NERC CERTIFIED SYSTEM OPERATOR

In Demand Recruitment and Consulting Inc.; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 111,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

In Demand Recruitment and Consulting Inc. is assisting in hiring a NERC Certified System Operator in Great Falls, MT. This role involves ensuring safe and efficient operation of generation assets, including 24/7 operational responsibilities and real-time decision-making.

Applicants should hold a technical degree or have significant experience in electric operations, along with a valid NERC certification. The position offers a salary range of $111,000 – $165,000/year based on experience.

Qualifications

• Possession and maintenance of a valid NERC certification at the Reliability Coordinator level.
• 1-5 years of experience in electric operations or a related function.
• Strong understanding of bulk electric system operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor system conditions and coordinate generation schedules.
• Respond to system disturbances and emergency conditions.
• Ensure continuous compliance with NERC and WECC standards.

Skills

Real-time operations management

NERC compliance

Generation dispatch

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

6 years of relevant experience

Tools

Energy Management Systems (EMS)

SCADA

Job description

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently assisting a client in their search for a NERC CERTIFIED SYSTEM OPERATOR in Great Falls, MT.

Full-Time | Permanent | On-Site

Overview

The System Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient real‑time operation of balancing authorities and generation assets. Working from the Network Operations Center (NOC), this role monitors system conditions, coordinates generation and interchange schedules, responds to system events, and ensures compliance with applicable reliability standards—while continuously optimizing operational performance and supporting grid reliability.

This position plays a critical role during both normal and emergency operating conditions and is entrusted with the authority to take timely real‑time operational actions to protect the bulk electric system, support system restoration, and prevent potential reliability violations. The System Operator works closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain system integrity and operational excellence.

• This position is primarily based at the company office located in Great Falls, MT, with occasional travel required to generation facilities in Ethridge, MT.
• 24/7 operations environment with rotating shifts (Dupont Shift Rotation) that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and on‑call responsibilities.
• CIP‑compliant operations center with required security protocols.
• Compensation target is $111,000 – $165,000/year and will be dependent on skills and experience.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and monitor balancing authority and generation assets in real time to ensure safe, reliable, and economic performance.
• Manage hourly resource optimization, generation dispatch, and interchange scheduling.
• Respond to system disturbances, outages, and emergency conditions in coordination with transmission operators, reliability coordinators, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure continuous compliance with NERC, WECC, FERC, and applicable regional reliability standards (including AESO/Alberta requirements, as applicable).
• Coordinate with internal operations, environmental, and asset management teams, as well as external trading and reliability partners.
• Review and approve switching activities and coordinate planned and unplanned outages to support system reliability.
• Prepare and provide operational reports, system updates, and event communications to leadership.
• Support the training, development, and mentoring of Associate System Operators.

Performance Expectations

• Provide training to Associate System Operators in real-time direction of the operations of the company inter-connected generation assets.
• Performs direct operations of assets in a highly reliable, safe manner in accordance with NERC and WECC reliability standards for BA & GOP as it relates to procedures, policies and guidelines, and real-time logging and other record-keeping procedures for NOC Operators/Operations.
• Work with the Compliance Team to implement new/updated reliability standards.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of NERC Operating Standards by maintaining the NERC Reliability or Balancing Interchange Certification exam. This certification has been established by NERC to provide standards for those who operate bulk electric power systems in North America. Certification must be maintained by obtaining the required minimum hours of NERC approved continuing education over a three year period. 30 hours must include simulated operations and 30 hours of training on NERC standards.
• Demonstrate high level of customer focus, with emphasis on ensuring that system event and outage information is accurate and available in a timely manner for communication to Lead System Operator and/or the NOC Manager, senior management and third‑party asset owner/operators.
• Follow department procedures and utilize available human performance tools to ensure that instructions and communications with field personnel are clear and understood.
• Support reporting/settlement duties for the Company’s generation projects and third‑party generation operations projects.
• Provide feedback, develop, and create procedures, policies, and guidelines for NOC operations.
• Maintain effective work relationships within the department and the company; and maintain the professional competence, knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory completion of responsibilities during normal and sometimes high stress conditions.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Typically, 6 years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor’s degree.)
• 1–5 years of experience in electric operations or a related function.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid NERC certification at the Reliability Coordinator or Balancing Interchange level is required. Candidates must successfully pass the NERC examination before being authorized to operate the bulk electric system in North America.
• Strong understanding of bulk electric system operations, generation dispatch, and balancing authority principles.
• Preferred experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, and operational data and monitoring tools.
• Ability to analyze complex system conditions, make sound decisions under pressure, and manage multiple priorities in a real-time environment.
• Experience with renewable generation, power markets (WECC, EIM, AESO, MISO, ERCOT, PJM), or wind forecasting preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for extended periods at a computer in a control room environment.
• Ability to monitor systems and communicate effectively with internal and external operational partners via phone, electronic, and written communication.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Legal Status

A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or possess a Green Card.