Wind Energy Transmission Texas, LLC (WETT) has an immediate opening for a full-time System Operator position reporting to the Control Room Supervisor. Under normal conditions, this position will be straight days supporting the Real-time System Operator desk and other departments within Operations. This position must have the capability, under adverse conditions, to be responsible for operating WETT transmission and interconnection facilities continuously 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Ensure the operation of assets adhere to all Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) compliance standards and practices and is consistent with best utility practice. In addition, this position is responsible for the safety of personnel working on the system and the reliability of the system under the Operator’s control. This position protects against the exposure of penalties and fines associated with non-compliance of the NERC Reliability Standards.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for operating the transmission and interconnection facilities in a manner that ensures the reliability of the Bulk Electric System, while simultaneously maintaining a high degree of safety for maintenance and production personnel, generating, transmission, and distribution equipment.
- Accountable for monitoring and operating the transmission assets of an independent power system within the federally mandated requirements of the NERC reliability standards (Must be NERC System Operator certified with at least a Transmission Operator certificate or able to obtain NERC Certification within six (6) months of hire date).
- Manage and communicate the outage of transmission assets while minimizing the disruption of generation or interchange transactions and maintaining compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
- Monitor, operate, and maintain the interconnected power system within Security Operating Limits (SOL) and to a high degree of safety for personnel and protection for all assets (generation, transmission, and distribution).
- Draft and review switching orders while supporting outage coordination
- Support other facets of Operations as needed (SCADA, situational awareness tools, etc.)
- Support energization of new projects
- Fill in for shift rotation System Operators during gaps in staffing or emergency needs
Major Activities/Key Challenges
System Operator
- Monitor and operate the WETT transmission facilities.
- Accountable for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the Bulk Electric System.
- Responsible for continual decision-making to ensure that the transmission system is operated consistently with NERC Reliability Standards.
- Manage problems on the system, including the shedding of firm load.
- Direct transmission and interconnection assets while maintaining compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
- Maintain NERC System Operator certification, Transmission Operator minimum.
- Operate the SCADA/EMS Control system(s) to ensure compliance with its contractual and ERCOT/TRE/ Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) obligations.
- Responsible for all switching performed for operations and safety of maintenance personnel.
- Responsible for the restoration of the power system after a disturbance and/or the protective device operations in a timely manner.
- Implement and ensure adherence to Safety Standards during high voltage switching and maintenance operations.
- Direct and/or perform high voltage switching operations during normal and disturbance conditions.
- Produce and issue written clearance order procedures for the safe and orderly elimination of high-voltage hazards for maintenance personnel while maintaining equipment safety and integrity.
- Provide direction to maintenance and operating personnel during instances of abnormal system conditions and/or system alarms to troubleshoot any issues.
- Monitor and maintain power systems within normal operating parameters to prevent disturbances.
- Accumulate and analyze operating data to be utilized in periodic regional and national reports.
- Coordinate, communicate and cooperate with interconnected Utilities and ERCOT to maintain the stability and integrity of the interconnected power grid.
- Fill all requirements and responsibilities of a Transmission Operator as per the NERC Standards according to the NERC and ERCOT registration(s).
- Responsible for coordinating outages of transmission and interconnection assets with ERCOT and surrounding utilities to support maintenance and construction activities while maintaining stable, reliable, and safe operation of power system assets.
Essential Knowledge & Skills/Education
- Two (2) years of Technical School education/degree preferred.
- Must have and maintain a NERC Transmission Operator or higher Certification or be able to obtain NERC Certification within six (6) months of hire date.
- Minimum of five (2) years in power system operations or related field experience or knowledge received through formal education, training, and/or experience operating and/or maintaining power facilities.
- Knowledge of NERC and other federal regulatory compliance requirements as well as other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements is required.
- Experience and knowledge of current ERCOT and TRE standards, operating policies, procedures, and guidelines are preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of interconnected transmission system operations, generation characteristics, and electric utility power system control systems and practices.
- Excellent computer, oral, and written communication, interpersonal skills, and capable of functioning calmly in emergency situations.
- Must be able to perform independently under all operating conditions.
- Knowledge of the impact of weather-related events and the operation of other facilities on the company assets.
- Results-driven and accountable for actions.
- Able to accept responsibility, make appropriate decisions, and prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and be able to think independently and be able to adjust to constantly changing conditions.
- Candidates must be willing to work 12-hour rotating shift schedules when needed and be available for callouts, as necessary.
Why work at Wind Energy Transmission Texas (WETT)
We offer an opportunity to be an integral part of a company that eagerly pursues to provide Texans with the best energy transmission value and service available by delivering clean, renewable energy. Benefits of being an employee of WETT; include, but are not limited to the following:
- The annual salary will be based on experience and credentials
- Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and many more
- A Hybrid Work Schedule
- Great health and wellness benefits including parental leave
- Matching 401k
- Collaborative team approach environment
Only resumes that meet qualification requirements will be reviewed.