Transmission System Operator

Summary

Responsible for monitoring, performing and directing real-time actions to ensure safe, reliable, and economic operation of the electric transmission and distribution systems during normal and emergency conditions, with full authority, without additional supervision, for the Lubbock Power & Light system. Also, responsible for monitoring and controlling transmission, substation and distribution facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading are within ratings. Responds to system conditions, assist with the coordination of activities involving intrastate transmission grid with ERCOT and NERC operating guidelines to maximize reliability of electric service.

Essential Functions

• Monitor, Analyze and respond to electric system conditions by monitoring the flow of electricity through the transmission, substations and distribution system to the customers;
• Coordinate the restoration of service to transmission, substation and distribution facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity;
• Responsible for complying with NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT, protocols and operating guidelines;
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends and holidays. Also requires working various shift schedules and being available (on call) for additional duty;
• Maintain working knowledge of desk manuals, policies and procedures.
• Communicates with business units regarding the operations of the electric system;
• Take corrective measures during emergencies such as transformer or transmission line failures and route load around the affected area;
• Troubleshoot for emergency repairs to transmission and distribution feeder and equipment;
• Relay information to workers assigned to the area in which problem occurs, and utility management concerning system disturbances;
• Monitor and operates equipment in substation which change the characteristics of electricity and controls the flow of electricity in and out of substations;
• Operate load tap chargers, voltage transformers, circuit breakers, re-closing relays and capacitor bank controls through control room;
• Control distribution of electric power over feeder circuits from substations; monitors VAR flow of the system and each individual feeder;
• Drafts, execute, and log switching activities;
• Monitor all feeders for trips or logouts to minimize outages;
• Monitor weather and notifies crews of approaching storms;
• Perform related duties as directed.

Qualifications

NERC Certified TOP or RC level Grid Controller certification required.

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in an electrical technical or business-related discipline and two (2) years of practical experience in the Electric Utility industry or Transmission Distribution or any combination of relevant education and experience is preferred.

*** Critical Infrastructure: This position has been determined to have close contact with, or control of Critical Infrastructure components. This position is subject to extensive background checks and random drug screening. ***

This position requires, in addition to any requirements of Human Resources (HR), and prior to a final job offer, per NERC CIP-004, the completion of a seven year criminal background check, identity verification (e.g. Social Security number verification), and the passing of a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA). Continued employment in this position will require the NERC CIP-004 requirements to be satisfactorily completed every seven years from date of employment, and/or last PRA.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive knowledge specific to bulk electric system operations; transmission interconnects and generating plant protocol; power plant maintenance and outage schedules;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Transmission, substation and distribution safety procedures;
• Comprehensive knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards, plus ERCOT Protocols, ERCOT Operating Guides and Emergency Operations requirements;
• Operational knowledge of Transmission, Substation and Distribution systems (protection schemes, equipment limitations, etc.).

• Ability to work well under stressful conditions and responds to system disturbances with accurate decisions;
• Ability to prioritize trouble related calls and communicates with customers effectively;
• Ability to demonstrate skills in operating computer equipment by reading and analyzing data regarding system conditions; maintaining electrical outages to a minimum;
• Ability to assess advanced history of initiative and problem solving skills necessary to operate the system in a reliable and economical manner despite adverse conditions;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills.

• Frequently stand and walk;
• Frequently flex upper truck forward;
• Frequently lift up to 10 pounds;
• Frequently push and pull objects;
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward, partial flexing o knees;
• Frequently reach above, at or below shoulder height;
• Continuously talk, see and hear.