ECC Transmission Operator

APS (Arizona Public Service); Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Public Service seeks an ECC Transmission Operator to monitor and control EHV transmission and subtransmission systems, ensuring safe, reliable operations in compliance with NERC, WECC, and FERC policies.

The role requires handling planned and emergency switching via EMS and related tools, maintaining system voltage stability and supporting load reduction when necessary. Onsite position with CIP access requirements.

Qualifications

• High school/GED plus 4 years in related field, or BS/BA/AA in related field with 2 years experience in electric operations.
• Ability to obtain NERC Certification within 6 months and ongoing education per NERC/WECC requirements.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Two years' experience as a NERC certified operator within WECC is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of algebra and trigonometry; strong verbal and written communication; PC literate.

Responsibilities

• Analyze conditions and take action to operate APS EHV transmission and subtransmission systems within design limits.
• Assess EHV interconnected system conditions and ensure path reliability and system stability.
• Initiate and perform emergency switching to restore service safely during storms or equipment failure.
• Monitor system voltage from 500kV to 12kV and make adjustments to maintain voltage stability.
• Exercise full authority to implement emergency load reduction when needed.
• Coordinate removal of components for planned maintenance while ensuring continuity and reliability.
• Document all system events, problems, commitments, and communications for regulatory review.

Job description

Arizona Public Service generates affordable, reliable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state's largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country's fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The ECC Tranmission Operator monitors and analyzes system conditions; takes necessary action to operate the APS transmission, subtransmission and interconnected system in a safe, reliable manner and in compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) policy. The ECC Transmission Operator performs planned and emergency switching via Supervisory Control and issue of clearances and contact tags on APS system at voltage levels ranging from 12kV to 500kV. This role is responsible for transmission system operation, load frequency control, using the Energy Management System (EMS) computer and various PC applications.

Minimum Requirements

• High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work.
• OR a BS/BA/AA in related technical field or operations/business management and two (2) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work management.
• Ability to obtain NERC Certification within six (6) months of hire and to complete all continuing education as required by NERC and WECC. Continue educational and professional development beyond the level of basic (entry level) training.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• Two years' experience as a NERC certified operator within WECC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic algebra and trigonometry; demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills; PC literate.

Major Accountabilities

1) Analyze conditions, take control action to operate the APS EHV, transmission and subtransmission systems within design limits.

2) Analyze EHV interconnected system conditions and implement appropriate action to ensure transmission path reliability and system stability.

3) Initiate and implement emergency switching to restore service during storms and equipment failure conditions in a manner maximizing safety to field personnel.

4) Analyze system voltage from 500kV to 12kV distribution level, initiate changes as required to maintain system voltage stability.

5) Exercise full authority to implement emergency load reduction when energy resources cannot meet load requirements.

6) Coordinate removal of system components from service for planned maintenance while ensuring service continuity, safety and reliability during switching.

7) Provide complete and accurate documentation of all system events, problems, commitments, and communications relating to real time system operations, and the interconnected system. Documentation is for management, state and federal regulatory review.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Arizona Public Service is a smoke free workplace.

CIP Requirement:

This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

Onsite:

Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.

*Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).*

*Role types are subject to change based on business need.*