Assistant System Operator

About the Role

Accountable for the daily management and coordination of NYPA’s overall operations, including overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating operational performance. Directs the preparation of operating budgets and proposals for capital expenditure and investments in infrastructure, technology, equipment, systems, or other assets. Analyzes and approves operational investments that best meet the organization's business needs.

As a NERC Generation Operator (GOP), Transmission Owner (TO), and Transmission Operator (TOP), monitors and controls NYPA generation and transmission facilities. Coordinates and directs switching schedules with regional projects, local TO/TOP’s, and NYISO. Directs generation and voltage support to maintain reliability of the Bulk Electric System without exceeding thermal and voltage limits or causing System Operating Limits (SOL’s). Continually monitors transmission network applications to ensure normal operations.

Responsibilities

• Control Center position with a focus on NERC Generator Operator (GOP) tasks and verbal coordination.
• Utilize the ECC Energy Management System (EMS) and NYISO Management Information System (MIS) to monitor real-time status such as NYPA’s Generation and basic Water Management.
• Coordinate NYPA generation stop/starts.
• Assess the amount of generation reserves bid by NYPA Generator Resource Management (GRM).
• Check NYPA Generator Day Ahead Market (DAM) schedules.
• Monitor NYPA generation (every 15 min) and ensure the units are on schedule.
• Coordinate and document derates and NYISO out of merits.
• Assess metering and after-the-fact readings to validate accuracy.
• Demonstrate basic understanding and navigation of the EMS one-line diagrams.
• Calculate water in BG reservoir for reserves and to meet NYISO schedules.
• Adhere to NERC, NPCC, NYISO, and NYPA requirements.
• Fulfill and demonstrate competencies in all formally identified tasks.
• Learn and maintain a basic understanding of NYPA Operating Policies and Control Room Guides, Instructions, Bulletins, and NYISO memos.
• Support the System Operators (SO) and Senior System Operator (SSO) in control room tasks and follow directives from the SSO.

Must work rotating shifts, including nights, midnights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime may be required on occasion based on business needs.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of power system generation and transmission concepts.
• Ability to successfully complete NYISO System Operator Training.
• Good written & verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learn 3-Part communication.
• Working knowledge of Office programs for PC (Word/Excel etc.).
• Ability to learn/use Energy Management System.
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively with NYPA Regional Projects and outside entities such as NYISO and GRM.
• Ability to review NYPA outage coordination summary sheets to identify generation that is planned out of service.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required: Electrical Technology or equivalent Science/Technology field, preferred.
• Minimum 1-year equivalent direct electric grid/power system related work experience will be considered with non-technical degree.
• All candidates are required to possess or be able to obtain a NERC Transmission Operator Certification within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (BAS) degree in Electrical Engineering, other Engineering disciplines, or related technical fields.
• Control Center Experience working as an Operator.
• Utility/Power plant experience working in operation/maintenance, high voltage electrician, instrument controls technician, etc.
• Military technical or nuclear training.
• Experience with rotating shift work.
• All candidates are required to obtain NYPA System Operator qualification within 3 (three) years of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Approximately 10% travel primarily within NY State.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time (up to 12 hours) in front of computer monitors while maintaining situational awareness.
• Communicate effectively while speaking English (per NERC requirement).
• See, hear, and react to alarms.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $73,000 - $100,100. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.