NERC Certified System Operator

NERC Certified System Operator

The System Operator reports to the System Operations Manager is responsible for the safe reliable and efficient real-time operation of balancing authority and generation assets from a Network Operations Center (NOC). This role monitors system conditions coordinates generation and interchange schedules responds to system events and ensures continuous compliance with applicable reliability standards while optimizing operational performance and supporting grid reliability.

This position plays a critical role during both normal and emergency operating conditions and is entrusted with the authority to take timely real-time operational actions to protect the bulk electric system support system restoration and prevent potential reliability violations. The System Operator works closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain system integrity and operational excellence.

Operate and monitor balancing authority and generation assets in real time to ensure safe reliable and economic performance

Manage hourly resource optimization generation dispatch and interchange scheduling

Respond to system disturbances outages and emergency conditions in coordination with transmission operators reliability coordinators and internal stakeholders

Ensure continuous compliance with NERC WECC FERC and applicable regional reliability standards (including AESO/Alberta requirements as applicable)

Coordinate with internal operations environmental and asset management teams as well as external trading and reliability partners

Review and approve switching activities and coordinate planned and unplanned outages to support system reliability

Prepare and provide operational reports system updates and event communications to leadership

Support the training development and mentoring of Associate System Operators

Provide training to Associate System Operators in real-time direction of interconnected generation asset operations

Perform direct asset operations in a highly reliable safe manner in accordance with NERC and WECC reliability standards for BA & GOP including adherence to procedures policies guidelines and real-time logging requirements

Work with the Compliance Team to implement new or updated reliability standards

Maintain NERC Reliability or Balancing Interchange Certification including a minimum of 60 continuing education hours over each 3-year period (30 hours simulated operations 30 hours NERC standards training)

Demonstrate high customer focus ensuring system event and outage information is accurate and communicated in a timely manner to the Lead System Operator NOC Manager senior management and third-party asset owner/operators

Follow department procedures and utilize human performance tools to ensure clarity in instructions and communications with field personnel

Support reporting and settlement duties for generation projects and third-party generation operations

Contribute to the development and maintenance of NOC procedures policies and operational guidelines

Maintain effective working relationships within the department and across the organization; sustain professional competence and composure under normal and high-stress operating conditions

Education & Experience

Bachelors degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience (typically 6 years of related progressive experience in lieu of a degree)

15 years of experience in electric operations or a related function

NERC Certification

Certifications

Valid NERC certification at the Reliability Coordinator or Balancing Interchange level required prior to operating the bulk electric system

Certification must be maintained through ongoing NERC-approved continuing education

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of bulk electric system operations generation dispatch and balancing authority principles

Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS) SCADA and operational monitoring tools preferred

Experience with renewable generation power markets (WECC EIM AESO MISO ERCOT PJM) or wind forecasting preferred

Core Competencies

Ability to analyze complex system conditions make sound real-time decisions under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Strong communication and coordination skills for interfacing with internal teams and external reliability partners

Demonstrated commitment to compliance safety and operational reliability

CIP-compliant Network Operations Center (NOC) with required security protocols

24/7 operations environment with rotating 12.5-hour shifts

Schedule includes nights weekends holidays and on-call responsibilities

Occasional travel to generation facilities may be required

Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation in a control room environment

Ability to monitor multiple systems and communicate effectively via phone electronic and written communication

Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Required Skills:

NERC Certificaton in Reliability Coordincator (RC) or Balancing Interchange Level (BAL)