Job Description

Power System Operator Trainee

Minnkota Power Cooperative is seeking a Power System Operator (PSO) who has maintained their NERC System Operator Certification or a Power System Operator Trainee (PSO Trainee) with the ability to obtain required NERC System Operator Certification.

Under the direction of the Training Administrator and a qualified MPC Power System Operator, a PSO Trainee is responsible for gaining comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of System Operations through formal training courses, on-the-job training, field training, and self-study. Training should be completed within 12 to 24 months to become a MPC Certified Power System Operator. Power System Operator Trainee pay range begins at $83,869 per year.*

A PSO is tasked with the authority and responsibility to operate and comply with all applicable North American Reliability Council (NERC), Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), Minnkota Power Cooperative (MPC) operations standards, policies, and procedures while performing reliable routine and emergency switching. Power System Operator is responsible for directing and supporting the daily real-time operation of the regional electric system. This includes dispatch functions associated with responding to electrical outages, emergencies, and other electrical service work. Power System Operator pay range begins at $106,594 per year.*

Power System Operators are required to perform work on a rotating schedule. The schedule includes 12-hour shifts working days, nights, and weekend shifts. PSO Trainee will perform work on the rotational schedule after completing all necessary requirements to become a Power System Operator.

*Appropriate compensation will be determined based on a candidate's skills, education, and any previous relevant experience.

PSO Trainee Essential Responsibilities

Operation of Transmission System

• Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified Power System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the regional electrical system
• Develop a working knowledge of the EMS/SCADA (Energy Management System/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system and become competent in its operation
• Develop a working knowledge of the regional electrical transmission system including: Member Systems, transmission lines, substations, telecommunications, and geography.
• Gain a working knowledge of the demand response system and basic power marketing principles

Communications

• Competency in all communications equipment including radio, telephone, and other associated communication devices
• Competency on various computer terminals for data entry, report writing, and data exchange

Maintain NERC Compliance

• Attend training classes on operating transmission systems and other related subjects for related equipment
• Attend field training with MPC crews for exposure and understanding of transmission, substation, and generation job functions
• Comply with safe work and clearance procedures as they apply to routine and emergency situations
• Adhere to company policies, practices, and procedures
• NERC Certificated Balance, Interchange, and Transmission Operator test or higher
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required to complete the trainee program

Organizational Competencies: Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, Reliability

Job Competencies: Action Oriented, Composure, Customer / Member Focus, Decision Quality, Learning on the Fly, Perseverance

PSO Trainee Qualifications

• Position requires at least a two-year technical education in electrical technology or equivalent.
• Must be able to successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment.
• Must possess or be able to obtain NERC certification as a Reliability Coordinator or Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator.
• Experience in metering, relaying, power plant technology, or military experience a plus.
• Electricians or electronic technicians interested in the operation of high-voltage power systems and the power industry are encouraged to apply.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

PSO Qualifications

• Position requires at least a two-year technical education in electrical technology or equivalent.
• Must be able to successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment.
• Must possess or be able to obtain NERC certification as a Reliability Coordinator or Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator.
• Must maintain certification through completion of required continuing education hours.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Completion of Power System Operator program and equivalent experience in transmission system operation.

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 primarily required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, bend and frequently utilize a keyboard/computer. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, distinguish colors, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent will be required to problem solve, read, write and analyze data, work under schedules and deadline pressure, present information to others, work independently and use discretion and judgment for confidential or sensitive projects/issues.

Work Environment While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to an office environment indoors, and will travel outdoors to multiple locations dependent on work.