NERC Certified System Operator

BHE Montana has several opportunities for System Operator including Associate and Experienced Sr. System Operator

The System Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient real-time operation of BHE Montana’s Balancing Authorities and generation assets. Operating from the Network Operations Center (NOC), this position monitors electric system conditions, coordinates generation dispatch and energy schedules, responds to system events and emergencies, and ensures compliance with NERC, WECC, and other applicable reliability standards.

System Operators are trusted to make critical real-time decisions that protect the Bulk Electric System, maintain grid reliability, support restoration efforts, and minimize operational risk. Working in a fast-paced 24/7 control room environment, this role collaborates closely with internal operations teams, market participants, neighboring utilities, reliability coordinators, and regulatory entities to ensure the continuous delivery of safe and reliable electric service.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who thrive in a highly technical environment, enjoy problem-solving under pressure, and are committed to operational excellence, reliability, and continuous learning.

Key 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Power Systems, Energy Management, Operations Technology, or another related technical field; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates without a bachelor's degree typically require six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations, power system operations, generation operations, transmission operations, or a related field.

Experience

• One (1) to five (5) years of experience in electric utility operations, generation operations, balancing authority operations, transmission operations, power system operations, energy scheduling, or a related field.
• Experience working in a control room, generation facility, utility operations center, or other real-time operating environment preferred.
• Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, Automatic Generation Control (AGC), or related operational technologies preferred.
• Experience in organized energy markets, including WECC, CAISO WEIM/EIM, AESO, ERCOT, MISO, or PJM, is preferred.

Required Certifications

• Current and valid NERC System Operator Certification at the Reliability Coordinator (RC) or Balancing Interchange Operator (BI) level; or
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain the required NERC certification before assuming independent bulk electric system operating responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain NERC certification through required Continuing Education Program (CEP) hours.
• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Bulk Electric System operations, generation dispatch, balancing authority functions, transmission operations, and reliability principles.
• Understanding of NERC and WECC reliability standards and operating requirements.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and perform under emergency and time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective radio, phone, and electronic communications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented operational environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence, reliability, and safety.

Work Environment

• Located in Great Falls, Montana, with occasional travel to Company generation facilities.
• 24/7 operations environment requiring rotating 12.5-hour shifts.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call assignments as required.
• Works in a CIP-compliant control center environment with established security and access requirements