System Operator

System Operator

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 Consoles in the PCC where Operators work around the clock to manage the 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 to NERC with neighboring Balancing Authorities to verify incoming and outgoing scheduled transactions

- Perform hourly checkouts according to NERC 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 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 System (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.

Must pass EEI SO/PD II (System Operator/Power Dispatcher) test

Additional Testing Information

Candidates who meet the preferred hiring criteria will be invited to complete the SO/PD II Test. If selected, you will receive an invitation via email with further instructions. Please monitor your inbox (and spam/junk folder) for this communication.

Test Preparation Materials

To prepare for the SO/PD II Test, practice materials are available online. Please follow the steps below to access them:

Access the Practice Test

1. Visit the EEI practice test website:

• Log in using the following credentials:
• Username: southern
• Password: testing

• Follow the on-screen instructions to locate and complete the SO/PD II practice test