GENCO System Operator II

Alliant Energy; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 79,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Alliant Energy in Madison, Wisconsin, is seeking a GENCO System Operator to monitor real-time grid conditions, coordinate generation resources, and dispatch units to maintain reliable energy delivery.

You will work with NERC, MISO, and company procedures while pursuing NERC System Operator Certification within six months of hire; the role emphasizes safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. Twelve-hour shifts include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of power generation operations and electric system operations.
• Knowledge of NERC reliability standards, MISO operating procedures, and company operating requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information and make sound operational decisions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time operation of Alliant Energy and CIPCO generating resources to maintain reliability in the East/West Balancing Authority Areas.
• Use the Generation Management System (GMS) to monitor load, frequency, generation output, tie-lines, voltage, alarms and equipment status.
• Dispatch generating units per MISO instructions, procedures, and reliability requirements.
• Support compliance with NERC/MRO standards as well as MISO/TOP procedures.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and documentation for events, dispatch activities, and changes.
• Monitor telemetry data and report data quality issues; coordinate resolution of telemetry/communication failures.
• Participate in emergency response activities and execute operating procedures for bulk electric system reliability.
• Assist with generator starts/stops and adjustments to support reliability and market obligations.
• Participate in training, drills, simulations, and education programs required for NERC certification.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, transmission operators, neighboring utilities, and MISO on operating conditions and events.

Skills

Data Analysis

Load Estimation

Emergency Response

Power Monitoring

Operational Decisions

Outage Management

Switching

Systems Operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Electrical Engineering Preferred

Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy! At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

Step into a role where you will be at the center of keeping the power grid running safely and reliably. As a GENCO System Operator, you will support real-time operations by monitoring system conditions, coordinating generation resources, and making informed decisions that help maintain reliable energy delivery across Alliant Energy's east and west balancing authorities. This is a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You'll work alongside an experienced team to optimize generation performance, respond to system events, and support compliance with NERC, MISO, and MRO reliability standards. Your contributions will play an important role in the safe and efficient delivery of energy to the communities we serve. This position also offers opportunities to build your technical expertise, including obtaining your NERC System Operator Certification within six months of hire, while developing the knowledge and skills needed to advance within system operations.

What you will do

• Monitor and support the real-time operation of Alliant Energy and Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) generating resources under normal and emergency operating conditions while maintaining the reliability of the Alliant Energy East and West Balancing Authority Areas.


• Utilize the Generation Management System (GMS) to monitor system load, frequency, generation output, tie-line flows, voltage levels, alarms, and equipment status.


• Dispatch generating units in accordance with MISO and Transmission Operator instructions, operating procedures, and reliability requirements.


• Support compliance with applicable NERC and MRO reliability standards as well as, MISO, TOP, and company operating procedures.


• Maintain accurate operational logs, records, and supporting documentation for system events, alarms, generation dispatch activities, and operational changes.


• Monitor real-time telemetered data and report data quality issues.


• Assist in coordinating the resolution of telemetry and communication failures.


• Participate in emergency response activities and implementation of established operating procedures to support bulk electric system reliability.


• Assist with generator starts, stops, and operational adjustments as directed to support system reliability and market obligations.


• Participate in operator training activities, drills, simulations, and continuing education programs required for NERC certification and compliance.


• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders including plant personnel, transmission operators, neighboring utilities, and MISO regarding operating conditions and system events.


• Engage in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy's Values and help deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Electrical Engineering Preferred.

Required Experience

3 years of relevant experience in a control, dispatch, operations, command, security operations, or similar center environment.

Preferred Experience

Experience with power systems operations or control room environments.

Other Requirements

NERC System Operator Certification required within six (6) months of hire and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic knowledge of power generation operations, electric system operations, and interconnected bulk electric system principles.

Knowledge of or ability to learn NERC reliability standards, MISO operating procedures, and company operating requirements.

Demonstrated ability to analyze information and apply sound judgment in operational decision-making.

Ability to learn and effectively utilize the Generation Management System (GMS), energy accounting systems, and other operational technologies.

Demonstrated computer proficiency and ability to use analytical tools to support operational monitoring and problem solving.

Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Ability to maintain attention to detail and perform effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.

Ability to work twelve (12) hour shifts on a varying or rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Key Skills

• Data Analysis


• Demand Planning


• Emergency Response


• Health & Safety Management


• Load Estimation


• Operational Decisions


• Outage Management


• Power Monitoring


• Power System Dispatch Strategy


• Switching


• Systems Operations

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range: $79,000 - $103,000 This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond.

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prohibited by law.

All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.

Visa sponsorship not supported.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email [e-mail].

It’s an exciting time to join Alliant Energy! We focus on creating a culture of belonging. We want everyone to bring their unique perspectives and experiences and be themselves. This helps us all contribute to solving the energy challenges facing our region. Itstarts at an individual level, with every employee asking, “What makes me unique?” Leaders engage with their teams to ensure they have the tools to be successful in their careers. What you need to reach your goals may be different from what a co‑worker needs. Everyone has a fair shot at success. A culture of belonging ensures that everyone contributes their unique perspective.This environment contributes to fresh thinking, innovative solutions andPowering What’s Nextfor our customers. We strive for employee engagement and connection. We want our employees to have the opportunity to bring their whole selves to work.