What are the responsibilities and job description for the Energy System Operator position at Teco Energy?
POWER UP A CAREER WITH US
Our people power everything we do.
At Tampa Electric, dependable electricity starts with dedicated individuals whose talent, skill and passion drive our success. We’ve been lighting the way for West Central Florida for more than 125 years—and we’re just getting started.
Join us and build a rewarding career with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a culture that supports your growth. Your potential finds its purpose at Tampa Electric.
We proudly deliver 99.98% electric service reliability to nearly 860,000 customers across 2,000 square miles of Hillsborough County and parts of Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through innovation and strategic investments, we’re creating a cleaner, brighter energy future—while delivering exceptional service every step of the way.
We reflect the communities we serve and foster a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and engaged. Join our team of energy experts and help shape the future of power.
Storm Duty Requirements
Tampa Electric and its sister companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our Tampa Electric customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.
Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.
Tampa Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, please click on link below:
Disclosure Statements
Power up a career with us. Our people are our greatest investments.
Be the light to help us keep our customers connected. If you are interested in a career and not just a position, Tampa Electric is the place to be! Tampa Electric offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth and development in a friendly and professional work environment. We embrace diversity and the inclusion of all. We believe our differences, unique perspectives and talents are our strengths and integral to the success of our company.
We’re honored to serve approximately 780,000 customers across West Central Florida and safely provide them with clean, affordable and reliable electricity. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years, and there’s so much more ahead.
Join our team of energy experts as we build on that legacy through innovation, continued solar investments, cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions all while keeping top-notch customer service at the center of all we do.
Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a family of energy companies which also includes TECO Peoples Gas and New Mexico Gas Company. Emera provides energy to residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with career opportunities available in all of these locations.
POSITION CONCEPT
The Energy System Operator position consists of three general functions: Transmission, Generation, and Interchange. Within each of these functions, the Energy System Operator has the authority to take the appropriate actions to ensure the stable and reliable operations of the Bulk Electric System, up to and including the shedding of firm load. The Transmission function involves monitoring, taking appropriate action and directing the switching/clearances on lines of 69KV voltage and above. The Generation function involves balancing resources to the load. The Interchange function involves arranging, scheduling, monitoring and accounting for all interchange transactions. The Interchange function also is responsible for evaluating and approving transmission service requests. All functions require directing the activities of other TEC personnel. The Energy System Operator must be able to successfully perform all three functions (transmission, generation, and interchange). The Energy System Operator performs all of these functions in compliance with NERC and FRCC Standards.
The Energy System Operator position consists of three general functions: Transmission, Generation, and Interchange. Within each of these functions, the Energy System Operator has the authority to take the appropriate actions to ensure the stable and reliable operations of the Bulk Electric System, up to and including the shedding of firm load. The Transmission function involves monitoring, taking appropriate action and directing the switching/clearances on lines of 69KV voltage and above. The Generation function involves balancing resources to the load. The Interchange function involves arranging, scheduling, monitoring and accounting for all interchange transactions. The Interchange function also is responsible for evaluating and approving transmission service requests. All functions require directing the activities of other TEC personnel. The Energy System Operator must be able to successfully perform all three functions (transmission, generation, and interchange). The Energy System Operator performs all of these functions in compliance with NERC and FRCC Standards.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Transmission Function
- Monitor power system and respond to alarms. Direct switching activity of the transmission system and issue Clearances to work on tagged and grounded equipment.
- Ensure rapid recovery from loss of transmission facility and stabilize the power system to prevent further decay of system. This includes shedding of firm load.
- Monitor Advanced Applications and respond to contingency violations.
Generation Function
- Review and update load forecast for next hour. Dispatch available generation resources to minimize production cost and maintain security of the power system.
- Ensure rapid recovery from generation loss or loss of transmission facilities and stabilize the power system to prevent further decay of the system.
- Monitor and control natural gas usage.
Scheduling Function
- Arrange, schedule, monitor and account for all interchange transactions. Respond to Transmission Service request.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Required: Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
Required: Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in related field
Licenses/Certifications
Required: Current NERC RC or BIT certification OR the ability to pass the NERC System Operator Certification exam within six months of hiring is required. This certification must be maintained.
Required: Current NERC RC or BIT certification OR the ability to pass the NERC System Operator Certification exam within six months of hiring is required. This certification must be maintained.
Experience Required:
Experience in ONE of the following is required:
- Engineering Degree with a minimum of one year of power plant or transmission/substation experience; Minimum of two years as a Control Center Operator;
- Minimum of three years as a Distribution System Operator III;
- Minimum of three years of direct experience working rotating shifts through the Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission functions, performing the Duties & Responsibilities of a NERC-Certified BIT Level Operator with technical proficiency in interconnected operation;
- Minimum of five years of experience, working the Control Room, as a Combined Cycle Specialist or an IGCC Process Specialist;
- Minimum of five years of experience as a Power Trader;
- Minimum of five years of experience as a Journeyman Substation Electrician with switching, troubleshooting, and relay & control experience;
Preferred: Previous experience in interconnected system operations as a NERC-Certified System Operator (Balancing Authority/Transmission Operator or higher); Power Plant, Substation, or Transmission Operations experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)
Required: Must demonstrate sound judgment, and excellent leadership and communication skills. Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications are required.
Required: Must demonstrate sound judgment, and excellent leadership and communication skills. Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications are required.
Preferred: Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards. Energy Management System (EMS), Florida Transmission Management System (FTMS), integrated Tools for Operations Application (iTOA), Open Access Technology International’s (OATI’s) WebSmart and WebTrans/WebScheduler, and Energy Accounting (EA) Online.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Speaks Up on Safety, Health and the Environment
- Takes Ownership and Acts with Integrity
- Drives Operational Excellence for Customers
- Builds Strong, Collaborative Relationships
- Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change
- Thinks Strategically and Exercises Sound Judgment
WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime is required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ REQUIREMENTS None Required
TECO offers a competitive Benefits package!!
Competitive Salary *401k Savings plan w/ company matching * Pension plan * Paid time off* Paid Holiday time * Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage *Tuition Assistance Program * Employee Assistance Program * Wellness Programs * On-site Fitness Centers * Bonus Plan and more!
STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS....Please make sure to read below!!! Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.
TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.
TECO Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at TECO Energy will be based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and abilities.
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Statement
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
ADA policy
It is the policy of TECO Energy to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals who are employees and applicants for employment, unless it would cause undue hardship. The corporation will adhere to applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970s.
Application accommodations
Applicants may request reasonable accommodation in the application process five business days prior to the time accommodation is needed.
Pre-employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job-related physical requirements regardless of disability.