System Operator / Apprentice

About the role

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative (Northeast Power) has an immediate opening for a System Operator at the Palmyra, Missouri location. Northeast Power is a transmission cooperative delivering power to northeast Missouri and southeast Iowa. This is an hourly, non-exempt position requiring residency within 45 minutes of Northeast Power's headquarters in Palmyra, Missouri. The Control Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a secure, restricted work environment. This position requires rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must be available to work the required rotating schedule. Candidates will be required to hold or obtain a NERC System Operator Certification and complete on-the-job training tailored by Northeast Power. Candidates without prior System Operator experience may be considered and, if selected, will be enrolled in an apprenticeship program lasting up to 60 months, depending on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring, analyzing and controlling the electric transmission system using SCADA
• Coordinating and executing switching orders, outage schedules and system protection procedures (lock-out/tagout)
• Creating personal protection zones for crews, issuing operating instructions and directing restoration efforts
• Performing system studies to maintain power grid reliability and prevent overloads
• Logging and maintaining records of system activity, including outages, breaker operations, weather and security checks
• Managing after-hours calls from Member-Distribution Cooperatives (MDCs), resolving outages and dispatching service personnel
• Reporting and coordinating response to emergencies such as oil spills, security alerts or Mayday events

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; prefer a two (2) year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology
• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Certified System Operator Reliability Certification (RC) or Transmission Operator (TO) Certification required (or must be obtained within one year of hire)
• Five (5) years of related experience preferred, or completion of Northeast Power's Apprentice System Operator Program
• Experience with SCADA systems, breaker operations, voltage control and outage coordination
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain composure during high-pressure situations and multitask with accuracy

Schedule

Rotating shifts covering 24/7 operations, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Residency within 45 minutes of Palmyra, Missouri headquarters required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance coverage — medical, dental and vision
• Two (2) robust retirement plans
• Employer-paid life insurance for employee, spouse and child, plus long-term disability coverage
• Generous vacation, sick leave and 10 paid holidays per year
• Business travel accident insurance and AirMedCare membership for household
• Supplemental life insurance and Aflac policies available through payroll deduction