Electric Transmission Grid Operator

American Transmission - Cottage Grove, WI

Full-time - Entry Level

Cottage Grove, WI

Utilities

About the position

Energize your career at ATC! We're looking for an Electric Transmission Grid Operator to join our team as we lead the renewable energy transition to ensure exceptional reliability for tomorrow. ATC is looking for operators with positive energy to monitor the electric transmission system and respond to system disturbances by taking real-time actions. Our operators identify potential electric transmission system challenges, develop corrective action plans and implement those plans as needed to maintain the reliability of the electric transmission system. Electric transmission operators also keep field workers safe by performing system switching to de-energize elements of the transmission system when maintenance is required. ATC operators work a combination of 12-hour rotating shifts and 8-hour training days during a six-week rotation. ATC has an extensive Operator training program so whether you are an experienced operator or new to the industry ATC is interested in exploring your interest in joining the ATC team. ATC also offers on-site training to help you obtain and maintain your NERC certification.

Responsibilities

• Utilize the Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor, control and direct the safe, stable and reliable operation of substation and transmission facilities on the ATC electrical power system.
• Operate the ATC electrical power system in compliance with the standards, procedures, and guidelines established by FERC, NERC, applicable RROs, MISO and ATC.
• Monitor all critical aspects of the ATC electric transmission system including system load, frequency, transmission line status, real and reactive power flows, voltage levels, transformer tap positions and loadings, status of rotating and static reactive resources, etc.
• Make immediate and appropriate response to system disturbances including analysis and corrective action in response to events, alarms, or indicators signaling the disturbances.
• Exercise the primary authority and responsibility to direct and implement real time actions, including shedding firm load during normal, emergency and restoration conditions without obtaining approval from higher level personnel.
• Communicate per ATC communication protocols with the Reliability Coordinator and other potentially affected parties regarding conditions that could threaten the reliability of the Bulk Electric System.
• Comply with Operating Instructions from the Reliability Coordinator (MISO) per ATC communication protocols.
• Issue Operating Instructions, as necessary, to Interconnected Entities per ATC communication protocols.
• Obtain and maintain proficiency and understanding of the ATC Transmission Switching Clearance Procedure, work rules, and safety practices used in the applicable Control Center.
• Ensure detailed records are maintained during shift and notify proper authorities of conditions needing their attention.
• Perform, analyze and interpret system studies during normal, emergency, and restoration conditions.
• Notify ATC Operations management during unusual system conditions or disturbances.
• Assist in making decisions regarding planning, scheduling, and performing system work that may affect regional system reliability.
• Coordinate and analyze transmission facility outage requests. Control and direct outage restoration efforts.
• Develop and complete a personal annual training plan to maintain NERC certification and meet ATC's operator training program requirements.
• Perform other tasks, duties and projects as assigned.
• May be called upon to serve before, during, and after a Transmission Emergency Response Plan (TERP) event; such event may require performing functions that are outside the scope of your regular job.
• Demonstrate compliance with ATC's Code of Conduct, all company policies and procedures, and all laws and regulations that govern ATC.

Requirements

• Must be certified as a NERC Reliability Operator; Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator; or Transmission Operator or be able to obtain certification within 12 months of employment.
• A two year technical degree in either Electrical Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology is required; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of work in the electrical utility industry is a plus.
• Strong technical and mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent communication, organization, decision-making, and follow-up skills are a must for success in this role.
• Must be fluent in the English language.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field is preferred.