Transmission System Operator Trainee / TSO Job In Minneapolis Minnesota

• Support the operation of the Xcel Energy electric transmission system within operating guidelines; direct field employees in switching; schedule and assign operating work to field personnel; write, review and approve switching procedures; troubleshoot failures in the electric system, choose appropriate actions and direct restoration by assigning field personnel.
• Support operation of the transmission system equipment to restore the transmission system as needed to maintain continuity and reliability of service to Xcel Energy customers.
• Interact with control center personnel and provide timely information of conditions of the transmission system. Maintain working relationships with other utilities, generating stations and Reliability Coordinators.

• Support safe, reliable operation of the Xcel Energy Transmission System, while ensuring stability of the regional Transmission System in a manner consistent with approved operating practices. Support regulatory compliance.
  
• Assist and support electric service to the Xcel Energy Control Area, while continuously ensuring safety to the public. Remove from service and restore transmission equipment for construction and/or maintenance, providing a safe zone of clearance to ensure safety of maintenance personnel. Monitors safety of field personnel. Coordinate emergency medical, fire and police.
  
• Assist and support Xcel Energy Transmission System voltages and power transfers within specified operating ranges. Perform transmission equipment switching to eliminate pre- or post-contingency violations based on Network Applications output.
  
• Assist with developing isolation and restoration procedures as required for failed equipment and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Maintain and review Control Center Log, Transmission Work Request (TWR) and Transmission outage summaries to ensure accuracy of all documents. Draft TWR?s that ensure safety for field personnel and the public. Ensure accurate topology states in EMS and proper SCADA tags for out-of-service equipment.
  
• Assist with response to abnormal conditions, alarms, flows and changes on the transmission system. Support transmission voltage through reactive power switching or generator voltage schedules, among other actions. Develop and maintain basic understanding of relay theory and operation.
  
• Communicate transmission system conditions and abnormalities to the Regional Reliability Coordinator and other impacted parties. Report transmission system problems to maintenance providers and call-out personnel for repairs as necessary. Evaluate Energy Management System (EMS) computer integrity, report and assist in restoration of failures.
  
• Assist with maintaining a chronological log of transmission system events. Track system abnormalities and prioritize equipment returning to service. Support reporting significant outages to management.
  
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of transmission system operation, including but not limited to new equipment, relaying, protective schemes and equipment upgrades, current FERC, NERC, RRO and RTO requirements. Participate in annual training plans designed to enhance expertise and assist other team members in expanding overall knowledge. Work to obtain NERC Certification through annual completion of required training. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements for Transmission System Operator Trainee

• High school degree or equivalent.
• 3 years utility operations experience in electric distribution, transmission or power generation or 3 years experience working with high-voltage auxiliary electrical systems, instrumentation & control or relay systems in manufacturing, refinery or chemical plant environment.
• Successful completion of Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator / Power Dispatching (SOPD) screening test is required.
• NERC certification must be obtained within 1 year.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and appropriately in a real-time, stressful environment. Demonstrated ability to prioritize job tasks.
• Strong communication skills required. Knowledge of or ability to learn in a short period of time Xcel Energy, NERC, and FERC safety requirements.
• This position requires working rotating shifts.

Preferred

• Successful completion of certificate program in Electric Power Technology or equivalent program

Additional Requirement for Transmission System Operator

• 3 months of Control Center Operations experience
• Demonstrated ability to perform the duties of a Transmission System Operator
• Successful completion of certificate program in Electric Power Technology or equivalent program
• Demonstrated ability to ensure regional reliability through compliance with NERC operation criteria without direct supervision
• Current NERC certification