System Operator I

Org Marketing Statement

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) no longer requires employees to live within Wyandotte County, expanding opportunities for talented professionals to join our team while continuing our long-standing commitment to serving the communities that depend on us every day.

For over 100 years, BPU has provided safe, dependable water and electric services across Wyandotte County. As a non-profit public utility, we are deeply committed to the customers and communities we serve. At BPU, it’s more than providing utility services; it’s about powering quality of life, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our community for the future.

That commitment has helped BPU earn recognition as one of the top public utilities in the country. We are proud to offer meaningful careers, competitive pay, and one of the strongest benefits packages in the Kansas City region.

Join the Power of Our Community.

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule

$123,508.00 - Annual Salary

Position Purpose

Under the direction of a Qualified NERC Certified System Operator, ensure a safe, reliable and economic operation of the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities’ (KCBPU) electric system during standard operating conditions while being prepared to monitor and respond to system disturbances involving generators, substations and transmission equipment by taking necessary real-time actions. Control generation, monitor tie line flow, and provide all data necessary to meet the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Integrated Marketplace demands. Progress through System Operator Training Plan to develop the competencies necessary to operate the BPU electric system without direct supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Progress through the BPU System Operator Training Plan to develop skills necessary to perform all aspects of both System (ESO 1 & 2) and Senior System Operator (ESO 3) positions. *
• Under the direction of a Qualified System Operator, operate KCBPU’s electric system in a safe and reliable manner in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards. Learn and follow North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. *
• Assure accurate and available data to track utility performance by maintaining logs and worksheets containing information on system performance, hourly system readings, energy accounting, and production reports. *
• Ensure generators perform in accordance with Day-ahead and Real-time commitment obligations and instructions communicated by SPP. Coordinate all operational parameters with powers station personnel and SPP Balancing Authority and Reliability Coordinator. *
• Under the direction of a Qualified System Operator, while demonstrating an increasing competency to perform the task without direct supervision:
• Perform necessary switching operations on KCBPU’s distribution and transmission system. Ensure line work safety through recloser control and outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions through coordination with line crew, substation, and/or metering personnel.
• Monitor and maintain electric system within normal operating parameters to prevent disturbances. Observe system load and voltage to ensure adequate supply and distribution of electricity to meet demands.
• Provide necessary information to the Supervisor/Trainer of EMS Operations so to accurately perform maintenance of Electric System Control computer system.
• Operate the SCADA/EMS Control System(s) to perform applicable company specific reliability-related tasks. Maintain situational awareness of system conditions and equipment status.
• Operate within the parameters of the SPP Integrated Marketplace Protocols. *
• Denotes essential function

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• High School Diploma or its equivalent is required.
• A bachelor’s degree and/or two (2) years of Technical School in a related field is preferred.
• NERC Certification of appropriate level is required.

Experience

• Two (2) years’ experience in power system operations or related field experience or knowledge received through formal education, training, and/or operating experience required.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of electrical principles in power production, transmission and distribution required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel is required.
• The ability to learn the Energy Management System and other operating programs is required.
• This position requires the incumbent to be qualified as a Senior System Operator within one (1) year of NERC Certification.
• Verbal communication skills with a high degree of numerical and clerical perception is required.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Cannot be colorblind.

Other Information

Open Date: Month DAY, Year

Applications will be reviewed beginning Month Day, Year.

Recruitment Agency Notice: We are not engaging external recruiting agencies for this position. Please do not forward resumes or contact our team regarding this role.

Other Information

Open Date:07/14/2026

Applications will be reviewed beginning 08/04/2026

Recruitment Agency Notice: We are not engaging external recruiting agencies for this position. Please do not forward resumes or contact our team regarding this role.

Conditions of Employment

All BPU employees, at the inception of their employment, shall have a period of 12 months after employment begins to establish and maintain a legal primary residence within the legally defined boundaries of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Board of Public Utilities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.