3rd Class through 1st Class Power System Operator in Rutland

-; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000

Job description

General Summary (What is done and why.)
The System Operator is primarily responsible for ensuring the electric grid that is in place is operating in a safe, efficient and reliable manner and that appropriate actions are taken and individuals are contacted when it is not. In addition, the System Operator will take the lead on dispatching hydro, diesel and gas turbine units. Must perform switching and monitor the electrical grid. Answer, evaluate and respond to after hour telephone calls from Green Mountain Power customers, other utilities and emergency agencies.

Essential Functions (Majority of duties, but not meant to be all-inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as necessary.)

Functional:

1. Operate hydro, diesel and gas turbine generating units.
2. Perform switching and monitor the electrical grid via supervisory control.
3. Answer, evaluate and respond to after hour telephone calls from Green Mountain Power customers, other utilities, and emergency agencies.
4. Formulate hydro schedules based upon current and projected river flows, unit capability, weather patterns, maintenance schedules, storage releases, minimum flows and basic dispatch guidelines.
5. Follow and enforce Green Mountain Power's switching and tagging rules.
6. Maintain various other records by monitoring, recording, calculating, operating computer terminals, and other equipment. For example; oil spills and distribution outages.
7. Must complete training programs as assigned by management.
8. Must be willing and able to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime as needed.
9. All System Operators are expected to progress via testing to First Class 1/C.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Minimum education, experience, technical and communication skill levels and licenses/certificates normally required to perform the duties of this position.)

1. Ability to work in a fast-pace, detail-oriented environment, meets strict deadlines and copes with frequently changing priorities.
2. Must be able to adapt and respond readily to changing situations/multiple priorities in a stressful work atmosphere.
3. Ability to work as a team player on multiple teams.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and organize work.
5. Advanced computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, database and SCADA system.
6. Advanced problem solving skills.
7. Good verbal and written communication skills.
8. Demonstrated understanding of technical math and algebra.
9. Requires a high degree of honesty and dependability.
10. Ability to work efficiently and effectively without supervision.

This level of knowledge is normally acquired through an Associate Degree in electrical engineering or equivalent; and with a minimum of two years of utility Control Center operating experience or related operating experience with the electrical system.

Working Conditions (Typical working conditions associated with this type of work and environmental hazards, if any, that may be encountered in performing the duties of this position.)
Internal Work is normally performed in climate controlled office environment, where exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes and gases is very limited. Occasionally noise level is high and includes sounds of computer equipment (printers, telephones, etc.). No known environmental hazards are encountered in normal performance of job duties.
External System Operators will visit outside facilities to maintain familiarity with equipment and construction projects as they pertain to the position. They will also verify electrical drawings and equipment marking as it pertains to switching. System Operators, while in training, may join various crews to understand various components, needs, and work processes of other departments. External work is generally planned and consists of less than 10% of total hours.

Physical Demands (The physical effort generally associated with this position.)
Work involves standing and walking for brief periods of time, but most duties are performed from a seated position. Work may include occasional pushing, pulling, or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds such as files, documents, and computer printouts. Work normally requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboard at an advanced skill level. Deadlines, disgruntled employees, and workloads during peak periods may cause increased stress levels.

Working Relationships/Contacts (Positions, other than supervisor and immediate co-workers, with which incumbent has frequent contact and the reason for contact.)
Internal Occasional contact with personnel throughout the Corporation regarding specific job runs, prints or distribution of fiche and to initiate and coordinate special request processing.
External Frequent contact with customers, other utilities, and emergency agencies.

Supervision of Others N/A