ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for performing real-time contingency analyses for forced and planned outages.
• Performing next-day and real-time power flow and transient stability analyses.
• Support the entire suite of Tri-State advanced network applications including the SE, CA/SA, OTS, AGC, and Generating Plant Output Allocators.
• Ensure high quality and accurate network application solutions, achieved by tuning the network model and correcting issues with real-time telemetry, model parameters, and other appropriate measures.
• Interface with the EMS functional area regarding state estimator, contingency analysis, real-time model, and training simulator.
• Assist in the development of the specifications, related software and hardware, and documentation for the training simulator.
• Coordinate Transmission System Operations needs with Power Marketing, Transmission Maintenance, Transmission Engineering, and Transmission Planning functional areas.
• Maintain the transmission line data catalog for Transmission System Operation's needs.
• Develop and maintain historical records regarding transformer and line loadings to be shared with Transmission Planning and Transmission Engineering to target equipment that may need to be replaced.
• Represent Transmission System Operations in pre-construction meetings, LGIA (Large Generator Interconnection Agreement) and LGIP (Large Generator Interconnection Procedures) meetings, new projects meetings and other related meetings.
• Provide input and approval in the development, implementation and maintenance of Transmission System Operations Procedures, Standing Orders, Sabotage Reporting, and other documents, guidelines and procedures within Transmission System Operations.
• Responsible for assisting and directing emergency evacuation training to ensure continued reliable operations in the event the primary transmission control center becomes inoperable.
• Assist and direct the Outage Coordinators in the daily RC/BA (Reliability Coordinator/Balancing Authority) update calls as required in NERC Standard TOP-003.
• Analyze transmission system failures and work with other Tri-State support personnel to identify corrective actions and implement changes as necessary. This includes extensive coordination with Tri-State System Metering, Maintenance, EMS, and Transmission System Operations Personnel.
• Coordinate load shedding plans with the BA's and RC's as identified in NERC Standard EOP-003.
• Establish SOLs (System Operating Limit) as directed by the RC to ensure consistency with the RC's SOL methodology. (FAC-014)
• Assist and direct the on-going review and modifications to the emergency operation plans and procedures to ensure the adherence to NERC standards.
• Coordinate Tri-State G&T operational and next day studies with neighboring utilities and RC's.
• Assist in developing a strategy for optimizing asset utilization in an open market.
• Take a leading role in the Transmission System Operator Training Program coordinating Regional Black Start Drills and other special training requirements.
• Participate on NERC/WECC/RC committees as necessary.
• Participate in the NERC and WECC audits, as required.
• Responsible for serving as Acting Operations Support Manager as required.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of regulations, laws, standards, and best practices applicable to functional area.
• Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other related duties as assigned

SUCCESS FACTORS/JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Planning: ability to think ahead and plan within timelines and resources; develop scopes, plan and schedule work; set priorities and goals; anticipate and adjust for problems; evaluate workloads; measure and evaluate performance against established goals.
• Time management: ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines and work schedules.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong team player: accomplishes tasks by working with others and being a good team player. Recognizes how his/her decisions may impact others; seeks input from others.
• Computer proficiency in operating a personal computer and standard business office applications including Microsoft Office suite, databases, and other related applications.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal direction as a highly motivated self-starter.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering discipline required.
• Possess NERC Certification or the ability to become NERC Certified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices applicable to Transmission System Operations.
• Experience of performing power flow studies using PSSE and/or PSLF software.
• Basic knowledge of protection system.
• Working knowledge of State Estimation theory.
• Working knowledge of real-time power systems applications software including Power Flow, AGC, and SE.
• Working knowledge of client/server systems, personal computers, computer peripherals, computer architecture, computer networks, and Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) equipment.
• Working knowledge of multi-user shared database environments.
• Working knowledge of digital and analog SCADA circuitry, SCADA communications, data links, testing and measuring equipment.
• Working knowledge of contract administration.
• Working knowledge of FERC Order 888 and 889 and the Standards of Conduct.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of FERC Order 890.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Tri-State's service area desired.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Extensive knowledge of an interconnected electrical system.

Experience:

• Eight (8) years of progressive electric utility experience and current NERC Certification.

  Note:The above requirements describe the experience and education qualifications for the Senior Grid Operations Specialist. Those with less experience will be hired at the Grid Operations Specialist I, II or III job grade level, as appropriate.

Other:

• Willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is required to sit for long periods of time and occasionally stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach above and below shoulder level and push/pull objects of varying weights, and lift up to ten pounds. Incumbent is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, or controls, talk and hear.

Mental demands: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to read, write, perform basic math, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, and present information to others and work under pressure.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is exposed to a moderate level of noise. All of the duties are performed indoors and at a desk, operating office equipment.