Associate System Operator

CMS Energy, Corp.; Jackson (MI); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

CMS Energy in Michigan seeks an entry-level Associate System Operator to learn and operate the electric grid 24/7 at the Jackson Service Center. You will train to obtain HVD or LVD certification and gradually monitor, analyze, and control the system under ECCM procedures.

The role requires rotating shifts, ability to read prints, interpret SCADA, and coordinate switching and tagging orders. Entry-level candidates with a related degree and readiness to train are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Willingness to obtain HVD/LVD certification within 12 months.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and maps.

Responsibilities

• Respond to outages and direct field resources to support restoration.
• Complete HVD or LVD certification training within 12 months.
• Manage scheduled outages and issue work clearances under ECCM.
• Use SCADA to monitor and control the electric grid remotely.
• Review switching orders for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain required certifications and ongoing training.
• Work a rotating 24/7 shift including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

SCADA systems analysis

Switching and tagging orders

Control room operations

Problem-solving

Calm under pressure

Reading complex prints/maps

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate degree

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This position is onsite at the Jackson Service Center located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

Due to the training involved to become fully functional in the Associate System Operator role, there is a 36 month commitment period, whereas, you will be ineligible to apply for another internal job posting during the first 36 months (i.e., commitment period).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Associate System Operator is an entry-level Control Room position that will learn and demonstrate proficiency on all the tasks required to safely operate the electric grid as described in the Electric Control Center Manual (ECCM). Within the first 12 months, the Associate System Operator is training to obtain a HVD or LVD certification.After obtaining certification, Associate System Operators will be able to independently monitor, analyze and control CE's electric grid 24/7 to ensure system reliability and timely customer restoration in accordance with all applicable ECCM procedures, NERC standards and regulatory requirements. Associate System Operators are responsible for CE's High Voltage Distribution (HVD) and Low Voltage Distribution (LVD) Substations and Lines, Metro Underground Distribution Network, Grid Automation Schemes, and interconnection points with Generation and Transmission providers for both normal and emergency conditions. Associate System Operators administer switching and tagging orders and issue worker conditions, clearances and/or protections in accordance with the ECCM. Associate System Operators utilize SCADA systems to monitor, analyze and control the electric system remotely.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond and direct field resources during emergent outages on the electric system; conducts necessary activities to support customer and equipment restoration as required per the ECCM.
• Successfully complete all HVD Operator certification or LVD Operator certification training requirements which includes classroom training, OJT assessments, and simulator tests in 12 months or less.
• Administer all types of scheduled outages on the electric system; directs field personal when removing/returning electric equipment from/to service, and issues the appropriate working conditions, clearances and/or protections as required per the ECCM.
• Utilizes SCADA and computer systems required to perform System Operator duties; Operates SCADA devices remotely when required.
• Reviews scheduled and emergent switching and tagging orders for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain a HVD or LVD certification; successful completion of all continuing training requirements.
• Position works a rotating 24/7 shift including nights, weekends, and holidays; includes a on-call assignment.
• Fill open shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain minimum control room staffing levels; Overtime necessary at times to support system and customer restoration.
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret complex prints and maps.
• Basic understanding of department policies and procedures.
• Ability to independently write, approve and execute switching and tagging orders of various complexities.
• Knowledge of the various field work groups and associated responsibilities.
• Ability monitor and analyze SCADA systems and operate devices when needed in a timely manner.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to operate a control room console independently with limited supervision in normal or emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful and fast-paced situations.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with zero (0) or more years of relevant experience.
  • [OR] Associate Degree with two (2) or more years of relevant experience.
  • [OR] High School Diploma or GED with four (4) or more years of relevant experience.v

Certifications

• Required Certifications/Licensures:(Obtain Consumers Energy LVD or HVD Certification within the first 12 months.)

Physical Demands

• This role is classified by the company as safety-sensitive (SCCO). Employees in this role will be subject to random drug testing.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Job Segment: High Voltage, Compliance, Equity, Law, Entry Level, Energy, Legal, Finance

Consumers Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please review our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Military Leave Allowance. CMS Energy endeavors to make https://careers.consumersenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact our team at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. ACCOMMODATION NOTICE: Federal law and many state laws require employers to make accommodations to disabled applicants and employees where the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. For those applicants seeking a position within the State of Michigan, a disabled individual needing accommodation for employment must notify the employer in writing within 182 days after the need is known or should have been known. Michigan law provides that failure of a Michigan employee to properly notify the employer will preclude any claim that the employer failed to accommodate the disabled individual. However, this does not waive an individual’s right under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which sets no time limit for requesting an accommodation nor does it require such accommodation to be in writing.