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Additional Information for a 12-hour rotating shift example.
LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!
Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.
We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.
Rated by Sunset Magazine as one of the top 20 Western DREAM TOWNS and by Forbes in 2017 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!
We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.
We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.
Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
This job will be filled at varying levels (System Operator in Training, System Operator or Senior System Operator - based on experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of incumbent).
Cover Letter Requirements:
If applying for this position, a RESUME and COVER LETTER are required. To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one WORD or PDF document (we do not accept .wps documents) and upload when requested through the online application process.
1. In your Resume, describe your related experience, skills, applicable education and/or training relevant to this position.
2. In your cover letter, address each of the specific topics below (A – F). Detail your experience and/or background for each of the following topics. If there are areas for which you do not have familiarity, indicate “none” next to that topic.
A. Dispatching
B. Switching
C. Electrical theory
D. Rotating shifts
E. Computers and software applications (such as SCADA or spreadsheet software (e.g. Excel))
F. Identify specific experience in transmission, distribution, generation or a related field.
Candidates that do not submit a resume and a cover letter that address all of the above topics will not be considered. Incomplete application materials will not be considered.
Although this position is open until filled, candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. The next review date is schedule for January 12, 2021.
CONTRACT RATE
This job will be filled at varying levels (System Operator in Training - starts at $43.84 per hour, System Operator - starts at $51.41 per hour; or Senior System Operator - $65.43 per hour based on experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of incumbent). Chelan PUD employees also enjoy exceptional benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5% after probationary period), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year.
JOB POSTING
This job will be filled at varying levels (System Operator in Training, System Operator or Senior System Operator - based on experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of incumbent). Work responsibilities and differences between levels are defined below.
General Position Purpose:
This is a twelve-hour rotating shift environment for 24x7 operations. The System Operator in Training is a learning position whereas the System (and Senior System) Operators act as primary authority for real time operation of the electrical system including generation, transmission and distribution facilities.
The System (and Senior System) Operators perform power dispatching duties and switching as necessary for the safe, efficient, reliable and secure operation of the District’s Balancing Authority Area, river system and distribution system. Dispatching duties shall include monitoring of system conditions, regulation of system parameters, issuing of clearances, outage coordination, system logging and operation of the District’s SCADA/AGC systems. Monitors and responds to alarms for water and wastewater. This includes directing appropriate staff members to investigate situations. Provides on-the-job training and leadership for System Operators and System Operators in Training. Where switching and clearance procedures are concerned, this position is mandated by state safety law.
System Operator in Training (additional position information):
Train to operate, monitor and control the Districts Bulk Electric System. Works under the direction of the System Operations & Coordination Manager, Senior System Operator or System Operator. Responsible for learning the real time operation of the District's bulk power and Distribution systems.
System Operator (additional position information):
Working under the direction of the Sr. System Operator, the System Operator shall work on shift and to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience needed to advance to Senior System Operator, and help direct the work of any System Operators in Training.
Senior System Operator (additional position information):
The Senior System Operator shall work on shift and assume responsibility for the shift including directing work, providing on-the-job training and leadership for System Operator and/or System Operator in Training.
JOB FUNCTIONS
System Operator in Training - JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. Essential functions (EF) are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position.
# EF % of Time Job Functions
1. EF 15% Gains a working knowledge of how to operate the District’s Electrical Systems in accordance with District, Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Standards and Policies, and Northwest Power Pool (NWPP) Procedures.
2. EF 15 % Gains a working knowledge of Columbia River Operations relating to river control and real time operation of the District’s hydro facilities and contractual obligations and interests. Also includes monitoring the Energy Accounting System (EAS) and river control systems for accurate information and compatibility with the operational plan and updating or correcting as necessary.
3. EF 15% Attends and satisfactorily completes all classes, assigned tasks, tests and training as deemed necessary for their professional development as a System Operator.
