation time, to the tune of up to five weeks a year. Even our new employees receive credit for prior work experience.

What You’ll Do

This role facilitates core functions within WVPA’s Operations Center to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of energy to our members. You will be a central contact point, coordinating communication between Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), WVPA members, and our operations team to maintain efficient and secure energy distribution. This role requires handling real-time monitoring and control systems, supporting system operators, and managing communication during planned and unplanned events.

Key Responsibilities

• Obtain NERC certification as a Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator and PJM Transmission Owner Operator certification within 9 months of hire.
• Serve as the primary contact for IOU/member communication, ensuring seamless restoration of service in planned and emergency situations.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with IOUs, REMC member staff, and WVPA personnel for various outage scenarios, using three-part communication for operational activities.
• Monitor transmission and distribution systems using EMS (Energy Management System) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Develop and implement operational procedures in line with member cooperatives and IOUs.
• Ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards, the National Electric Safety Code, and Good Utility Practice.
• Coordinate system outage schedules and operational activities, including the use of mobile substations during planned or emergency events.
• Monitor storm activities and support the Operations Center as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering or a technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred experience working in an Operations Center, operating or managing transmission/substation equipment.
• Knowledge of electric power system reliability standards is preferred.
• Ability to obtain NERC and PJM certifications within nine months of hire.

Additional Information

Candidates will be hired into the System Operator classification (Associate, I, II, Senior) that aligns with their years of experience, certifications, and qualifications.

Office-based role with a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7/365 environment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.