Position Description 

Position Title: System Operator I-III 

Department: System Operations 

Reports to: Director, Electric Operations 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt  

This position will perform all functions related to the company’s real-time system operations.  Functions included, but are not limited to, communicating SPP generation dispatch instructions to member cities, handling all SPP real-time communications, handling all utility reliability real-time communications,  communicating outage information to SPP via CROW software.   Monitoring city load, resources and resolving real-time issues that may come up.    System Operator is empowered to make real time economic decision on behalf of KMEA and member cities.   

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 
  • Position is required to work 8 to 12 hour rotating shifts, primarily nights and weekends.
  • Developing and maintaining a thorough understanding of RTO market protocols.
  • Responsible for understanding and implementing instructions for all power scheduling, supply and standby service responsibilities.
  • Responsible for understanding and implementing procedures necessary to effectively manage Agency projects and power marketing contracts including being responsive to contract questions posed by project participants and power suppliers. 
  • Make revisions to Bilateral Settlement Schedules and dispatching un-registered units to optimize resources do to market prices. 
  • Updating load and market price forecasts 
  • Monitor day-ahead market clearing results, contacting member cities and coordinating unit commitment and dispatch schedules. 
  • Monitor day-ahead and real-time Reliability Unit Commitment processes and communicating results with member cities. 
  • Ensuring CROW outage systems are updated with current outage information. 
  • Manage NERC tagging functions. 
  • Monitor real-time gas pricing and adjust unit pricing in real-time if large gas swings occur. 
  • Create / review / adjust all transactions in KMEA MCG deal capture system to match actual settlements. 
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships through continuous interactions with member cities, and counterparties. 
  • Works as an effective team member, working cooperatively with others and contributing to our overall work and member experience. 
  • Document activities with log of communications. 
  • Works as an effective team member, liaising with others and contributing to our overall customer experience. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
Supervisory Responsibilities 
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 
Qualifications 

System Operator I employees are expected to have nominal experience of 0-3 years and meet all other objectives of the role in order to be considered for progression.   

System Operator II employees are expected to have between 3-6 years of experience and meet all other objectives of the role in order to be considered for progression.    

System Operator III employees are expected to have between 6-9 years of experience and meet all other objectives of the role in order to be considered for progression. 

All employees are expected to exhibit exemplary customer service skills, both with external customers, vendors, visitors, co-workers, and management staff.  Their written and verbal communication skills should be concise and effective, they should aspire to excellence in both work and customer service, they should show courtesy to all they encounter while representing the Agency.  They are also expected to maintain an air of professionalism in their interpersonal relationships and personal grooming, exercise confidentiality concerning the affairs of the business, exhibit a willingness to learn, willingness to problem solve and willingness to step in to help others, and openly and actively participates in the direction of our Agency.  KMEA views each of these traits as performance indicators, and employee appraisals reflect each of these attributes as an element of performance upon which employees are rated; 

Employees should be knowledgeable regarding Microsoft Office, have excellent computer skills, display adaptability in learning the use of company specific software including scheduling programs, SCADA, and various regional transmission organization applications, and display comprehension of fundamental computer practices and database management; 

Applicants should have knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the electric utility industry. Additionally, knowledge of power supply scheduling, a working knowledge of generation / transmission, technical training or college degree in applicable field is preferred. 

Ability to prioritize workflow and organize diverse material and ability to handle multiple, competing and changing priorities; ability to perform effectively without supervision and within established time limits and ongoing deadlines; 

Ability to interact effectively and professionally, and provide exceptional service, both internally and externally at all times. 

 

Physical Demands 

Position is required to work 12 hour rotating shift, primarily nights and weekends. While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to sit and talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and drive or ride in a motor vehicle.  The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or carry up to 25lbs.  The employee must have the ability to travel, sometimes with short notice.