4. EF 15% Learns how to monitor, control, direct and operate by way of maps, Real-time Contingency Analysis (RTCA), EMS, SCADA and Geographic Information System (GIS), the District’s electrical and other system facilities including the dispatching of emergency crews during non-business hours.
5. EF 10% Under direction of a qualified Senior System Operator or qualified System Operator, prepares and reviews electric distribution and transmission switching procedures in accordance with prescribed operating and safety procedures, including the issuance of hot-line-holds and clearances to work crews and switching to restore facilities to service.
6. EF 10% Learns how to monitor the system’s capability, integrity, load and how to revise hourly schedules with the real time scheduling provider to maximize efficiency of resources.
7. EF 5% Learns how to monitor, control and coordinate the real-time operation of the District’s bulk electric system, and all inter-ties to ensure safe and reliable operating conditions. Monitors and controls system loading, voltage, and VAR levels within specified limits.
8. EF 5% Assists qualified Senior System Operators and qualified System Operators in response to unplanned outages and helps to coordinate planned maintenance outages. Learns to monitor all forms of communication needed to maintain contact with electric and water personnel, local representatives, servicemen and all other field personnel. Maintains knowledge of the location and availability of field personnel as well as progress of fieldwork being performed. Helps to keep area construction managers and other appropriate personnel informed. Assists in updating emergency operating information and procedures as needed.
9. EF 5% Provides after hours call handling for all of the District’s business lines and security monitoring of all District facilities.
10. EF 5% Learns to communicate with and receive information from customers regarding service needs and any perceived emergency situations. Learns to evaluate this information and determine the appropriate services and next steps. Learns to respond to, and continue to monitor emergency situations with both safety and efficiency in mind while restoring service as quickly as possible.
11. EF Ongoing Complete the District’s System Operator Training Program. This includes working toward, attaining, and maintaining NERC System Operator certification and becoming qualified as a System Operator.
12. EF Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
System (and Senior System) Operators - JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. Essential functions (EF) are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position. .
# EF % of Time Job Functions
1. EF 20% Monitors, controls and coordinates the real-time operation of the District’s bulk power system, and other systems to ensure safe and reliable operating conditions. Monitors and controls system loading, voltage, and VAR levels within specified limits. Communicates with and receives information from customers regarding service needs and any perceived emergency situations. Evaluates this information and determines whether it is company, customer or another utility’s problem. Responds to, and continues to monitor emergency situations with both safety and efficiency in mind while restoring service as quickly as possible.
2. EF 20% Directs immediate response to unplanned outages and helps to coordinate planned maintenance outages. Monitors all forms of communication needed to maintain constant contact with electric and water personnel, local representatives, servicemen and all other field personnel. Maintains knowledge of the location and availability of field personnel as well as progress of fieldwork. Informs managers and other appropriate personnel of current system conditions as appropriate. Updates emergency operating information and procedures as needed. Provides after hour call handling for all of the District’s business phone lines and security monitoring of all District facilities.
3. EF 15% Operates the District’s Electric Systems in accordance with WECC, NERC Standards and policies, and NWPP procedures. Monitors, controls, directs and operates, by way of maps, Real-time Contingency Analysis (RTCA), EMS, SCADA and GIS, the District’s distribution system facilities, including the dispatching of emergency crews during non-business hours.
4. EF 10% Monitors Columbia River operations relating to river control and real time operation of the District’s hydro facilities and contractual obligations and interests. Also includes monitoring the Energy Accounting System (EAS) and river control systems for accurate information and compatibility with the operational plan and updating or correcting as necessary.
5. EF 10% Monitors the system’s capability, integrity, and load continuously; takes action on e-tags and revises schedules with Real-time service provider (Powerex) as necessary to maximize efficiency of resources.
6. EF 10% Prepares, reviews and directs electric distribution and transmission switching procedures in accordance with prescribed operating and safety procedures. Issues hot-line-holds and clearances to work crews and directs switching to remove or restore facilities from or to service.
