Transmission Operator – I to III

Little Rock, AR, USA

Power Delivery

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) is an organization with a rich history and a bright future. As a leader in the energy industry we look to our employees to help us grow, change, and provide power to over 500,000 members of our 17 electric distribution cooperatives.

A Transmission Operator provides real-time, moment-to-moment monitoring and control decisions for the 24x7 operation of the AECC transmission system. Operates the AECC transmission system in a coordinated manner with the AECC Real-Time Power Market Operations Center (PMOC), AECC Generation Operations Center, and neighboring utilities. In this position, you will be given the opportunity to work alongside peers who are versatile, enthusiastic, and continuing to strive to push AECC and our mission forward.

• • Assists in the control, monitoring or operation of power equipment that regulates or distributes electricity at substations and transmission lines using data obtained from SCADA. Provide notification of abnormal condition system alarms on equipment to senior transmission operator or supervisor.
  • Assists in preparing switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing unexpected power outages, referring to power system drawings. Assist with directing operations personnel engaged in switching activities.
  • Receives instruction and training from senior transmission operators on technical, operational, and safety standards.
  • Coordinates with Manager of Construction & Maintenance, engineers, and transmission technicians to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, outage schedules, or process changes.
  • Communicates effectively with each System Transmission Operator or member cooperative and follows all established practices and protocols in coordinating equipment outages, switching requirements or redirecting system power.
  • Assists in preparing reports, charts, and graphs to accurately represent work section, NERC compliance and power system performance.
  • Assists in responding to emergencies, such as power equipment and line outages, as instructed in a safe manner and performs switching actions to restore power at affected areas.
  • Tracks conditions that could affect the reliability of the power system, such as approaching weather changes or periods of high temperatures and be prepared to take appropriate response actions.
  • Collects and files all records such as completed switching orders, log entries, interruption reports and trouble reports that contain data which is relevant to the organization and NERC reliability compliance.
  • Advises personnel and member cooperatives upon request, of facts relating to the area of responsibility and assists them in the performance of their duties in times of need.
  • Maintains contact with personnel of like responsibility in other power supply systems to exchange technical information and to cooperate in projects of mutual interest.
  • Handles stress effectively and works well with others.

• Pursuant to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act 593, this position is designated safety-sensitive according to AECC/AECI standards and processes.
• EEI Position Testing will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• As a condition of employment, this position requires a post-offer pre-employment drug test and requires passing a CIP background check.
• Bachelor’s degree plus at least 9 months experience or equivalent combination of education.
• This position is classified as "mission critical" to the operations of the cooperative and attendance is required regardless of inclement weather conditions or area state of emergency.
• Position requires high degree of analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Must be able to work a rotating 12 hour shift schedule, days and nights.

Minimum Experience Required

• Operator I: Minimum 1 year related experience required (testing is required at this level)
• Operator II: Minimum 2 years related experience required (obtain NERC certification within 24 months)
• Operator III: Minimum 3 years related experience required (NERC certification required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge of current MISO and SPP standards, operating policies, procedures, and guidelines – Operator I thru Operator III
• In-depth knowledge of interconnected transmission system operations, generation characteristics, and electric utility power system control systems and practices – Assistant Operator thru Operator III
• NERC Transmission Operator Certification – Operator II & Operator III
• NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification – Operator II & Operator III

Benefits

• 2 Retirement Plan Options
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 9 Paid holidays
• Educational assistance
• Paid time off accrual
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.