The System Operator position is located at the Power Coordination Center (PCC) in Birmingham, AL which performs certain reliability functions set forth and strictly monitored by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The reliability functions include the Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Interchange Authority, Transmission Operator, and Transmission Service Provider. The System Operator position is based on progression, and entry points depend on the applicant’s relevant experience. Typical progression begins on the Interchange console, progresses next to the Balancing Authority console, and finally to the Reliability console. The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency to assume roles at each operational console. Progression timelines vary between consoles; however, a System Operator will usually spend a minimum of 2 years on a console before progressing to the next.
There are three operational consoles in the PCC where System Operators work around the clock to manage Southern Company BES. Below are the functional responsibilities of each console:
Interchange Console
- Utilize Open Access Same Time Information System (OASIS) to process hourly and daily requests for transmission service within the Southern Balancing Authority Area (SBAA)
- Process electronic tags (e-tags) for scheduling transmission service within the SBAA
- Make real-time changes to OASIS interface capacity offerings in the event of system constraints
- Manage scheduled power flows within or crossing the borders of the SBAA
- Perform hourly checkouts according NERC standards with neighboring Balancing Authorities to verify incoming and outgoing scheduled transactions
- Perform hourly checkouts according to NERC standards with neighboring Balancing Areas to verify the amount of metered power across tie lines
Balancing Console
- Balance real-time generation and load within the Southern Balancing Authority Area
- Work in conjunction with Operations Planning and Generation Fleet Operations and to ensure that adequate generation is available
- Monitor generation reserves to handle unforeseen changes in load or system-to-system transfers
- Verify accurate metering of inter- and intra-company tie lines
- Develop day ahead and intra-day load forecast and reserve projections
Reliability Console
- Responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Southeastern Sub-Region of the Southeastern Reliability
Corporation (SERC) including continuous monitoring of real-time system conditions
- Performs next day forecasting of system conditions to ensure that sufficient transmission and generation resources are available
- Configures resources such that the system will survive the single largest contingency
- Coordinate restoration efforts and resynchronize the grid in the event of a blackout condition
Candidates with the following preferred experience are encouraged to apply!
Education & Experience Requirements
- 3 + years of Electric Utility Transmission Operating experience and/or 5 + years of power plant operations experience highly desired
- Previous Electric Utility Transmission Operating experience as a Balancing Authority, Reliability Coordinator,
Transmission Operator and/or Interchange Authority is highly desired
- Control Center/Energy Management System (EMS) experience desired
-Previous experience/understanding working in energy/transmission markets is strongly desired
-College Degree preferred or equivalent work experience
- Previous experience working a rotating shift is a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Leadership and good interpersonal skills are required. The successful candidate will be expected to work with other professionals such as coordinators, operating company transmission control center personnel and management in a team-oriented and sometimes stressful environment
- Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time, and be able to prioritize work and provide leadership during critical system events
- Must be comfortable with making decisions often with limited input and extreme time constraints
- Must have good problem-solving skills
- Must have comprehensive computer skills (including Excel and Word) to utilize numerous computer applications
- Broad knowledge of interconnected power system operations
- Excellent written and clear oral communication skills
- Working knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS) and its application/use in interconnected power system operations
Other Requirements
- Successful applicant is required to already have or obtain North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Reliability Coordinator operator certification, within 5 months of start date, before being able to perform operation duties and to facilitate continued employment. Training is provided to achieve such certification. While in training the successful candidate will report to the Operations Training Manager
- The successful candidate will work a 24x7, 7-week rotating shift position - working 12-hour shifts including days, nights, and weekends (including holidays). See example below. Days/Nights are 12 hours, R’s (Relief Shift) are 8 hours, FX’s (Flex shift) are 8, and TF’s (Training Firm) are 10 hours. The schedule for the upcoming year is available before Thanksgiving and vacation is usually scheduled during the Relief weeks. Shift swaps and a vacation request process are utilized to facilitate vacation days for previously scheduled shifts.
- Applicants selected to interview for this position will be required to successfully pass the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SOPD) II Test or have been previously grandfathered for the test requirement. The hiring manager or an HR Business Consultant will contact the successful applicants with details regarding testing requirements and locations.
- SOPD II practices tests are available https://southerncompany.jobs/hiring-process/ Beneath "How does the Hiring Process Work"
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Standard of Conduct must be understood and signed
- The successful candidate must adhere to Separation Protocol
- The successful candidate must pass all requirements required by the Southern Company Insider Threat Program, which includes but is not limited to a NERC cyber security background check and required training.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables, and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 18369
Job Category: Power System and Control Center Operations
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