7. EF 5% Working with System Operations staff, including the System Operations Manager, System Operations Trainer, Compliance and Training Coordinator, Senior System Operators and other System Operators, provides on-the-job training and leadership for System Operators in Training.
8. EF Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Education:
System Operator in Training:
Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school in a related field (such as engineering, technology, mathematics, etc.) or related apprenticeship (such as System Operator, Wireman, Hydro Operator, Lineman, Meterman, etc.); or equivalent combination of education and experience. Current certification through the North American Electric Reliability Corporation in Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission (BIT), Transmission Operator (TO), or Reliability Coordinator (RC) may substitute for the two-year college or technical school education requirement.
System Operator:
Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Senior System Operator:
Same as System Operator plus required to successfully complete District administered Senior System Operator test within required timeframe.
Experience:
System Operator in Training:
Typically requires three (3) years’ experience in or support of transmission, distribution, generation or a related field demonstrating analytic and mathematical aptitude. A Bachelor’s of Science degree in a related field (such as engineering, technology, mathematics, etc.) may be substituted for up to two (2) years required work experience.
System Operator:
Typically requires experience as a System Operator in Training. The position requires a well-rounded electrical background with expertise in switching and operation of the generation, transmission and distribution system such as System Operations, Generation, Substation or Transmission operations or engineering experience.
Senior System Operator:
Requires two (2) years’ experience as a qualified System Operator. The position requires a well-rounded electrical background with expertise in switching and operation of the generation, transmission and distribution system such as System Operations, Generation, Substation or Transmission operations or engineering experience.
Specific KSA's: A fully skilled incumbent will have the following specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:
System Operator in Training:
Knowledge:
• Successfully acquire either a NERC Reliability or NERC Balancing, Interchange and Transmission credential within three years of entering the System Operator Training Program and prior to achieving System Operator status.
• Will be required to successfully complete an externally administered psychological test used for selecting System Operator in Training candidates.
Skills:
• Must possess basic computer skills and have the ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Abilities:
• Requires ability to learn and comprehensively understand electrical theory and utility power systems and electric safety and operating practices.
• Ability to interpret instructions, procedures, and circuit diagrams is required.
• Requires ability to remain focused and calm during emergency situations.
• Requires ability to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays and emergency call-outs.
• Requires the ability to maintain professionalism in a working environment.
• Requires ability to gain proficiency with all components and equipment utilized in operating and maintaining a reliable distribution, transmission and generation system.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with others, including the Reliability Coordinator and related Balancing Authority Areas, private and governmental agencies, District personnel, and the general public.
System (and Senior) Operator:
Knowledge:
• Requires either a NERC Reliability or NERC Balancing, Interchange and Transmission certification and advanced knowledge of interconnected system operations and river coordination characteristics.
• Must possess basic computer skills and have the ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Abilities:
• Ability to analyze and coordinate multiple system conditions and outages concurrently.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with others, including the Reliability Coordinator and related Balancing Authority Areas, private and governmental agencies, District personnel and the general public.
• Ability to interpret instructions, procedures, and circuit diagrams is required.
• Requires ability to remain focused and calm during emergency situations.
• Requires ability to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays and emergency call-outs.
• Requires the ability to maintain professionalism in a working environment.
• Successfully complete all necessary classes, training and tests, including the System Operator Training Program and any industry or regulatory certifications.
Language Skills:
Candidate must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is desired.
Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials; PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Maximo Order Processing; PC Hardware; General Office Equipment; SCADA & EMS; Video Projection Systems; GIS, Radio System; Phone System; System Protection equipment; Security System; Recorders (voice, video, & data [i.e. PI]); and Microwave System. This position also requires the ability to troubleshoot basic PC hardware problems and ability to operate general office equipment including, but not limited to, computers, fax machines, and printers.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive hand or arm motion. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
EEO
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish.
Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)
SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITIONS
Safety-sensitive positions are subject to pre-employment drug screening. An essential function of this job involves duties which categorize this position as safety-sensitive.