Grand Rapids or Elk River, Minnesota
Posted: 04-Nov-25
Location: Winchester, Kentucky
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 5316
EKPC Company Information
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.
As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.
EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.
For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc
EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
No Expiration Date
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.
Key Roles
This position ensures the stable and reliable operation of the bulk electric system through timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions. To maintain EKPC system reliability to ensure the continuity of service to the member cooperatives. To coordinate the dispatch of EKPC Generation resources as directed by PJM and utilize Power Market resources to provide reliable, low cost energy to the member cooperatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitors system conditions for abnormal operating conditions and takes necessary actions to resolve.
- Takes any emergency actions required including communication to management, plants, and key personnel, initiation of economic or reliability interruptions, communication for industry and public appeals for load reductions necessary to maintain a stable and reliable system.
- Directs and coordinates Generation resources to meet PJM control area load requirements.
- Directs and coordinates the actions of power plant personnel during times of system capacity and/or energy emergencies and during times of normal unit operation.
- Ensures the dispatch of EKPC Generation resources to maximize system reliability and economics, per the PJM unit dispatch signals.
- Directs and coordinates the dispatch of EKPC Generation resources to meet unit output requirements for the environmental compliance group
- Informs PJM of plant outages and any system conditions that can affect system reliability.
- Ensures EKPC Generation assets perform in accordance with NERC, SERC, PJM, and EKPC guidelines.
- Directs and coordinates plant voltage schedules to meet system conditions, per PJM requests.
- Notifies and works in conjunction with PJM to alleviate any abnormal system conditions.
- Informs on-call gas controller when determining the need and arranging for delivery of natural gas for the combustion turbine units.
- Maintains awareness of policies and procedures contained within the Power Supply Operations Generation Responsibility Document and applicable EKPC operating policies.
- Coordinates power plant routine maintenance with PJM as system conditions permit.
- Maintains a real-time Generation Dispatch Log, which documents Generator Availability, abnormal system or plant operating conditions, and Power Market Data.
- Remains aware of market prices and conditions to best utilize EKPC generation assets.
- Maintains awareness of NERC, SERC, PJM, and other operating policies and procedures and adheres to FERC Standards Code of Conduct and other confidentiality agreements.
- Participates in training provided through in-house programs, online training materials, and outside vendors to meet the CEH requirement for NERC and PJM certification to ensure compliance with all applicable training standards.
- Provides guidance and relief for other system operators when system and staffing conditions require.
- Accepts and volunteers for assignment to meet team and process goals.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Key Requirements
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent plus related education or technical training required. Associate’s degree in Power Systems, Electrical Technology, or other related technical field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- NERC System Operator Certification and PJM Generation Dispatcher Certification preferred. Certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of position start date.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of related experience required.
Skills and Abilities:
- Must understand operating risks, be able to recognize abnormal system operating conditions, and take appropriate action.
- Must have an understanding of industry practices as they relate to ensuring the safety of personnel.
- Must be able to use multi-tier phone and radio communication systems to manage multiple calls into the control center.
- Working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and the basic principles of electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC currents, and the fundamentals of power flow preferred.
- Basic knowledge of power plant operations, both fossil fuel and hydro, is preferred.
- Knowledge of system control concepts, dispatching techniques, and area control error helpful.
- An understanding of AGC, unit governor relationship, and economic operation concepts helpful.
- Basic knowledge of PJM Operating Procedures and the interconnection agreements with other utilities helpful.
- Power accounting experience helpful.
- Ability to make accurate, safe, quick decisions during stressful situations.
- Ability to accurately and thoroughly prepare reports and documentation.
- Excellent listening, written, and oral communication skills required.
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a variety of personnel at all levels of the organization, including external contacts.
- Ability to work independently or in a team oriented, collaborative environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to proactively identify and resolve issues.
- Effective time management and ability to prioritize projects.
- Provides thorough and timely communication to leadership and staff.
- Ability to analyze information and provide recommendations.
- Highly organized with focused attention to detail.
- Proficient computer skills required.
Competencies
- Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Stress Tolerance
- Safety Awareness
- Contributing to Team Success
Working Conditions
- This position is an office position with long durations of sitting.
- Must be able to work a 12-hour rotating shift.
- Subject to emergency call in.
- This position occasionally lifts up to twenty (20) pounds.
- Must wear personal protective equipment as appropriate.
- Must maintain valid driver’s license.