NERC-Certified System Operator | Real-Time Grid Control

BHE Montana; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BHE Montana is seeking an Associate or Experienced Sr. System Operator to oversee real-time operation of balancing authority and generation assets from the NOC in Great Falls, MT.

You will monitor EMS/SCADA systems, coordinate generation dispatch, respond to disturbances, and ensure compliance with NERC and WECC standards while working a 12.5-hour rotating shift in a 24/7 environment. Strong analytical skills and a commitment to reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• One to five years of electric utility operations experience.
• Experience in a control room or real-time operating environment preferred.
• Experience with EMS, SCADA, and AGC preferred.
• Experience in organized energy markets (WECC, CAISO WEIM/EIM, AESO, ERCOT, MISO, or PJM) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Balancing Authority and generation assets in real time to ensure safe, reliable, and economic performance.
• Manage generation dispatch, interchange scheduling, reserve optimization, and operational coordination activities.
• Respond to system disturbances, outages, and emergency conditions while maintaining reliability and compliance requirements.
• Ensure compliance with NERC, WECC, and other applicable reliability standards through accurate logging, monitoring, reporting, and operational actions.
• Coordinate switching activities, planned outages, and emergency restoration activities.
• Support reporting, settlement, and operational activities associated with Company and third-party generation assets.
• Provide training, mentoring, and operational guidance to Associate System Operators.
• Participate in the development and improvement of operational procedures, policies, guidelines, and training materials.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments, neighboring utilities, reliability entities, market participants, and regulatory organizations.
• Maintain required certification and continuing education requirements.

Skills

Analytical

Decision making

Communication skills

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

EMS

SCADA

AGC

Job description

BHE Montana is seeking an Associate or Experienced Sr. System Operator to oversee real-time operation of balancing authority and generation assets from the NOC in Great Falls, MT.

You will monitor EMS/SCADA systems, coordinate generation dispatch, respond to disturbances, and ensure compliance with NERC and WECC standards while working a 12.5-hour rotating shift in a 24/7 environment. Strong analytical skills and a commitment to reliability are essential.