Electric System Operator Trainee

Work Location: Butte, MT

Pay range: Union Rate $35.40 to $47.93 depending on qualifications to meet level classification

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Trainee System Operator Electric is responsible for scheduling, monitoring, and control flows on the electric transmission system and associated tie lines with other utilities. They are responsible for monitoring and operating Energy Imbalance Market functions impacting NorthWestern Energy's Balancing Authority and Transmission system. They have the authority and responsibility to implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ 1,500 amazing people and serve 753,600 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• Implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system during system normal and emergency conditions
• Hourly reporting of transmission facilities and schedules
• Perform dispatch-related functions including hourly recording of energy flows, unit status, system load, and remaining load
• Review and modify Generation schedules to pass binding EIM Sufficiency Tests and Respond to CAISO EIM Sufficiency Test Failures (Capacity, Balance, Flex Ramp) for the Balancing Authority Area (BAA). Monitories Transfer limits for each Intertie to another EIM participant, including administration through BAAOP.
• Enter NorthWestern Energy into contingency events for EIM and coordinate requests for Reserve Sharing to respond to NWE Contingency Events or requests from Reserve Sharing partners.
• Communicating with utilities and completing reporting and filing requirements
• Control, schedule, and monitor flows on NorthWestern Energy electric transmission system, including transmission tie lines with other utilities
• Scheduling of transmission, OASIS, AGC, and transmission line switching, and functions related to electric transmission dispatch
• Monitor the EIM solution in Real-Time and evaluate results for Market Infeasibilities, generation data errors, communication errors and other Real-Time issues which impact generation operations and EIM solution quality.
• Work 1 of 4 desks on demand (High Volt, Low Volt, Energy Imbalance Market and Scheduling) and progress to System Operator Electric Level III (certification on two desks) within two years.
• Meet and operate within NERC, FERC, and WECC standards, requirements, and guidelines
• Perform all necessary functions for maintenance and revision of the map board
• Perform Energy Imbalance Market tasks, Balancing Authority tasks or Transmission Operations tasks, and other duties as assigned, proficiently
• Work a rotating twelve-hour shift cycle with overtime, weekend, and night work
• Minimal travel is required for training or other purposes - up to 10%
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Complete System Operator Electric apprenticeship or a combination of previous experience in similar field (e.g. engineering, journeyman lineman) in conjunction with advanced Apprenticeship training.
• Previous electrical utility control center operating experience is preferred in any or all of these areas:
  • Balancing Authority (BA) interchange and scheduling operations with knowledge of OATI/OASIS systems
  • Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations with knowledge of BAAOP or similar programs
  • Transmission Operator (TOP) functions including electric transmission line switching, clearance procedures, voltage control, and other tasks required to maintain reliability of an electrical grid
• Must obtain NERC Certification (Balancing Authority Transmission Operator (BATOP) or higher). Current NERC BATOP (or higher) certification highly preferred
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Must be able to think clearly and function appropriately in high stress situations
• Must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately
• Must have good oral and written communication skills
• Must have personal computer operating experience
• Experience with Plant Information (PI) software desired
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs
• Must be able to quickly learn specialized computer applications
• Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented

Requisition #3891

Posting Dates: February 13, 2023 through February 27, 2023

Department/Division: Transmission

Employment Physical: Not Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com.