Positions:  1

Posted Date:  5/1/2012

Category:  System Operations - System Control

Equal Opportunity Employer:  

Summary of Responsibilities:Has the responsibility and authority to operate the transmission system facilities of the American Transmission Company (ATC) according to Good Utility Practice criteria while complying with Policies and guidelines set by NERC, FERC, the Regional Reliability Council (RRC) and the Midwest ISO (MISO). Ensure safe, reliable, and economic operation of the transmission system by monitoring and responding to system disturbances involving substation and transmission equipment. Analyze SCADA inputs of system voltage, line loading, and system alarms, and take appropriate action. Identify transmission system weaknesses and suggest remedial actions. Provide proper response for system abnormalities on a 24 X 7 basis. Administer provisions of all transmission system tariffs. Communicate with regulatory and other agencies as required. Perform, analyze and interpret system studies (including contingency analysis and power flows) during system normal and emergency conditions. Must be able to work with a minimum of supervision. Required to sign and adhere to various “standards of conduct” and confidentiality agreements related to FERC order 889 and open-access. Usual workweek consists of a combination of twelve-hour day / night shifts on a rotating basis with overtime as required. Work generally performed in an indoor office environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Monitor, control and direct the safe, stable and reliable operation of substation and transmission facilities in the company's electrical power system while complying with the standards, procedures, and guidelines established by FERC, NERC, RRO, MISO and ATC.
• Monitor critical aspects of electric transmission system including: system load, frequency, transmission line status, real and reactive power flows, voltage, transformer flows, tap positions, status of rotating and static reactive resources, etc. Make immediate and appropriate response to system disturbances including, analysis and corrective action in response to events, alarms, or indicators signaling the disturbances.
• During normal, emergency and restoration conditions, has the primary authority and responsibility to direct and implement real time actions, including shedding firm load. This response, when necessary, may be taken without obtaining approval from higher level personnel within the company.
• Communicate with the Reliability Coordinator and other potentially affected parties (including Balancing Authorities, neighboring Transmission Operators, Generator Operators, Distribution Providers and Load Serving Entities) regarding conditions that could threaten the reliability of the Bulk Electric System or when firm load shedding is anticipated to ensure the stable and reliable operation of ATC’s transmission system.

• Inform, assist, and coordinate actions with neighboring Balancing Authorities, Reliability Coordinator (Midwest ISO) and neighboring Transmission Operators/Owners.
• Comply with Reliability Coordinator (Midwest ISO) directives unless such actions would violate safety, equipment, or regulatory or statutory requirements.
• Issue reliability directives, as necessary, to Balancing Authorities, Generator Operators, Distribution Providers and Load Serving Entities.
• Obtain and maintain proficiency and understanding of the Protective Card procedures, work rules and safety practices used in the applicable Control Center. Responsible and authorized to direct field-switching personnel for all switching on the transmission system. Ensure switching is performed in a safe and secure manner while arranging for the removal of lines for construction, maintenance, restoration of service, and installation of protective carding.
• Ensure detailed records are maintained during shift and notify proper authorities of conditions needing their attention and in sufficient detail to satisfy various regulatory requirements (e.g. PSCW 113).
• Perform, analyze and interpret system studies (including contingency analysis and power flows) during normal and emergency conditions. Develop real time and contingent action plans from these studies.
• Notify company management during unusual system conditions or disturbances.
• Assist in making decisions regarding any work that may affect regional system reliability.
• Coordinate and analyze transmission facility outage requests. Control and direct outage restoration efforts.
• Develop and implement a personal annual training plan to maintain NERC certification and complete five (5) days of emergency training per year.
• Utilize company standard computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet browser, etc.
• Perform other tasks, duties and projects as assigned.

Note: While in training, an individual without the proper NERC certification credential may not independently fill a required operating position. Trainees may perform critical tasks under the direct, continuous supervision and observation of the NERC certified individual filling the required position.