Power System Trainer/Operator

City Utilities of Springfield; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Recruitment allowance

Paid parental leave

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

City Utilities of Springfield is seeking a Power System Trainer/Operator to ensure training and compliance with NERC standards. You will develop courses, maintain certification, and coordinate with partners to conduct restoration drills while operating the EMS to maintain system reliability.

Ideal candidates hold a technical degree with extensive power systems experience, plus a track record in training and certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent power-systems experience.
• Four years of recent experience in transmission/distribution or bulk power systems.
• Direct experience as a System Operations Trainer preferred.
• NERC System Operator Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Follows NERC standards development process and provides feedback to management.
• Reviews and updates 693 documents for compliance and training needs.
• Develops new plans, processes, and guides for new/NERC-standard applications.
• Maintains NERC Continuing Education Provider status and conducts training.
• Coordinates with partners to host annual System Restoration drills.
• Operates EMS, monitors loads, and ensures safety and reliability.

Skills

NERC standards knowledge

Power system operations

Technical writing

Cybersecurity awareness

Training content development

Teamwork and collaboration

Decision making under pressure

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field

4+ years of power systems experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Enterprise software

AI-enhanced applications

Job description

Are you a Power System Trainer/Operator looking for the perfect job? We offer competitive compensation and benefits PLUS paid parental leave, and more! Your new work family is waiting for you to apply!

To help make your transition as smooth as possible, City Utilities may offer relocation assistance to candidates joining us from outside the Springfield metropolitan area and/or a key recruitment allowance depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.

Who are we

CU is nestled in the scenic southwest Missouri Ozarks region with an abundance of nearby lakes, outdoor activities, retail shopping, and low cost of living. City Utilities is a progressive, community-owned utility serving the greater Springfield area with electricity, natural gas, water, broadband and public transportation services. CU’s 110,000 customers enjoy electricity prices among the lowest in the United States, the convenience of one bill for all utilities, and dependable hometown services delivered with a personal touch.

CU's goal is to attract, recruit, develop and retain world-class employees by providing an engaging, professional, and respectful workplace along with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Follows the NERC Standards Development process to provide feedback to management concerning training and personnel related standards.

2. Annually reviews and modifies all Electric Reliability Compliance 693 documents related to Power System Operations to ensure compliance with standards and measures.

3. Develops new plans, processes, procedures, and guides as required for new applications or new/revised NERC Standards.

4. Participates in the SPP Operations Training Users Forum and other forums or working groups to stay current with industry trends and changes affecting System Operator Training.

5. Obtains and maintain NERC Continuing Education Provider Status.

6. Coordinates with interconnected utility partners to host annual System Restoration drills.

7. Maintains Back-up Control Center annual Functionality Test and Performance Checks for each operator.

8. Learns and follows City Utilities Standards of Conduct concerning treatment of transmission operating information.

9. Schedules and tracks training requirements for each certified System Operator in Power System Control to ensure that all regulatory and safety requirements are met and certifications and qualifications are maintained.

10. Maintains individual NERC System Operator Certification through self-study and participation in mandatory training courses to obtain NERC approved continuing education hours.

11. Uses Microsoft PowerPoint to design and develop written course materials.

12. Performs all duties of the Power System Operator/Dispatcher during emergencies, outside operator training, or unfilled vacancies.

a. Taking responsibility and authority to operate City Utilities’ electric system in a safe and reliable manner, in accordance with NERC reliability standards. This authority includes directing City Utilities’ personnel to take actions to protect the integrity of the bulk electric system.

b. Operating the Energy Management System (EMS) to include functions such as: Inputting data, performing operational functions to maintain reliability of the bulk electric system, restoring power during disturbances or outages, mitigating equipment overloads, and maintaining bulk power system voltage at adequate levels. Monitoring and reporting changes or inconsistencies in system operational diagrams, maps, system alarm registers, and other pertinent operating information.

c. Observing load and voltage and implementing operational decisions to ensure adequate supply and distribution of electricity to meet power demands. Contacting power generating stations to adjust outputs according to internal load and bulk power system needs and/or conditions.

d. Monitoring and controlling power transfers with the interconnected balancing authority areas to ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards during normal and emergency operations.

e. Ensuring generators are loaded in accordance with economic dispatching principles to produce power at minimum cost, consistent with operational constraints.

f. Keeping constantly informed via situational awareness tools of the conditions throughout the power system. Records on daily log sheets and through the Energy Management System power system conditions, readings, and status. Ensures hourly electronic transmittal to Southwest Power Pool and interconnected utility partners. Preparing monthly operational reports. Keeping other necessary records.

g. Coordinating connection/disconnection of generating units with applicable power station personnel and with the Reliability Coordinator (SPP). Communicating with field personnel and maintaining action logs for hot line hold and clearance logs.

h. Controlling and monitoring all high voltage switching to include the removal from service and restoration to service of lines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance. Responsibility includes reporting all transmission outages for all BES facilities to the Reliability Coordinator.

i. Taking trouble calls and coordinating corrective action with field personnel during off-hours for the electric system.

j. Taking all prudent action to restore service in a timely manner following outages and to minimize the effect of emergencies. Ensuring, on a real-time basis, that the system is operated safely. Ensuring all switching procedures are implemented per plan to ensure safety of the public and City Utilities’ crews and maintain power system integrity.

k. Initiating appropriate emergency procedures, when directed or when necessary, based upon own judgment. Initiating Backup Energy Control Center operations when conditions warrant. Notifying appropriate duty personnel when additional assistance is needed.

13. Maintains awareness of cybersecurity policies, standards, and requirements. Completes routine internal cybersecurity training.

14. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical field or business is required. Two or more years of college or vocational/technical courses and exceptional experience in electricity and/or electric power systems may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis. Computer proficiency is required. Four years of recent progressively responsible experience in transmission system operations above 100kV, or distribution system operations, or bulk power system generation operations is required. Direct experience as a System Operations Trainer is preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

• NERC System Operator Certification for Balancing & Interchange and Transmission Operator or higher level is required, or the ability to obtain and pass the Balancing & Interchange and Transmission Operator or higher-level NERC System Operator Certification test(s) within 12 months of employment.
• Must complete additional internal System Operator training requirements within 24 months of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain NERC Continuing Education Provider status within 12 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiar with:
  • Current NERC reliability standards—particularly (PER) personnel and training standards, SPP Reliability Criteria, and City Utilities’ Power System Operating Procedures.
  • NERC System Operator Certification Process and Continuing Education and training requirements.
• Ability to:
  • Develop and maintain good relationships with others and promote teamwork.
  • Make prudent and prompt decisions and take corrective action.
  • Perform all duties of the Power System Operator/Dispatcher.
  • Maintain awareness of cybersecurity and threats.
  • Make sound judgment in stressful situations.
  • Work courteously with customers, co-workers, interconnected utility partners, and regulatory agencies.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to quality beyond meeting the bare essentials of training.
  • Independently develop, implement, and deliver bulk power system-based courses and content to System Operations personnel.
  • Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.
• Working knowledge of controlling a power system and system operations principles.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:

Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Ability to differentiate the colors red and green on a computer monitor in order to detect energized and de-energized equipment status. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and communicate/receive detailed information through oral communication.

Working Conditions:

Duties are primarily performed in a normal office environment. During emergencies, there can be substantial noise from various alarm devices, radio transmissions, and telephone calls.

• Shift work may be required.
• Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
• Must be able to pass a NERC background check.
• Employees must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.