N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Job Description Job Title: Apprentice System Operator

Department: Engineering & Operations Department

Job Summary:  The Apprentice System Operator is a technical position in which an individual with adequate technical aptitude, computer skills, and communication skills learns the necessary skills to become a System Operator in the Dispatch department.  During the apprentice period, the employee will be expected to perform the following duties to the extent of their skills, abilities, and training, either under the supervision and direction of other System Operators or independently as authorized to do so.

Reports to: Manager of Planning & Operations 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Learns and follows safe work practices and procedures. Supports the growth and development of N.W.’s safety culture.
2. Learns the skills and abilities necessary to safely perform dispatching functions, including awareness, monitoring, control, and switching of N.W.’s transmission network, as well as safely coordinating and directing field crews as necessary to operate the system:
   1. Operates the following: SCADA equipment, personal computers, telephones, two-way radio base station, printers, and other office equipment.
   2. Composes system operational procedures (switching orders, hold orders, clearances, etc.) utilizing knowledge of the power system.
   3. Communicates system procedures or other information to remote work crews via communications equipment.
   4. Maintains historical records, both handwritten and electronically, of system operations (switching orders, outage reports, revenue meter readings, etc.)
   5. Must work as part of a revolving shift schedule that will cover 24 hours per day 365 days a year including all weekend days and all holidays.
   6. Responsible for being available for an appropriate share of call-out work for emergencies and to fill vacant shifts for temporary absences.
   7. Utilizes knowledge of system geography to dispatch crews to work locations.
   8. Utilizes knowledge of equipment and materials used daily by substation, line, and communications crews to relay supervisory instructions and coordinate work efforts.
   9. Utilizes knowledge of system operations to safely respond to outages and other system emergencies.
   10. Communicates routine and emergency information to member systems and municipal systems as required.
3. Receives small incoming items from carriers in absence of Purchasing / Inventory personnel.
4. Uses personal computer workstations to enter data or documents for operations or to assist other departments.

While all duties and responsibilities listed are considered essential functions, this is not meant to be a complete list, as additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned.  N.W. Electric reserves the right to revise or change the job responsibilities as the need arises.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Working Conditions:  The majority of this employee’s work will take place in a climate-controlled office environment which has periodic inserted electronic noises and tones.  Evening, night, and weekend shifts will result in the employee regularly working alone in the building.  Work will involve straight shifts of 8 to 12 hours with no defined rest or lunch breaks (lunch will be eaten while on duty).  Shift schedules may require consecutive 40-hour work weeks worked back-to-back with no days off in between.

Occasional outside work during training activities may take place, which could potentially expose the employee to temperature extremes, precipitation, and other weather conditions, as well as job site hazards.  Occasional travel which requires overnight stays may take place for training and meetings.  Work outside of normally defined shifts, which may be irregular and on short notice, may also be required.

Interaction: This employee may have internal interaction with the COO, VP of Operations, Manager of Planning & Operations, Transmission Superintendent, Substation Superintendent, Line, Substation, Engineering, Communications, and Accounting department personnel.  External interaction may include operating personnel from member distribution cooperatives and AECI, and System Operators from AECI, G&T, and other interconnected utilities.

Qualifications:

1. Education: High school diploma or proof of equivalency. Additional vocational or technical training related to the job, or completion of an associate or higher degree from an accredited educational institution is desirable.
2. Experience: Previous experience with an electric utility and/or a System Operator/dispatching position is desirable.  Other types of electric experience may also be helpful.
3. Job Skills and Competencies:

• • Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and to operate a two-way radio, telephone and other communication devices.
  • Solid technical and mathematics skills.
  • Solid knowledge of personal computers, standard office software including e-mail and word processing, and familiarity with database software.
  • Ability to read schematic drawings and blueprints.
  • Ability to manage time effectively during monitoring system periods and active switching periods.
  • Ability to maintain calm during emergency and outage situations.
  • Within the first 12 months of employment, the employee is required to complete an online NERC training course and pass the required NERC Transmission Operator examination to obtain NERC Certification. Failure to pass this examination shall result in termination.

4. Personal Qualities:
   • Awareness and concern for safety is imperative
   • Self-motivation, dedication, and commitment to excellence
   • Integrity and accountability
   • Coachability, teamwork, positive attitude, and respect for others

This opening is for an Apprentice System Operator.

• Within the first 12 months of employment, the employee is required to complete an online NERC training course and pass the required NERC Transmission Operator examination to obtain NERC Certification. Failure to pass this examination shall result in termination.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts which include overnights, weekends, and holidays. See below for a description of the shift schedule.
  
• You cannot be related to any employee or Board member at NW Electric Power Cooperative.
• Please submit resume and cover letter. This position is open until filled with a preferred deadline of 01/16/26.

Shift Schedule: Work generally consists of a six week rotating shift schedule which includes 8-hour shifts on weekdays and 12-hour shifts on weekends, with 40-hour work weeks.  Each six week rotation includes four day shift weeks, one afternoon/evening shift week and one overnight shift week.  The rotating shift schedule requires weekend work during two of the six weeks of the schedule.  Extra days off are built into the schedule to accommodate the night shift to day shift transition.

About NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. 1001 W Grand Ave. Cameron, Missouri 64429

Connections working at NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.