Electric System Operator I, II, III

Lansing Board of Water & Light; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 87,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

11 paid holidays

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) seeks a skilled ESO-level operator to manage normal and emergency Electric T&D system operations. You will coordinate, regulate, and distribute electricity across substations and power lines, enforcing switching procedures and safety rules.

You will monitor field personnel, communicate across teams, and support system restoration during storms or emergencies, ensuring reliable BES operation per NERC standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electric transmission and distribution systems required.
• Ability to handle high pressure situations and make quick, reliable decisions.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Write, check, and document normal and emergency switching procedures per safety rules.
• Monitor and dispatch T&D field personnel via BWL radio and other systems.
• Supervise building after hours and coordinate emergency responses and evacuations.
• Assist in coordinating system restoration during emergencies; maintain records and reports.
• Read and interpret circuit diagrams; utilize EMS/OMS for real‑time control actions.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and dispatch on‑call personnel as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of T&D systems

High-pressure decision making

Verbal & written communication

Valid driver’s license

NERC certification preferred

Education

Electrical Engineering degree or journey worker certification in T&D

Tools

MS Word

MS Outlook

Excel

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $86,900.00 - $105,000.00

Starting Salary Range:

ESO I $86,900. - $105,000. / ESO II $96,400. - $117,600. / ESO III $107,000. - $131,700.

Position Summary:

Carries out normal and emergency Electric T&D system operations under the direction of ESO II, III or IV. Coordinates, regulates, and distributes electricity in generating stations, substations, and overhead electric powerlines. Ensures that proper switching procedures and safety rules are enforced.

Essential Functions:

• Write, check, perform and properly document normal and emergency distribution switching and clearance operations and procedures, safely and according to set procedures.
• Constantly monitor, communicate, and dispatch T&D system field personnel via the BWL radio and other communication systems.
• Provide supervision of the facility after normal business hours, including the building and grounds check-down, security verification, and building emergencies and evacuations.
• Assists in the coordination of system restoration in emergency and storm conditions. Generates, maintains, monitors, and tracks applicable records and reports.
• Clearly communicates and coordinates with other personnel internal/external and/or customers to complete work assignments.
• Respond to and dispatch on-call personnel for after-hours emergency calls for all BWL business units, and outside entities as required.
• Reads and interprets circuit diagrams.
• Must utilize and become proficient in the use of BESOC’s real-time control systems (i.e. Energy Management System (EMS), Outage Management System (OMS), etc.), and BWL computer applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Tracks the progress of all sketches issued that involve transmission and distribution system and makes updates to operations primary prints as needed under the direction of ESO II, III or IV.
• Performs other related duties as required or necessitated by job responsibilities or as assigned by supervisor.
• Required to follow BWL Safety Manual and wear required personal protective equipment as needed.
• Shall attend training for safety awareness or skills improvement as required by supervisor, BWL or governmental agency such as MIOSHA, NERC, and Reliability First.
• Participation in the continuous improvement of the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.
• Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules. Reliable and predictable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Required:

Job Specifications:

• This position does not have management or supervisory responsibilities.
• Knowledge of electric transmission and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of electrical disciplines equivalent to those obtained in the following positions will be considered: Electric Substation Inspector (ESI), Bulk Power Controller (BPC), Electrician Journey worker – electric transmission and distribution, Power Plant Control Room Operator.
• Must have the ability to handle and resolve high pressure situations and make decisions concerning the stable and reliable operation of the BWL system(s).
• General computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel programs.
• Constant attention to monitor, track, and document real-time system activity using various forms of technology.
• Ability to work 8–12-hour shifts on a rotational basis. Must have excellent verbal / written communication skills.
• Must have demonstrated management and project management skills. Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable record.

Additional Requirements Based On Level:

Required:

• This position requires knowledge which is normally acquired through the completion of a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; or a journey worker certification in the electric transmission and distribution field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• This position requires a minimum of four years of electrical transmission and distribution experience in the electric utility industry or equivalent knowledge.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

Starting Salary Range: ESO II: $96,400. - $117,600.

• Directs normal and emergency Electric T&D system operations. Coordinates, regulates, and distributes electricity in generating stations, substations, and overhead electric power lines.
• Ensures that proper switching procedures and safety rules are enforced. This position has full operational authority to direct and implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the BWL portion of the Bulk Electric System (BES) according to NERC and Reliability First operating standards. The authority to make real-time actions shall not require the approval, involvement, or presence of higher-level personnel. This includes actions up to and including firm load shedding.

Required:

• This position requires knowledge which is normally acquired through the completion of a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; or a journey worker certification in the electric transmission and distribution field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year as BWL ESO I or upon completion of internal BESOC training modules and tests. NERC certification as Reliability Coordinator preferred, minimum as Transmission Operator.

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a sit/stand position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the Control Room environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs.

Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Why Should You Apply?

Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.

Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.

Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.

Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.

Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year.

Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.

Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL:

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

The Location:

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER