NERC RC System Operator

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. in Taylor, TX is seeking a System Operator to ensure reliable operation of the ERCOT electric system, monitor market activity, and coordinate real-time actions with network participants.

The role includes progressing through System Operator desks, training, and potential mentorship, with 12-hour shifts onsite and compliance with NERC standards. A high school diploma is required, with relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understands and apply principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT's culture.

Job description

Austin, TX

Full time

R2501

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world‑class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

Coordinate, regulate, and distribute electricity in accordance with set protocols and operating guides. Holds responsibility for the reliable operation of the ERCOT electric system and compliance with the ERCOT Protocols and Operating Guides, including applicable operating and market guides and NERC Reliability Standards.

JOB DUTIES

• Understands and apply principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT's culture.

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

• Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects.

• May respond to inquiries and/or provide assistance and/or guidance to lower-level workers.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Roles and Authority, All Levels

The System Operator can be trained to fill any one of the following system operations desks

• Real-Time Desk

• Transmission Security Desk

• Reliability Unit Commitment Desk

• Reliability Risk Desk

• Resource Desk

• DC Tie Desk

The role of each of these 6 desks and the supervision of those desks represent the following NERC functional entities collectively for ERCOT ISO at any time

• Reliability Coordinator

• Balancing Authority

• Transmission Operator

This representation includes the responsibility and clear decision‑making authority to direct and implement real‑time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the ERCOT electric system These actions will be taken by all operating entities and market participants

Essential Job Duties and Tasks

System Operator 2 (includes all the above in addition to):

• Works under the direction of a supervisor to complete daily tasks and assignments

• Ensures the reliable operation of the ERCOT electric system and compliance with the ERCOT Protocols and Operating Guides, including applicable operating and market guides and NERC Reliability Standards

• Processes Market participants’ balanced schedules for resources and obligations of energy and ancillary services

• Responsible for frequency control of the ERCOT electric system and deployment of ancillary services

• Manages congestion on the transmission system and directs voltage control

• Ensures all required information is posted and recorded for settlement, accounting and auditing

• During abnormal operating conditions or system problems, evaluates the situation, directs and coordinates the solution with operating entities and market participants

• Implements and coordinates time error corrections, operating condition notices, advisories, watches, and emergency operations plans

• May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of other less experienced system operators

• May act as mentor and advisor to less experienced system operators

• Works independently on assignments and tasks

• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies

• May participate with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed

System Operator 3 (includes all the above in addition to):

• Provides on the job training or help oversee the work of other less experienced system operators

• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced system operators

• Works independently on assignments and tasks

• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies

• Participates with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed

System Operator Senior (includes all the above in addition to):

• May serve as Subject Matter Expert for the team or department

• Make independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex scenarios

• Works on the most complex issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors

• Has the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways

• Fosters and leverages strong working relationships with other internal departments

• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by supervisor

• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced personnel

• Demonstrates skills as an expert user of grid applications and tools

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Level 2 Operator: Requires minimum 2 years job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements

• Level 3 Operator: Requires a minimum of 3 years job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements

• Senior Level: Requires minimum 5 years of job-related work experience in excess of degree requirements

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

CERTIFICATIONS

• NERC RC Certification (Required for all levels)

• ERCOT System Operator (Required for Senior level)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work rotating day/night 12-hour shifts Sedentary work.

• Work Location: Onsite in Taylor, TX (just northeast of Austin)

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT. Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-Onsite, #LI-MH1

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about 90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generating units. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk‑power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT's members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor‑owned electric utilities (transmission and distribution providers,) and municipal‑owned electric utilities.

ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short‑term disability insurance, long‑term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan.

The medical, dental, vision (https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2023/11/29/Benefits-Highlights-2024.pdf) , and quality‑of‑life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans (https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2019/09/23/ERCOT_401K_Sept_2019_FINAL.pdf) are available to help employees plan for the future.

The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path.

Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an academic bachelors or post graduate degree program maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The ERCOT Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a 12- to 16‑month, self‑paced program geared toward entry‑level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Through the program, an EDP Engineer receives one‑on‑one mentoring, specialized training, and exposure to the work performed by each of the engineering groups at ERCOT.

The program allows engineers to develop the fundamental skills necessary to reach their full potential while gaining an understanding of the types of engineering work ERCOT has to offer. EDP management supports participants each step of the way as they progress through the program. Upon completion, graduates are placed as full‑time engineers within one of ERCOT’s engineering groups.

The GMS Development Program (GDP) is designed to provide entry‑level and early career professionals with the skills necessary to become successful Power System and Computer Engineers.

The program, which is based in ERCOT’s Grid and Market Solutions (GMS) Department, will provide experience in day‑to‑day work and instruction in the fundamentals of electric power systems engineering, grid and market applications, software programming, and IT service and operations management. The GDP offers one‑on‑one mentoring, training, field trips, and special assignments. These assignments allow GDP engineers to become knowledgeable and familiar with the various business areas at ERCOT. The GMS leadership team prepares GDP engineers for a future career at ERCOT in power systems and computer engineering.

The System Operator Development Program (ODP) is intended to combine real‑time daily operations in an exciting work setting to prepare participants with the vital skills necessary to be successful in such a critical position – providing 24x7x365 on‑demand support to manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. If you are new to the industry, this program introduces you to the Bulk Electric System by combining introductory courses with the NERC Certification Exam Preparation Program in preparation to pass the NERC Certification Exam.