Career Center

Position/Opening:  System Operator Trainee

Location:  Elk River, Minnesota

Application Deadline:  June 3, 2022

Please note:

Qualified candidates will be required to take and pass the SO/PDII (System Operator/Dispatching II) battery test as part of the selection process or have the ability to provide test scores, that meet our criteria, if taken previously.

The non-trainee positions (Transmission System Operator, System Operator, and the Balancing Authority System Operator) require rotating 12 hour shifts, which include nights, weekends, and holidays.

“Awesome work environment!” “Great company, great benefits; a place to be proud of.”

These are a couple quotes from our employees at Great River Energy (GRE). As a consumer-owned generation and transmission company, we are Minnesota’s second largest electric utility.

General Summary 

We currently have a System Operator Trainee opening within our Transmission Division located in Elk River, Minnesota. The position will learn and develop an understanding of each position in the System Operations control center including Balancing Authority, Transmission and Clearance Coordinator desks. The focused training and learning will be either on the Transmission or Balancing Authority desks as determined.

Under the direction of a North American Electric Reliability (NERC) certified system operator, the trainee will perform job functions and activities applicable to control center positions:

• Coordinate the operation of GRE 24 hour staffed generation facilities with plant operators and Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) Generation and Interchange Operator (G&I).
• Analyze system troubles and initiate necessary action to restore normal operations while adhering to NERC reliability criteria and MISO Procedures.
• Perform scheduled switching of transmission and substation equipment and maintain system security and reliability in a safe manner.
• Coordinate all operations with MISO and interconnected transmission systems, GRE member cooperatives, and municipals.
• Coordinate, prepare, and submit clearance orders using Maximo to ensure proper coordination with cooperatives, municipals, and other power companies.
• Follow all GRE System Operations, NERC, Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), and MISO requirements, policies and practices.

Qualifications

• Completion of a two-year associate degree in math, science, physics, engineering, electrical engineering technology, electrical transmission system operations technology, electronics technology or technical equivalent is required. 4-year bachelor’s degree in any of these previously mentioned educational areas is preferred. Relevant, full-time work experience may qualify an applicant for consideration by using the following formula: Four years of relevant, full-time work experience may count for two years of full-time, higher level education completed. Relevant work experience includes power plant operations, distribution/Bulk Electric System (BES) electrical field work (line worker, substation technician, relay technician, meter technician), power generation or transmission dispatch, HVDC operations, power marketing or other applicable electric operations work.
• Must obtain and maintain at a minimum a NERC Combined Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator Certification designation within six months of accepting the position.
• Qualified candidates will be required to take and pass the SO/PDII battery test as part of the selection process or have the ability to provide test scores, that meet our criteria, if taken previously.
• Must be proficient in the use of PC-based computer software (word processing and spreadsheets) and wireless communication devices (cellular phones, handheld wireless devices, wireless email access, etc.)
• Knowledge of core transmission, generation, distribution processes associated with electric utilities including control systems, transformers, voltage control devices, SCADA\EMS systems, and/or telecommunications.
• Skill in utilizing mathematics as it applies to electrical theory and power system applications.
• Ability to think clearly, act quickly and remain calm in emergency situations.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize complex situations, and produce results in an extremely demanding environment.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to use computer-based office and EMS applications.
• Ability to distinguish colors on drawings and monitors/screens.
• Ability and responsibility to work safely alone and with others while following GRE safety rules, certifications and procedures.

Apply

Qualified professionals will find we have a lot to offer:  competitive compensation, continued education, an on-site workout facility, generous retirement plan, along with many more benefits. Qualified candidates, please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com under the Careers tab by June 3, 2022.

GRE values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.